The GWM Ute or GWM Cannon – no matter you wish to name it – has satirically made fairly a reputation for itself in Australia since launching right here in early 2021.
The Chinese-made double-cab pick-up truck discovered virtually 8000 patrons in Australia in 2022 alone, accounting for about 4.0 per cent of the ute market.
For a little bit of context, that’s a smidge lower than Nissan offered of its Navara, however greater than VW offered of the runout Amarok, and effectively forward of different low cost ute rivals, the LDV T60 and SsangYong Musso.
The vary hasn’t seen a complete lot of change because it first appeared right here. The base mannequin continues to be simply known as the Cannon, and it has 4×2 and 4×4 fashions accessible; the mid-spec mannequin is the Cannon-L, a 4×4-only proposition; and the one examined right here is the Cannon-X 4×4. GWM additionally added a black pack model, known as the Vanta, late in 2022.
The cause the GWM Ute is promoting effectively is as a result of it’s nonetheless astounding worth for cash, regardless of being greater than 10 per cent dearer than when it first launched. So is it value contemplating? And what’s it actually wish to reside with as a household runaround?
I spent three weeks with this 20,000-kilometre outdated instance to seek out out. The factor had seen some stuff in its life… you would rattling close to take into account this a used (or abused) automotive review!
But it was fairly rattling good for what I used it for – an enormous highway journey with my crew to the nation to see household for Christmas.
How a lot does the GWM Ute Cannon-X price?
The worth for this model of the Cannon ute is now $45,490 drive-away.
It should be stipulated, although, that this worth is what’s on supply in January 2023, and based mostly on the previous few years of worth will increase for GWM (and virtually all different manufacturers), it may rise once more quickly.
That worth places it fairly near the range-topping SsangYong Musso Ultimate XLV ($43,090 drive-away), however it now wants you to tick a $3000 possibility field for the Luxury Pack inclusions to rival this ute… however it’s accessible with a sunroof, and the GWM isn’t regardless of among the animations of the ute on the media display exhibiting that it has one fitted. Oh and the SsangYong comes with a long-tray XLV model.
The different carefully priced China-made ute is the LDV T60. The flagship diesel mannequin of that vary is $45,480 drive-away, or $49,463 drive-away for the Mega Tub mannequin with a much bigger cargo tray. It is nowhere close to as effectively outfitted or safety-conscious because the GWM, however it has much more energy and torque than the Cannon, too.
The worth might have gone up, however nothing has modified when it comes to customary specs for the GWM Cannon-X mannequin. See extra under.
2023 GWM Ute pricing:
- GWM Ute Cannon 4×2: $35,990
- GWM Ute Cannon 4×4: $38,990
- GWM Ute Cannon-L 4×4: $42,490
- GWM Ute Cannon-X 4×4: $45,490
- GWM Ute Cannon Vanta 4×4: $46,490
Prices are drive-away
It’s a disgrace GWM nonetheless doesn’t supply a regular smooth or onerous tonneau cowl on any variant, however you possibly can possibility them by way of the model’s real equipment catalog, and I’d actually be doing that if I used to be out there for one. A cover isn’t accessible as a real accent, however there are alternatives on the aftermarket.
Other equipment availble from GWM embody a few completely different choices for a bullbar, nudge bar, curler cowl for the tray, ground mats, mud flaps and roof racks.
What is the GWM Ute Cannon-X like on the within?
A bit peacocky, to be sincere.
There’s some bluster in regards to the cabin on this spec, as a result of it has some luxury-look finishes that utes at this worth level from the big-name manufacturers can’t even dream of.
That quilted stitching on the ‘luxurious leather-based’ seats is eye-catching, and so is the mimicked end on the door playing cards. It actually does look posh.
A disgrace, then, that really feel doesn’t fairly discover itself utilized to the sprint, which is an identical between the bottom and high grades. It isn’t ugly or something, it simply seems to be a bit extra like the worth you’re paying for the ute when it comes to the supplies and finishes.
But, that stated, it comes as customary (as with all GWM utes) with a 9.0-inch touchscreen media system, which – fortunately – additionally consists of buttons and dials under for the local weather management. Some cheaper Chinese fashions require you to do all the pieces by way of the display, and that may be onerous work on the highway, to not point out should you’re a tradie with gloves on or filthy mitts.
However, whereas the buttons and dials make me comfortable, the truth that the display above reverts to that on-screen displayed menu – even should you’re related to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto – means you may miss a flip should you additionally wish to modify the temperature or fan pace. Heaven forbid if you wish to flip the heated seats on or off, too (they’re in a distinct menu, once more).
Then there’s the button down the underside that appears like a ute with a circle round it. Get to realize it, as a result of should you’re like me, you’ll must hit it each time you drive the ute.
That’s the security help programs menu button, so that you’ll hit it, and then you definately’ll wish to flip off the lane maintaining help – as a result of it’s one of the crucial assertive and overactive examples of the tech I’ve sampled. More within the driving part.
The storage on supply is okay up entrance, although it doesn’t have the a lot desired pop-out cup holders on the edges of the dashboard, such as you get within the Isuzu D-Max and a few variations of the Ford Ranger.
There is a pair of cupholders between the entrance seats, although they are often tough to make use of once you’ve obtained massive take-away cups in them. There’s a big console bin with an extra small merchandise cubby sliding shelf there too, in addition to bottle holders and storage slots in each entrance doorways, and a good glovebox.
In entrance of the gear selector there’s a wi-fi telephone charger, which is a pleasant contact, and a pair of USB ports close by, too. Note, the T-bar model auto shifter is definitely an e-shifter, so should you drive right into a parking spot and switch the engine off, it’ll interact P for you, even should you’re in D or R. Otherwise there’s a P button on high.
Cannon intenders must also take note of the truth that the Cannon-X and Vanta fashions are the one variations that include a tilt and attain adjustable steering wheel. The Cannon and Cannon-L grades have tilt solely. Yuck.
Now, back-seat riders get an amazing deal within the GWM Ute, as a result of it is likely one of the roomiest utes on this a part of the market.
It has extra again seat area than a HiLux, D-Max, Ranger, or any of the opposite vans it competes with. I’m 182cm (6’0”), and I may simply slot in behind my very own driving place with area in entrance of my knees, above my toes and above my head. It’s fairly broad, too, with a heap of area to suit three adults throughout if wanted.
If you’ve youngsters (and wish to go locations with them) there are twin ISOFIX child-seat anchor factors and two top-tether factors (no centre high tether), and they’re among the many best within the ute market to hook up a top-tether strap to. Seriously – among the different vans on the market ought to take a look at how GWM has accomplished it.
There are directional air vents, and a USB port and 220-volt powerpoint, so these within the again row ought to be comfortable. Unless they need cup holders within the centre rear armrest, as a result of there aren’t any. But there are twin map pockets and respectable door pockets.
What’s beneath the bonnet?
It isn’t the most important donk in the marketplace, and that might matter to some patrons.
The GWM Ute runs a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel throughout all variants, and it has 120kW of energy (3600rpm) and 400Nm of torque (1500-2500rpm).
There’s the selection of 4×2 (rear-wheel drive) or 4×4 (four-wheel drive) within the base mannequin solely, whereas the upper grades are 4×4 solely. All grades come as customary with an eight-speed computerized transmission sourced from ZF, and paddle-shifters are customary too.
The towing capability just isn’t on the benchmark degree, however that’s in all probability not a nasty factor given the deficit this automobile has on the grunt entrance. Unbraked towing capability is 750kg
For some context, the SsangYong has a 2.2L turbo-diesel with 133kW/400Nm and three.5-tonne towing, and the LDV T60 Max has a 2.0L turbo-diesel with 160kW/500Nm, however 3.0-tonne braked towing.
How does the GWM Ute Cannon-X drive?
If you need one of the best driving ute on this phase, you’re going to want to double your finances for that Ford Ranger Raptor, since you’re not going to seek out it right here.
That’s to not say that this factor is horrible to drive, however there’s actually room for enchancment – virtually throughout the board.
The engine is sort of laggy down low within the rev vary, so you’ll discover that it takes a beat earlier than you really begin transferring.
I don’t assume it lacks pulling energy when you’re up and working, although, and whereas I hardly examined it to its payload limits with my household of 5 (three people, two canine) and all our Christmas loot and baggage within the tray, it did what was requested of it, however by no means felt prefer it was going to threaten the legal guidelines of physics with its acceleration.
The eight-speed auto did a good job too; although observe I spent most of my time on the freeway or on nation again roads throughout my time with the GWM Ute, and I didn’t go off-road in any respect with it, nor did I tow something. So these findings won’t ring true for all eventualities.
The journey isn’t too horrid, however my companion did complain about it feeling bouncy on some pockmarked highway surfaces within the NSW central west.
I didn’t inform her that this automobile is designed for a number of completely different functions – towing, loaded driving, off-roading and extra; so in fact there’s some compromise to the consolation ranges because the engineers must determine what’s the proper steadiness of management and cushioning – I simply agreed and we saved on our method.
That is to say, it’s a ladder-chassis ute and it may well have moments the place it feels fairly unrefined in the best way it offers with bumps, particularly should you don’t have something within the tub to push down over the again axle’s leaf-spring setup. But should you’re working round with just a few hundred kilos within the tub on a regular basis, it doubtless received’t be that large of a difficulty.
The steering is likely one of the extra annoying parts of the drive expertise. It can require fairly a little bit of arm work to park this large factor, and never solely does the steering require loads of turns lock-to-lock, the turning circle is fairly massive too (13.1m). At least the motion is gentle sufficient at low speeds to make it not an excessive amount of of a chore.
The steering help system – or lane maintaining know-how – is admittedly irritating and fairly frankly, it felt a bit extra harmful with it on somewhat than switched off. I discovered the best way the system tugged the ute round on the highway to be very disconcerting. So, suffice to say, I realized the sequence talked about above to deactivate it each time I drove.
One different discovering – the factor takes about 5.0 seconds to begin up when it’s a cold-start. That might be annoying since you may assume you’ve not hit the button onerous sufficient!
What do you get?
The Cannon-X sits on the prime quality, however should you’re curious, the lower-grade variations are nonetheless fairly loaded with gear as customary. Here’s a rundown of the usual options for all the vary.
Ute Cannon highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Body-coloured bumpers, wheel arches and mirrors
- LED headlights with auto shutoff
- Daytime working lights and fog lights
- Side steps
- Proximity key fob and button begin
- Fake leather-based seat trim
- Manual air-conditioning
- 9.0-inch centre touchscreen
- Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- 2 x entrance and 1 x rear USB factors
Ute Cannon-L provides:
- Sports bar within the tub
- Chrome grille, door handles and mirrors
- Auto-folding aspect mirrors
- Roof racks
- Privacy glass
- Different ‘premium’ 18-inch alloys
- Spray-in tub liner
- Counterbalanced tailgate
- Cargo ladder
- Leather steering wheel wrap
- Heated entrance seats
- Powered driver’s seat adjustment
- Climate management with rear-seat air vents
- Front parking sensors
- 360-degree cameras
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- 220V energy socket
Ute Cannon-X (as examined) provides:
- ‘Luxury’ leather-based seats
- Tilt and slide adjustable steering
- 7.0-inch instrument cluster
- Wireless telephone charging pad
- Power-adjustable passenger seat
- Power-assist steering modes
- Door open warning
- Second row 60/40 folding seat
- Voice recognition
Ute Cannon Vanta provides:
- Black 18-inch alloy wheels
- Black grille
- Black sports activities bar
- Black exterior mirror caps
- Black door handles
- Black badges
- No roof rails
Is the GWM Ute Cannon-X protected?
Just a few years in the past, automobiles made in China weren’t recognized for stellar security credentials, however as of late automobiles just like the GWM Ute are made for main markets and need to hit the requirements set by crash take a look at security authorities so as to add to the consideration checklist for purchasers.
So it’s that the GWM Ute has a five-star ANCAP security score from 2021, which means it managed that feat towards among the strictest standards to this point.
It achieved 86 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 87 per cent for youngster occupant safety, 67 per cent for weak highway person safety and 73 per cent for security help.
As such, it has the requisite security applied sciences and tools to fulfill the wants of households, enterprise patrons and tradies alike.
Standard security options embody:
- 7 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
- AEB with Pedestrian, Cyclist detection
- Reversing, passenger kerbside digital camera views
- Rear parking sensors
- Lane departure warning
- Lane preserve help
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise management
- Speed warning
- Traffic signal recognition
- Tyre strain monitoring
- Hill-start help
- Hill-descent management
-
GWM Ute ANCAP
Ute Cannon-L provides:
Ute Cannon-X provides:
- Surround view digital camera with 3D view
- Front parking sensors
- Power help steering modes
- Door open warning
How a lot does the GWM Ute Cannon-X price to run?
If you propose to purchase a GWM Ute, there are some possession issues to bear in mind.
The model presents a formidable seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee for personal patrons. For these intending to make use of their ute for a “industrial or enterprise software, together with however not restricted to taxi, rent, rental, Uber, courier, safety, driving college, tour, bus operator or emergency automobile”, then the guarantee is proscribed to seven years/150,000km.
The model presents a capped worth servicing program. But the service intervals are a bit odd. The first upkeep test is at six months/5000km, then servicing is due each 12 months/10,000km, and the capped-price plan solely runs out to 54 months or 45,000km, whichever happens first. Costs are $260, $360, $360, $360, $360 respectively.
Roadside help is included as effectively, for 5 years/limitless kays.
The official mixed cycle gas consumption determine for the 4×4 variations is 9.4 litres per 100 kilometres. Choose the 4×2, and the quantity is 8.3L/100km.
I did greater than a thousand kays within the GWM Ute Cannon-X I examined, and my indicated gas consumption determine was 10.1L/100km, which I believe is suitable. But as talked about, there was no towing, off-roading or heavy load driving throughout my take a look at.
Fuel tank capability is 78 litres (no long-range gas tank is obtainable), however that ought to imply you’ll get virtually 800km from a fill.
CarExpert’s Take on the GWM Ute Cannon-X
It’s not excellent, however nor ought to or not it’s for this type of cash.
The GWM Ute Cannon-X is a really spectacular value-oriented dual-cab pick-up truck that’s nonetheless the benchmark for finances vans in our market.
It is, ahem, nice for what you’re paying for it. So should you’re considering {that a} five-year-old HiLux or Ranger with 200,000km appears a bit wealthy at $45,000 (they’re on the market, significantly), then it’s best to in all probability have have a look at the GWM Ute.
Also keep tuned for our upcoming Dual-Cab Ute Mega Test to see how the GWM Ute fares towards key rivals within the phase.
Click the photographs for the total gallery
MORE: Everything GWM Ute
. .