GWM prices Cannon Alpha to trouble Triton

BY HAITHAM RAZAGUI AND PETER BARNWELL | 6th May 2024

A LOWER cost, slightly smaller alternative to the expensive North American “full size pick-up” is about to hit the market Down Under with GWM’s new Cannon Alpha range that, in top-spec form, will be Australia’s first petrol-electric hybrid 4x4 ute.

Falling size-wise between a regular one-tonne ute like the Toyota HiLux and a big bopper like the Ford F-150, the three grades of dual-cab Cannon Alpha range will be priced from $51,990 for the entry Lux diesel model, $57,990 for the Ultra diesel model and $64,990 for the hybrid (all drive-away).

Once on-road costs are factored in, this puts the Cannon Alpha in direct competition with the latest Mitsubishi Triton that is pitched from $50,940 to $63,840 (before on-road costs) for an all-diesel line-up.

Diesel-powered models run a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine rated at 135kW and 480Nm (compared to the Triton’s 2.4-litre outputs of 150kW and 470Nm). This engine is new to GWM’s range as the smaller Cannon ute is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel.

The hybrid’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and electric motor combine for a punchy 255kW/648Nm to fall between a Ford Ranger V6 diesel (184kW/600Nm) and Ford F-150 V6 petrol (298kW/678Nm).

Both diesel Cannon Alpha variants consume a claimed 8.9 litres per 100 kilometres with the hybrid rated at a surprisingly thirstier 9.8L/100km, suggesting the electrification is intended for performance rather than efficiency.

All are equipped with a nine-speed automatic transmission and on-demand four-wheel-drive system with selectable high and low range through a 4x4 transfer case from respected manufacturer Borg Warner that makes the Alpha “as capable off-road as it is on it,” according to GWM.

An electronic rear differential lock is standard, with the high-grade diesel and hybrid adding an electronic front locker.

Driving modes comprise Standard, Eco, Sport with the hybrid capable of full electric driving for a short distance.

Maximum braked towing capacity for both powertrains is 3500kg with payload ranging between 735kg and 821kg depending on vartiant.

The Alpha weighs in roughly 400kg heavier than the smaller Cannon at 2400kg+ model dependent.

Diesel-only Lux trim comes standard with dusk-sensing LED headlights including auto high beam, fixed side steps, twin 12.3-inch infotainment and digital instrument displays with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto plus a six-speaker sound system.

Also standard are dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather-look upholstery, and a six-way power-adjustable driver's seat.

Safety features include a 360-degree camera system with 'clear chassis' view, autonomous emergency braking (with pedestrian and cyclist detection), lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with front and rear cross-traffic detection, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and tyre pressure monitoring.

Ultra trim (with diesel engine) adds a 60:40 split-opening tailgate, panoramic sunroof, auto-folding side mirrors, self-dimming interior mirror and LED front fog lights.

Inside are genuine leather-accented interior upholstery, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats with eight-way electric adjustment for the driver and six-way electric adjustment for the passenger as well as a bigger 14.6-inch touchscreen and wireless phone charger.

Going for the hybrid extends the Ultra’s feature set with a heated steering wheel and side mirror position memory, two-way power-adjustable rear seats with heating and ventilation, and a dedicated wireless phone charger for rear occupants plus 10-speaker Infinity premium sound system and 64-colour ambient lighting.

Driver assist technologies also step up to include a head-up display and automatic parking assistants enabled by upgraded parking sensors.

The Alpha is GWM’s largest vehicle to date measuring 5445mm long, 1991mm wide and 1924mm tall, riding on a 3350mm wheelbase.

“The Cannon Alpha is GMW’s sixth NEV available here including the Jolion Hybrid, H6 Hybrid, Tank 300 Hybrid, Tank 500 Hybrid and Ora EV,” says the Chinese importer.

Larger dimensions allow for a roomier cabin than the regular Cannon, which has a novel and versatile feature on Ultra variants in its 60:40 split tailgate which can be opened in two ways via a short or long press push button system to provide access to the tub.

A short press gives partial opening whole a longer press on the same button opens the full tailgate which also has a soft-open feature.

The Alpha that has a likeness to GWM’s Tank 500 SUV, has what could be described as an imposing look with a bluff truck-like front, large grille with centred GWM roundel, big headlights, a bonnet scoop on the leading edge, splashes of chrome, deep wheel arch flares and a generic dual-cab ute profile and rear styling.