GWM Cannon Ute review: budget ute is well equipped for the price
This budget newcomer is chasing the hearts and wallets of tradies with a value-for-money proposition that doesn’t skimp on luxuries and equipment.
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Cost of living pressures are starting to bite hard, and tradies aren’t immune.
This cut-price ute may not have the cache of a Ford Ranger or Toyota HiLux, but it does the same job for thousands less.
VALUE
The GWM Cannon is a way for buyers to step into a brand new ute for the price of a used one.
Better still, it doesn’t skimp on equipment as entry-level models of more popular rivals often do.
The L Cab-Chassis model is the latest addition to the Cannon line-up, exchanging the typical rear tub for an aluminium tray.
At $40,490 drive-away until the end of June (usually $42,490) it’s about $15,000 cheaper than bare bones alternatives from the likes of Toyota, Ford and Isuzu.
There are alloy wheels, heated front seats, smart key entry, tyre pressure sensors and a 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
It’s backed by a seven-year warranty, although the distance is capped at 150,000km if you’re using it for commercial purposes.
COMFORT
As with all utes, the Cannon can jiggle over bumps, especially without a load on board.
You end up bounding along pockmarked roads, which can be a little disconcerting.
And the infotainment system is infuriating. Every time you pull up at an intersection or traffic lights it reverts to the 360-degree camera and turns the audio down.
You can’t adjust anything on the screen – or the volume – without first pressing a button to revert to the main home screen.
The Cannon L’s aluminium tray is relatively short but its sides fold down. As with all bolt-on trays it can be easily replaced with something better suited to whatever you want to carry.
For some that could include off-road adventuring with the ute heavily laden, at which point that stiff suspension may be advantageous.
The tray is lighter than a tub, which means there’s another 70kg of payload, taking the maximum to an impressive 1120kg.
However, the tow capacity is half a tonne less than rivals at 3000kg. If you’re towing the maximum amount the payload is less than half, at 525kg.
SAFETY
The Cannon ticks plenty of boxes on paper although it’s lacking blind-spot warning. The Cab-Chassis model also misses out on the rear cross-traffic alert that comes standard with other variants.
And while it’s great it’s got a 360-degree camera, the images aren’t very clear.
We also had issues with the lane departure occasionally applying steering input when it wasn’t required.
DRIVING
Although it’s well equipped, the Cannon loses its lustre on the road.
The four-cylinder turbo diesel lacks the grunt of many rivals. There’s a modest 120kW and 400Nm, the latter about 100Nm less than many mainstream utes.
But it’s the time it takes to hit its torque peak that makes it feel sluggish around town. It takes a couple of seconds to wind up when darting out of an intersection, so planning ahead becomes part of the game.
It’s also not particularly fuel efficient, with claimed consumption of 9.4 litres per 100km.
While most utes have a jagged ride over bumps, the Cannon Cab-Chassis is towards the firmer end of the spectrum with a tendency to buck over big bumps.
That’s partly because of the high payload.
ALTERNATIVES
Isuzu D-Max 4x4 ASX crew cab-chassis auto, from about $58,000 drive-away
The basics are done well with the exception of the lane-assist system. Hearty 3.0-litre engine muscles up nicely and the cabin delivers on space.
Toyota HiLux Workmate 4x4 cab-chassis auto, from about $57,000 drive-away
Rugged and durable with excellent off-road cred, but starting to show its age. In vinyl floor Workmate trim it also lacks trinkets.
Nissan Navara SL dual-cab 4x4 cab-chassis, from about $56,000 drive-away
Efficient twin-turbo engine is smooth if uninspiring, which sums up other aspects of Nissan’s ageing ute. Rear leaf springs of the cab-chassis are better suited to loads than the coils of other Navaras.
VERDICT
Three stars
Long warranty and keen pricing are the standouts for a ute that falls short of the big boys for execution and delivery.
QUICK GLANCE
GWM Cannon Alpha Ute
PRICE: From $40,490 drive-away (until the end of June)
WARRANTY/SERVICE: Seven years, unlimited km, $1700 for 4.5 years/45,000km.
SAFETY: Eight airbags, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, speed sign recognition
ENGINE: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder, 120kW/400Nm
THIRST: 9.4L/100km
PAYLOAD/TOW CAPACITY: 1120kg/3000kg
Originally published as GWM Cannon Ute review: budget ute is well equipped for the price
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