GWM New Zealand has announced details for their all-new GWM Ute, due in dealer showrooms this month. Newly designed and engineered from the ground-up, Great Wall Motors says the GWM Ute has been conceived to break the mould of conventional Dual Cab utilities with a combination of style, safety, comfort, capability and value for money that Kiwi ute buyers will find hard to ignore.
Will it be able to take on the likes of the newly released BT50, D-Max and Hilux? Only time will tell.
The initial line-up will consist of three Dual Cab models, all powered by a 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel engine. Improvements to the 2.0-litre Turbo Diesel engine include increased engine outputs, improved fuel efficiency and new additions including a Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT), variable turbo inlet, and upgraded air intake throttle and camshaft.
GWM says these improvements have resulted in a more responsive driving experience across all applications.
Opening the range is the Cannon 4×2 MT, priced from $29,990 inc GST plus On Road Costs with a 5-year 150,000 Km Warranty, 5 years Roadside Assist and with the following comprehensive list of features:
Powertrain and Chassis
2.0-litre Turbo Diesel engine with 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque
6-speed manual transmission
4×2 drivetrain
Rear Differential Lock
Fuel economy: 8.7L per 100km
Suspension – Front Double Wishbone and Rear Leaf Spring Safety
Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection
Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
Lane Keep Assist (LKA)
4-wheel disc brakes
Lane Change Assist
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA)
Traffic Sign Recognition
Vehicle Stability Control
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Reverse camera
Kerbside camera (passenger side)
Rear parking sensors
7 airbags incl front centre airbag
Collision automatic unlock function
Collision automatic fuel cut function
Hill Start Assist
Hill Decent Control
Exterior
18 inch alloy wheels
Body-coloured bumpers, wheel arches & mirrors
Power adjustable door mirrors
LED headlights with auto on/off
Daytime Running Lights
Fog lamps with auto steering function
Side steps
Shark fin antenna
Interior
Keyless entry
Push button start
Comfort-Tek (Eco Leather seats)
Air-conditioning
Steering wheel controls
Cruise Control
9 inch LCD touchscreen
Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
3.5 inch colour instrument cluster
Power outlet for dash camera
12v power outlet
2 front USB ports
Driver’s side sunglasses storage
We’ve got to admit for thirty grand, that base model ute is pretty well equipped, undercutting its rivals by well over $10,000.
The next model in the GWM Ute range is the Cannon-L with 4×2 AT, priced at $35,990 inc GST plus On Road Costs and 4×4 AT, price at $39,990 inc GST plus ORC and adds the following features over and above the Cannon.
ZF 8-speed automatic transmission
4×4 drivetrain with BorgWarner
Sports bar
Premium 18’’ Alloy Wheel
Spray-in tubliner
Easy up/down tailgate
Cargo step ladder
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Heated front seats
6-way power adjustable driver’s seat
Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
220V power output
Front parking sensors
360 degree view camera
6 speakers
Privacy Glass
Chrome front grille, door handles and mirrors
Electric folding door mirrors
Electric Anti-Glare Rear-view Mirror
Electronic Parking Brake + Auto Hold
Silver accented Roof Rails
Dimensions
Length: 5410mm
Height: 1934mm
Width: 1886mm
Wheelbase: 3230mm
Track (front): 945mm
Track (rear): 1235mm
Ground clearance: 194mm (laden)
Approach angle: 27°
Departure angle: 25°
Ramp breakover angle: 21.1° (unladen)
DriveLife will carry out our normal in-depth review on this new ute early in 2021.
