Great Wall Ute arrives from $33,990 driveway

BY CALLUM HUNTER | 2nd Nov 2020

GREAT Wall Motor (GWM) has revealed the initial driveaway pricing for the most affordable of its new Ute variants, with the entry-level Canon set to be priced from $33,990.

Pricing for the rest of the three-variant range – including RRP – remains unknown but is expected to be revealed in around two weeks along with the full specification details.

Australia-bound Utes will be powered by GWM’s own 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque, placing it at the lower end of the 4x4 pick-up segment in both respects.

Transmission duties will be taken care of exclusively by an eight-speed auto courtesy of ZF.

“We firmly believe that the new GWM Ute offers a compelling all-round package that will make Australian buyers think differently about their next ute,” GWM Australia head of marketing Steve Maciver said

“The $33,990 entry price point for the 4x4 Dual Cab Cannon AT is quite exceptional given the high level of features buyers can expect.

“We understand both the competitiveness and the opportunity in the ute segment and as such, it was important that we come in with a strong product offering and unbeatable value.”

In terms of power and price, the Ute can be seen more as a rival for the SsangYong Musso and LDV T60 than the all-conquering Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger, besting the Korean on price and the Chinese offering on both power and torque.

For reference, the equivalent Musso ELX automatic costs $32,490 plus on-road costs and generates 133kW/420Nm from its 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine.

The T60 Pro meanwhile can be had in automatic guise from $32,621 driveaway, with its 2.8-litre turbo-diesel mill producing 110kW/360Nm.

As previously reported by GoAuto, the Ute will come as standard with ‘all-terrain technology’ courtesy of Bosch to help make it as capable as possible off-road with the whole package riding on independent front suspension and heavy-duty leaf springs at the rear to maximise payload carrying capacity.

While standard equipment lists are also yet to be detailed, GWM has revealed all variants will come with plenty of safety features including lane keep assist, seven airbags and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Mr Maciver added that GWM is expecting “to see increased customer interest in showrooms over the coming weeks” as the brand works towards the Ute’s national launch later in the month.

The Chinese firm has sold 1358 vehicles so far this year ending September, 106 more than it managed over the same period last year.

2021 Great Wall Ute driveaway pricing