GWM Ute is sharply priced and well equipped

Workhorse utes are incredibly popular but they are also becoming prohibitively expensive. That could change as more no-frills alternatives become available.

The Great Wall Cannon is an affordable alternative to the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. Picture: Supplied.

GWM – formerly known as Great Wall Motors – is proving popular with Aussie buyers and one of the keys to its success is its workhorse dual-cab ute known simply as the GWM Ute.

Here are five things you need to know about it.

IT’S SHARPLY PRICED

The GWM Ute’s main selling point is its price. The seven-variant model line-up kicks off at $33,990 drive-away for the base Ute Cannon and rises to $51,490 for the Ute Cannon XSR.

Four-wheel drive is standard on all variants except the entry-level model, where it’s a $2500 option.

We tested the Ute Cannon Vanta, which is the second most expensive model grade priced at $45,990, but if you’re an ABN holder GWM will knock $4000 off the price if you take delivery of the ute before December 31st.

That price jumps off the page even more when big name rivals such as Ford and Toyota are charging upwards of $70,000 for their butch-looking alternatives.

Throw in a nine-inch touch screen that is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, heated and electronically adjustable front seats and a wireless device charger and there’s plenty of standard kit to crow about.

The Cannon Vanta is good value compared to the HiLux and Ranger. Picture: Supplied.

IT LOOKS TOUGH

Butch looking utes are big business and the Cannon Vanta fits that bill.

GWM has followed the tried and true formula for creating on-road presence: paint it black.

The 18-inch alloy wheels are black, as are the front grille, sports bar, exterior mirrors, door handles and badges.

Inside the theme continues with black faux-leather-appointed seats and steering wheel.

Black side steps, an easy to open and close tailgate and a folding cargo ladder for easy access to the tray add to the vehicle’s appeal.

The cabin is well appointed. Picture: Supplied.

IT CAN’T MATCH THE BIG BOYS

On paper GWM’s ute doesn’t stack up against some of the best in the business.

The small 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine makes 120kW and 400Nm, a long way off some of the class leaders.

Ford’s Ranger and Volkswagen’s Amarok both use the same 3.0-litre V6 force-fed diesel motor that produces a whopping 184kW and 600Nm.

The Toyota HiLux’s 2.8-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel makes 150kW and 500Nm and the new Mitsubishi Triton, which is due early next year, uses a 2.4-litre unit to make 150kW and 470Nm.

The Vanta’s towing capacity is also slightly below par. It will haul 3000kg, whereas most rivals can lug 3500kg. Its 1050kg payload hits the mark, though.

The GWM is capable off-road. Picture: Supplied.

IT’S NOT THE BEST TO DRIVE

Modern utes such as the Ford Ranger and Volkswagen Amarok have changed expectations with their ability to blend an SUV’s on-road comfort with a ute’s load lugging ability, but the Cannon Vanta is more old school.

The steering is slow and lacks feedback and a giant turning circle makes city commuting a chore, especially when navigating tight spaces or making a hurried three point turn.

The rugged rear leaf suspension is firm and doesn’t doa great job of cushioning passengers from bumps and speed humps. Some weight in the tray improves things.

The small turbo diesel engine lacks grunt in the real world and there is noticeable lag when you try to accelerate from a standstill, so you’ll need to give yourself plenty of room when darting in and out of traffic.

Once moving the ZF eight-speed auto works a treat, flicking through the gears expertly to keep the engine humming in the sweet spot.

The diesel engine is loud, though.

The GWM driving experience is a little off the pace. Picture: Supplied.

YOU’VE GOT PEACE OF MIND

Not only is the GWM Ute cheap, it has some pretty compelling ownership credentials.

It comes with a seven-year/unlimited km warranty that trumps any other ute on the market besides the Ssangyong Musso.

Owners can budget their future ownership costs thanks to a capped price servicing program that costs $1700 for the first five visits. Intervals are short, though. The first visit is at just six months/5000km and each one after that is every 12 months or 10,000km.