Great Wall Motors Cannon ute undercuts more popular rivals

The price of Australia’s most popular utes have soared in recent years due to stock shortages and strong demand. But there is a way to spend less.

The GWM Cannon ute is sharply priced and well equipped. Picture: Supplied.

Stock shortages have played havoc with the ute market.

The most popular models are in short supply and price increases have made them less affordable.

But this Chinese workhorse can save you thousands of dollars if you’re prepared to compromise.

VALUE

The GWM Cannon comes in four models, with four-wheel-drive variants starting at $38,990 drive-away. That undercuts prime dual-cab ute rivals by thousands. The one we’ve tested is the Cannon-X with smart-key entry, wireless phone charging, heated front seats, tyre pressure sensors, a powered driver’s seat, leather trim and 18-inch alloys. It’s $45,490 drive-away with a standard eight-speed auto.

Despite the generosity in some areas, there’s penny pinching, too. The spare wheel is full size but is made of steel rather than alloy. And there’s only a single-zone climate control system, meaning those up front need to settle on an agreed cabin temperature setting.

Plus, we’re not expecting concert-hall sound, but the GWM’s speakers are seriously tinny.

The GWM Cannon ute is thousands of dollars less than market-leading utes. Picture: Supplied.

COMFORT

With four doors and a spacious ute body, the GWM Ute starts off strongly. The miniature ladder that pops out of the tailgate is a neat touch for climbing into the load area. Struts on the tailgate stop it opening with a clang.

Seats are relatively soft but position the driver well. Cabin finishes at least show designers have tried to break free of the grey-on-grey ute norms.

The digital instrument cluster and clear surround-view camera reinforce its tech credentials, even if some of the functionality of the two digital displays – infotainment and instrument cluster – isn’t ideal. When the 360-degree camera is in use, for example, you can’t adjust the sound system volume.

Those in the back have great leg room and a broad bench seat. The rear seat base folds up to allow larger items such as pot plants or boxes to slide in.

The Cannon is well equipped for the price. Picture: Supplied.

SAFETY

The GWM Ute gets airbags all around as well as a centre airbag between the front seat occupants. Driver assistance tech includes auto emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot warning.

The lane-keeping system is less endearing, with a tendency to tug at the wheel when it’s not required. On the open road it’s regularly making often unnecessary wheel adjustments.

The cabin has all the mod-cons and technology. Picture: Supplied.

DRIVING

It’s on the road where things start to unravel for the Cannon-X. No utes are terrific to drive, but it is clumsy and lacks control over bumps, especially bigger undulations. Oddly weighted steering doesn’t help.

The four-cylinder turbo diesel is undernourished with 10-20 per cent less pull than key rivals and a lag when you first press the throttle. It’s not helped by an eight-speed transmission that at suburban speeds is often caught in the wrong gear.

It also manages to slurp plenty of diesel, according to the official fuel figures (average consumption is claimed at 9.4 litres per 100km).

One plus is the torque-on-demand four-wheel drive system that maximises traction on slippery surfaces without having to select 4WD, although it can clunk from the front-end during tight turns off-road when in 4Low.

While the Cannon-X has a payload of more than one tonne, its tow capacity is less impressive, capped at 3000kg, half a tonne less than most utes. And when towing that much, the payload drops to just 455kg.

The Cannon can feel a little clumsy on the road. Picture: Supplied.

ALTERNATIVES

Mitsubishi Triton GLX+, from $48,990 drive-away

Honest but ageing ute is sharply priced compared with big brand rivals. Old school ute dynamics and lacklustre grunt takes some of the gloss off.

LDV T60 Max Luxe auto from $43,674 drive-away

Sharp prices, a punchy diesel engine and decent roadholding, but 750kg payload is off the pace and it lacks active safety features now common in utes.

Mazda BT-50 XT dual-cab 4x4 pick-up auto, from about $59,000 drive-away

Isuzu clone is tough and capable and comes loaded with safety tech. Diesel engine is gruff but effective.

VERDICT

Three stars

Lacks outright muscle and driving nous, but makes up for it with sharp pricing and a sizeable body.

QUICK GLANCE

GWM Ute Cannon-X 4x4

PRICE From $45,490 drive-away

WARRANTY/SERVICE 7 years, unlimited km (150,000km for commercial use), $3459.93 for 7.5 years/75,000km

SAFETY Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitors, speed-sign recognition

ENGINE 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel, 120kW/400Nm

THIRST 9.4L/100km

PAYLOAD/TOW CAPACITY 1050kg/3000kg