GREAT WALL MOTORS

A new pickup truck that comes in from China 

by GREAT Wall Motors has revealed further details of its all-new utility, following its global unveiling at the Shanghai motor show last week, with the Chinese mid-size pick-up (due in Australia at the end of next year, and it is set to be offered with a wide spread of model-grids and powertrains.
Barring a sudden push, by one of its competitors, the new Great Wall Ute could become the first alternative-powertrain pick-up truck offered in Australia, with the company''s local arm is hopeful of securing both the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) and hydrogen fuel-cell electric vehicle (FCEV) variants for the release, alongside the conventional petrol and diesel versions.
Great Wall used the Shanghai show to present a version of the BEV pick-up, which the brand expects will be capable of 500km of driving range, while the FCEV is yet to be revealed, meaning it will arrive in the market at a later date.
No concrete timing has yet been given for the arrival of either of the alternative-powertrain versions, however Great Wall expects both to gain sales momentum first in China before spreading to other markets.
At launch, the Australian-market line - up will focus on internal combustion engines only, including a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel producing an unspecified amount of power and between 380-400Nm of torque.



Another diesel with a larger displacement is also in the pipeline, with the aim of producing around 480-500Nm – helping it to challenge the likes of the Ford Ranger and Holden Colorado for the title of torquiest four-cylinder pick-up engine on the market.
Both diesel engines will be engineered for Euro 6d emissions compliance, while transmission options will consist of a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic. Fuel tank size is 80 liters.
A 120kW / 360Nm 2.0-liter turbo-petrol mill is expected to be offered on entry-level grades, with plans for a larger version as well. However, diesel will predictably be the main focus for the Australian market.
As previously reported, the new P Series Ute-as it is known for now-will be offered in a mix of single and dual-cab body styles with short and long wheelbases and 4x2 and 4x4 drivelines, while three different specifications will be offered spanning commercial, passenger and off-road orientations.
Great Wall will launch with the tradie-oriented commercial and family-friendly, SUV-like passenger model lines, while the tough off-road version will be released later.



The commercial variant will feature leaf-sprung rear suspension and a more basic interior, while the passenger line scores a more sophisticated and comfortable multi-link coil-sprung set-up and luxurious cabin appointments.
Great Wall is aiming for the ute to feature 3500kg braked towing capacity - the standard for the industry – however executives have said payload will only be around 500kg in the urban-oriented passenger model, a disappointing figure compared to its rivals.
As expected, the Chinese brand will be hoping to make the ute a strong value proposition for buyers, with Great Wall Australia managing director Koma Li saying it will target a price of around $35,000 for Passenger 4x4 dual-cab turbo-diesel automatic versions.
The tough off-road version shown at the Shanghai show is reportedly 95 per cent ready for production, with only a few tweaks such as a different grille to be introduced.
Much of its equipment such as its snorkel, sports bar and in-built winch are expected to make their way onto the production version. In Australia it will offered only with a turbo-diesel powertrain.
Expected to take on the likes of the Ford Ranger to Raptor and the Toyota HiLux's Rugged to X, and the off-road version, the features and equipment to get you out of any situation, including low-range gearing with crawl control, fully locking differentials front, centre and rear, a nine-stage, terrain response system, off-road turn assist, and beefy 275/65R18 Cooper Discoverer STT Pro rubber.



A range-wide local suspension and tuning program will be carried out for the Australian market, which partly explains why the launch will be delayed until the end of 2020.
Also coming for the ute will be a range of genuine accessories including items such as bull bars, sports bars and a snorkel.
Globally, Great Wall is hoping for the new ute to sell 200,000 units annually, and has set the lofty goal of becoming a top-three sales performer in export markets.
More details on the Great Wall ute will be made available closer to its launch in the Australian Market.

Autonews