Changan K50 News

A fight is brewing over the newest Chinese ute earmarked for Australia, with the new Hunter a possible Mazda, Deepal or Changan.In fact, both Deepal and Changan already have a deferred trademark on the Hunter, while Mazda already partners with the latter on the 6e and CX-6e.The ute in question is the Changan Hunter K50 – a plug-in hybrid powerhouse that was recently updated with a bigger battery for a class-leading EV-only range.The latest update saw the K50 fitted with a 43.47kWh lithium-ion battery pack, promising an NEDC-rated range of 192km (estimated 150km WLTP), and a total range of over 1000km.It is a REEV, rather than a traditional plug-in hybrid, meaning its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is used only to recharge the battery or provide power to the electric motor, rather than drive the wheels themselves.Providing the shove instead are dual electric motors, one at each axle, delivering a total 240kW and four-wheel drive.It was initially thought the Hunter could arrive in Australia as a Deepal, but in the months since its refreshed launch, Changan itself has set up an Australian office and is currently recruiting staff for a factory-backed operation of its own.Meanwhile, Mazda has delved deeper into its partnership with Changan in China to deliver two crucial electric models, the 6e and CX-6e.Given the popularity of electrified utes in Australia – with the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha, Ford Ranger Stormtrak and the soon-to-launch Chery Stockman all competing for sales – there will no doubt be all three hands in the air to launch the Hunter, though a renaming might now be on the cards in Australia, given the JAC Hunter exists here.The current BT-50, developed in partnership with Isuzu, launched in 2020, meaning a replacement could feasibly be due as early as 2027.One thing we do know is it won't be a Mazda solo project, with the brand on record as not developing its own ute."Mazda does not produce trucks on its own," the brand has previously told CarsGuide.

Another Chinese brand is coming to Australia, and it spells bad news for one local favourite.Changan Automotive has gone on a hiring spree in Australia, with several job ads appearing on LinkedIn during the past several months, as it prepares to launch Down Under.It is one of China’s biggest automotive groups, and is of a similar scale to Chery or SAIC, the latter the owner of MG.Changan is also state-owned and has a range of brands that will be familiar to Australians.It launched the Deepal brand via local distributor Inchcape in 2025 and has joint ventures with several carmakers.The arrival of Changan spells bad news for Mazda, which has a partnership with the giant and relies on it to source its new range of electric cars, including the recently launched Mazda 6e sedan and incoming CX-6e SUV.These vehicles use Changan’s platforms, but have been styled and tweaked by Mazda.Changan versions of the vehicles would be expected to be cheaper than the Mazdas and more premium Deepal versions on sale in Australia.Changan also has the more tech-focused Avatr brand in its stable.There is no timeline yet for when Changan will launch, but it appears to be quite advanced with its hirings. This points to a likely early 2027 launch date.Changan has given no insight into what vehicles might be brought to Australia, but we can look to the UK for some ideas.The company confirmed it would be selling the small E06 electric SUV in the UK, a fellow right-hand drive market.It is related to the Deepal S05 compact electric SUV and a future Mazda spin-off, which are slated for an Australian launch.The company also sells utes in South Africa, including the range-extender hybrid dual cab called the Hunter K50. It would likely be called simply the K50 in Australia as Hunter is already used by JAC. Changan has also trademarked the K50 name here.There is also its range of Nevo branded vehicles, which includes a range of extended range hybrids and electric cars in several sedan and SUV sizes.More information will come to light once Changan officially confirms its arrival to Australia.