Is it price or performance that is winning sales for this new breed of utility vehicles?
The GWM Ute – also known as the Cannon – is now well established as a comfortable, reliable and capable 4×4 dual cab utility vehicle.
The fact that the GWM Ute still comes with a seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and a five-year roadside assist support program should make things clear enough that this vehicle is well supported. The manufacturer has confidence in the vehicle and it backs it up with aftersales support.
But the good news doesn’t stop there – many of the reasons why this vehicle is doing so well, and is so well supported by the manufacturer, is in its construction.
The fact that it runs a Borg Warner transfer case, Borg Warner differentials with Eaton lockers and the famous ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, gives plenty of confidence that it is a solid performer built on a strong platform, with a proven and highly regarded driveline that should last well past the seven-year warranty period.
Off-road
As a cab chassis with an aluminium tray, this 2024 GWM Ute CC comes in slightly lighter in the rear than the full tub version.
As such its effective load carrying capacity is slightly higher, making it a great workhorse whether its intended use is as a farm mule or tradie’s truck.
From my perspective, I expected it to be a little more jittery on dirt at speed, but it surprised me as the lighter rear end felt balanced and stable.
The rear suspension was a little stiff, but that’s par for the course with an unladen vehicle that’s designed to carry constant load, and there are plenty of suspension upgrade options on the market anyway.
Just as we have found with other GWM products we have tested, the basic 4WD system was faultless.
The transfer case controls are easy to locate and intuitive to operate; the low range gearing is sufficient for slow, precise crawling; and the rear differential lock is a blessing for any vehicle with independent front suspension (IFS).
We tested the Ute after a day of rain on some slippery tracks at full road pressures, and the factory-fitted highway tyres were barely useful.
But it was clearly no worse to drive than any other standard IFS 4WD, and for the most part it did a better job than some of the other heavier 4WDs we have tested recently under similar conditions.
The traction control was a little hit and miss. I have previously noted this model’s less refined traction control system that locks and unlocks drive to the front wheels with not-so-favourable sounds or feelings.
It’s not as bad as the larger Cannon Alpha, but I would much rather have a proper front differential lock to match the rear one as a traction aid any day over the factory traction control system, which is of course reactive and not preventative or 100 per cent lockable.
The big factor in the off-road capability of the GWM Ute though is primarily its good basic off-road performance, and secondly its purchase price.
Given the substantial savings you make on buying this over a Ranger or HiLux, there should be plenty of coin left in the war chest to kit this ute out with a selection of accessories that would greatly enhance its capability and performance off-road.
What’s under the bonnet?
The GWM Ute Cannon CC (Cab Chassis) is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel developed off the acclaimed GW4N20, that produces 120kW of power (3600 rpm) and 400Nm of torque (1500 rpm) mated with an eight-speed automatic.
Cannon-XSR pictured
Developed as an ‘in-house’ project, the GW4N20 engine adopts and combines many advanced engine technologies resulting in a high efficiency, low emissions, light weight and high performance powerplant.
The combustion chamber and intake channel are optimised, the direct injection fuel system provides a better burn and increased efficiency, and variable valve technology is utilised to improve both low-speed fuel economy and high-speed power.
Additionally, items like the electronic water pump and electronic thermostat provide improved thermal efficiency and weight is saved with hollow valves and camshaft, and a composite cylinder head.
As such it’s an award-winning engine that placed in the Top 10 of China’s best performing engines in 2020. It was recognised for its excellent thermal efficiency, light weight, performance and fuel economy; whilst also rating on par with the best comparable engines from well-known Japanese brands.
The GWM website has this to say about their Cannon diesel donk: “With its advanced design and refined engineering, the engine in these diesel utes strikes the perfect balance between power and durability, providing drivers with a driving experience that is both exhilarating and dependable”.
Of course, we always take manufacturer’s claims with a grain of salt, but in all honesty it’s not a bad performer and is pleasant to drive; plus, as yet, we have not heard of any common failures or reliability issues.
Mod-ability
With sales booming and the GWM Ute well-proven over the past three years, there are now of course numerous accessory options and a good range of upgrades to suit.
Cannon-XSR pictured
We are also seeing a number of specialist aftermarket suppliers popping up with a focus on these newer models, and their focused expertise is benefitting both owners as well as the functionality and ability of the vehicles they’re fitted to.
Emerging off the back of the success of the Cannon and now the Tank 300, Brisbane-based Savage Offroad is leading the way for Cannon owners in Australia with almost every imaginable upgrade catered for. Whether it’s suspension, bar work, roof racks, exhaust systems, ECU upgrades and more – the team there has it all.
But it’s not just a case of satisfying the needs of current Cannon and Tank 300 owners, the efforts of Savage Offroad actually bolster the sales of GWM, providing inspiration, confidence and direction to new and prospective owners, that here lies a capable vehicle with strong support in the form of after market accessories.
Cannon-XSR pictured
At the very extreme level we even have reports of a suspension specialist in Perth WA who was successfully running 39-inch tyres on his Cannon with factory CVs.
To the uninitiated this may not sound like much, but for anyone who understands the particular limitations of IFS vehicles, CVs are typically their Achilles heel and a very common failure point when they are lifted more than 50mm, or even less in some models.
Considering the extreme angles and additional weight of fitting such large tyres, this speaks volumes on the strength and design of the GWM Ute – for more information check out JM 4×4 Suspension.
CarExpert’s Take on the GWM Ute
With the growing range of accessories and numerous examples of the GWM Ute now clocking over 200,000 kilometres – some of which being made up of substantial outback adventures and all without any major faults – the popularity of the GWM Ute is growing.
As concerns over the reliability, performance and durability of these vehicles slip away, we are seeing the establishment of strong interest and likewise strong sales for not just GWM’s 4WD offerings, but a number of other Chinese brands.
It’s getting harder and harder for the detractors to knock the Cannon and its cousins, and it has certainly earned its place within the dual-cab 4WD space.
Armed with a true twin-ratio low-range transfer case, and a factory-fitted rear locker; despite the typical limitations of IFS, this is a solid performer off-road that brings a more comfortable ride and better on-road manners to the table.
With that said, it’s important to note that it is no better both on- and off-road duties – yet also no worse – that any of the market leaders like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger.
But the defining factor is the price, and if you forego the stigma and reputation of the old Great Wall Motors, this cab chassis work ute is a relative steal, starting at just $40,000 drive-away – or even less if you cash in on current advertised offers.
With the growing popularity and growing range of offerings from GWM, what do you think is the deciding factor? Is it all about the price? Or are actual performance and features coming into consideration as reasons these vehicles are selling well?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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