Great Wall Motors release two models in Australia
June 24, 2009 by Matt Brogan
Great Wall Motors will be the first Chinese manufacturer to release a vehicle in Australia when its two twin-cab utes go on sale tomorrow.
The V240 (pictured above), which is available in 4×2 and 4×4 configurations, will be priced at $23,990 and $26,990 respectively while the SA220, available in 4×2 only, will go on sale from just $19,990 on road.
The base model SA220 (pictured below) will feature a (78kW/190Nm) 2.2-litre four cylinder petrol engine that GWM claims will achieve a combined fuel economy return of 10.8 litres per 100km and offers a 855kg payload.
The upper spec V240 models on the other hand will come with a (100kW/200Nm) 2.4-litre four cylinder petrol engine that manages 10.7 litres per 100km in both 4×2 and 4×4 spec and can carry a full one-tonne.
All three models feature alloy wheels, AM/FM single CD tuner, electric windows, leather trimmed seats, disc/drum brakes and air-conditioning and will be backed by a comprehensive three year / 100,000 kilometre warranty.
Great Wall Motors have been around since 1976 and are one of the most popular manufacturers of commercial vehicles in China with an annual capacity of 800,000 units expected by 2010.
GWM vehicles are available nationally through 45 ATECO importer dealerships.
Print it: 
The comparison to the Hilux tells you how lost the average person is here.
You cannot even compare the Hilux to the Tritons and Colorados and Navaras.
I know many businesses that used to be Hilux users but the reality is the business case for them just isn’t there.
The average buy price of a Hilux ute ends up north of $50k. Perhaps those in the rich mining industry could afford them and the support businesses like diesel and hydraulic engineers.
But it’s a very hard business case to put forward when the competition starts at $30k and goes to about $38k for a crew cab 4wd ute.
It’s been a long long LONG time since the average farmer could afford a Hilux.
Let’s put it this way, China makes its own planes, tanks and military vehicles and even spacecraft.
I think it can get its head about a 2001 design Isuzu copy ute.
There are enough Chinese people in Australia to buy these cars and keep things profitable for Great Wall Motors!
you are kidding. Most of the Chinese out at Chatswong/Eastwong and Hurstville and drive either Mercs, Hondas and Toyotas.
Apparently the v240 is getting the option of a 2.0 turbodiesel that does 110kW/310Nm… i suspect this would push the v240 4wd up around $30k?
it’s up to you if you think the extra money is worth a Holden or Isuzu with the 3.0 litre turbodiesel with 120kW/360Nm
it still doesn’t help with that horrible nose
interesting
my sources say this new 2.0 litre turbo diesel dubbed the “GW4D20″ is a Euro V DOHC 4 valve motor with common rail injection, vgt, intercoooler, particulate filter and electric throttle.
110kW/4,000rpm
310Nm/1,500-2,800rpm
this sounds like a good engine on paper especially the Euro V thing (possibly the 1st one the Chinese have made)
won’t be quick given the Colorado only does 12 sec 0-100 with 3.0 litres but I would guess it should tow good… at least a world better than the old SOHC petrol
problem is i would think it would push the 4wd version into the $30k mark?
New model looks FUGLY!!!!!
Great Wall Motors!!! What a silly name…….What about Opera House Motors for us? Or something like that. How silly, lol.
Great Wall Motors!!! What a silly name…….What about Opera House Motors for us? Or something like that. How silly, lol.
At least they didn’t copy their brand name . lol
You have to experience a Chinese car to know how horrible it is. Hit something at 60km/h, 4 wheels may just come off and fly in 4 directions. I rather buy a safer secondhand than touching a cheap new Chinese car. Kia may be a better option. GWM is going to be cheap and extremely nasty. Value your life!!!
I spoke to a “salesman” in Wanneroo, who assure me these cars were safer than safe and that the NRMA had just bought some for testing. He said that ANCAP testing wasnt very good and that the utes had passed multiple safety tests more stringent than ANCAP. He also showed me child restraints and said how safe they were for kids. I wonder if he’s seen the ANCAP results and how he put a spin on them.
You’re right, these types of cheap vehicles are not suitable for roads in countries where higher speeds are usualy achieved. A decent collision would have you wishing youd spent a bit more.
surely….the ball joints won’t failed with only 10000 km on the clock like ford lemon territory…..right?
will Isuzu SUE over the cloning of their last model rodeo (dmax) as that silver one is a nissan fronted 02 rodeo.
the ugly white thing is a rip off of the latest DMAX with a daewoo matiz front
i also wouldnt be surprised if you could even swap the doors on both of these models with their isuzu parents!
any crash test data yet?
Does Toyota, Ford …… have any crash data?
When Toyota & Isuzu had their Ute’s back in 1996 there were not concerns regarding safety, this is the basis of these vehicles.
I have driven these vehicles in South Africa, here they get used & abused by builder, farmers, courier co’s, ………. not getting any major come backs.
Test, then judge!!
Where did Japan start……look a them now!!
Try it!!
Cheers
oh and JOKE
i know 3 people with territories with a LOT more kays on them than 10 thousand, who have had no issues at all.
they all love them!
I tried out one of these GWM ute’s. It had done 26,000 km and no problems so far. It is not in the same class as a Hilux. It is little better than Tritons or Colorados.
Good value for money. This is going to be a great recession buster.
Maybe they should look at the styling as this is one ugly ute !!!!
I wouldnt have one as a gift!!!
Considering these cars are probably assembled by rural workers brought in for a six month stint at the factory and forced to live in crowded dorms while being paid a pittance, these vehicles are actually overpriced. ‘Leather’ interiors as standard but airbags and braking aids are extra? Id rather pay the small price difference and get a decent Thai assembled ute from one of the Japanese manufacturers, and from a decent distributor.
A few other words to remember when considering anything made in China. Melamine, lead paint, pet food, crash test, recycled metal and tires. I suggest anyone enthused about the ‘low’ price put the money they saved towards a higher tier health insurance plan.
Serves us right.
Mitsubushi produced great cars in the last 10 years in Adelaide and went bust beause thre was no support by the australian public.
And now we’re bitchin because they are selling us rubbish from China.
Utes need 3 things. Power,rigid chasis and reliablity. The GW ute, IMO will not meet these needs.
i don’t see the link to mitsubishi
how is a mitsubishi 380 in any way related to a ute?
power i grant you… i hope they release that turbo diesel soon but even then i don’t think $29,990 for one is great buying
chassis rigidity won’t be an issue… do you think the yellow people in Thailand who make them are any better than the yellow people in China?
reliability i don’t think will be an issue either
this is a ute which is 8 yrs old in design and if you’ve ever driven one you’ll know this is hardly a cutting edge design
if they can’t get this thing reliable they ought to just stop right now
Mate, you’ve got to stop calling them yellow people. it’s racist. I know they call us white’s but theres no reason to be racist.
GWM i think, would have not too good quality, as it is a first try in our market, though maybe if they don’t send them back overseas, we’ll see some prettier cars around.
I refered to mitsubishi because it was an australian car manufacturer.
We are perfectly capable of producing good cars, so why are we buying those cheap imports? If we need tough ute’s, then lets build them.
At least we would be keeping jobs and money in this country.
i have a little confidence in the utes, although i have not seen crash test reports, but as for the cars..ewwww i think i would rather drive a lada samara…and the australian version of that was horrible !!
Chinese crash tests
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....re=related
You people are so biased. Chinese cars will get better over the years like Jap and Korean cars did. Look at Toyota these days. And to be honest, these GWM utes have the same crash test results as the Holden Colorado, which I think is a pointless rebaged Isuzu with no airbags and a three star safety rating. Have you seen the safety ratings on Youtube?
Maybe you should look in the mirror before slaging off other people.
Agreed entirely
any auto models?
What I dont understand is: Why is the payload supposed to be 1000kg, when the GW website itself says its only 400kg… and why not import the diesels? Plus the other SUV’s, CUV’s & Limo? We all know Mitsubishi engines are crap, so why would you buy a “Three Diamonds of Death” engined ute. Bring on the diesels.
Whatever it takes to possibly get jap 4X4`s a run for their money & to get prices real would be nice , i love my cruiser just wish a replacement could be had for less than a house in a country town .. its BS .
i wonder what the resale value would be on these in a few years time
I want to replace my 2004 mazda bravo.I tow a 4.4.metre runabout,will the 4 x 4 great wall do it?
stuart
Some very entertaining comments gentlemen.
I don’t particularly care if it is “ugly” or appears to have other manufacturers design features.
I want to know, “Can it tow?”
Is it really ecanomical on fuel?
Can it be converted to Duel Fuel?
If it can not it is useless at any price. I therefore look forword to competitive pricing in the industry, maybe then I can afford to replace my aged, weary, but brilliantly reliable 92 Nissan Patrol 4×4.
I want a new Twin Cab 4×4 farm truck that is ‘affordable’ and in these tough economic, drought ridden times it’s not easy to stick your neck out on something new with sooo many negative comments.
I find car salesmen in general full of sh**, their priority is to flog a vehicle, not tell you it’s failings. (even when asked directly). Knowing a vehicles limitations/weakness isn’t I believe a negative, a heads up makes for a better decision of purchase.
If Ateco are serious and confident with these trucks give me one to try for six months??!
I tow a float, hay trailers, cart stockfeed, fencing material & general family stuff. We live in Nth Central Victoria; Heat, Frosts, Dirt roads, bad Bitumen Rds & long highways between towns. The perfect natural environment to trial the new GVW 4×4 by a farm woman for farm women.
Real Aussie Women need to know, can it hack the pace ??? & survive.
i test drove one yesterday a v240 4wd and have driven all the new utes on the market the worst ute is the cheaper nissan and yes the hilux is better but with the equipment listed as standard you would have to go for an sr5 hilux which would bring it to about 60 000 you dont even get rear speakers in the sr. For the price you cannot even buy a desent second hand ute. as for fuel consuption anyone that owns a 3.5 rodeo would know how bad they are on fuel. as for build quality test drive a mazda that has 100000 km on it the stering wheel will twist in your hand and the drivers seat will have collapsed. There is the issue of crash tests it should be the same as the rodeo but i would like to see if it is different . Yes it is slower but it will still do the speed limit .
have looked at some of the crash tests couldnt find the one for the v240 but if you look at the one for the supposed orange chinese ute it is actualy a vw loaded with 1.5 tonne of weight at a speed of 100km which is well over the normal 5o t0 60 kms as you can see no crash dummies it was a test actualy for the wall not the car
I don’t have any problem with Made in China. On the contrary, we aren’t suffering from inflation thanks to their very good priced products. However, I’m concerned about Chinese brands. Assembling and designing are totally different. Moreover, many Chinese companies copy other countries’ products illegally, which is definitely a crime. I may feel like I bought a hot good if I buy a Chinese car for now.
well i have had a v240 ute for 2 weeks now and been a motor mechanic for 22 years and been at nissan , mitsubishi and holden dealerships i can tell u all that yes u pay for what u get and the price of these v240 not the base model 220 is exceptional , mine has air bags , abs and to be quite honest i cant fault it , the mitsubishi motor is a proven and upgraded , the suspension and driveline is all proven stuff over years of testing . everyone has their comment but dont comment from the lounge room seat get out and drive one , hey i would love to buy aussie but we all have chinese lcd and plasmas tvs in our homes
Top/1st. photo is Gold!
Its trying to escape back to China…lol
Like any new car, give it a bit longer to prove its longevity, its been out what, two months!
Mechanically these ute’s parts bin comes from basic but reputable stock (Isuzu or Nissan bodies, Mitsubishi engines)…which may prove more reliable than the some cars on the road sold by our most established dealers, such as Holden with their Barina and just superseded Holden Viva which were ex Daewoos and hardly leading in terms of reliability.
Protons until recent years were previous generation Mitsubishi’s made in Malaysia and although fit and finish wasn’t as impressive, they were generally pretty reliable
Having said that safety would probably put me off for sure (especially basic ex-Navara $20k mod. It is a wonder how Australian Standards have such low standards for commercial vehicles.
I generally like the Hilux (even if they are getting so bloody big) but Toyota knows its Australia’s favourite ute and prices it accordingly. $42K for an SR dual cab TD and no ABS brakes? A 3dr Yaris $15K has ABS hmmm
The Sailor has a copy of a Toyota engine, not a Mitsubishi engine, that’s only used on the Wingle.
They’re made in completely different plants, and the importer you noticed hasn’t given any reporter a Sailor to test.
They are both copies of the Holden Rodeo, with the Sailor being the older torsion bar model.
The grille on the Wingle was ‘inspired’ by the Volkswagen Tiguan. The Wingle was put on the market _before_ the new Navara came out.
John, the Wingle has the front off the Volkswagen Magellan concept from way back in 2002 I think. Personally, I think the V240 looks like nothing else in the market. I don’t really care what other people say because I like it. I also like Holden too but you can see they’ve cut funding when they have an underpowered ute with no airbags and optional air conditioning. Maybe they should test one against the Mahindra Pikup and let’s see who will win.
I am no motor expert. I looked at one last week and will return to test drive,next week.
My info, is it is built to a price, many comments here worry me. However it is a Mitsubishi motor not GWM. It comes with 100,000km or 3years warranty – why would they do that if it was going to fall apart? The salesman said there was a 48hour repair time for warranty jobs any longer and they supply a replacement vehicle till yours is ready.
For a supposed piece of crap – they are backing it and I have seen worse vehicles of this type.
I can’t help wondering if many negative comments (and maybe some positive ones) are from people with an agenda like competing sales yards and companies.
Is there a genuine assessment from a reputable source available? Rather than just questionable opinions.
Have just bought one test drove it a few weeks ago expecting a peice of crap was supprised at how well it drove yes its uder powered but acceptable i will update when i have towed my boat with it. i had already driven all the new utes on the market but decided to re test them after driving the great wall ute v240 4×4 for comfort it matches the ford /mazda bt50 rides smoother than the colorado all these utes are at least 10 grand higher in price when you add in what you get in the v240 thats more like 15 to 20grand more depending on brand. Alot of people have done exactly the same as me and have come back to buy the great wall ute. If you are picky for colour you may have to wait till december. will let everyone know what it is like when i get it i treat my cars pretty hard so should be a good test will load tests as well
I am taking one for a test tomorrow, currently have a 93 Rocky 2.8 Turbo, Had for 4 years am quite satisfied, Went to Flinders Ranges 2008 towing 17′ camper was a breeze. Rocky is getting tired and gearbox needs attention, not likely to be towing that size again maybe my tool trailer is all. Have been looking for a fair price 4b as I do a lot of off the main track travels. Everything I have looked at is so far over priced from Nissan Patrols Troopies and everything else, am ready to give the GW a look in. at least and prepared to wait for a diesel model if I decide to take the plunge. It does come down to the $ especially if it can’t be written down as a work vehicle.
Will post my response after I have driven.
Can’t believe anyone would even consider this Chinese crap.
According to industry statistics, 273 Great Wall utes were sold in Australia in July. Quite good figures for first month sales and a limited dealer network I’d say.
ahahahahahahahahahaha. this is hilarious. if you look at their website, it’s like they’ve designed their cars by looking at pictures of other ones.
see if you can spot the nissan rip-offs, the holden rodeo with a subaru forester front end, and (my favourite until i saw the attempted-Cayenne front on the white ute above) the wholly original concept of a Toyota Hilux with a different badge…
ah well, i guess we’re one step away from getting the Lolls Loyce imported…
It is really irrelevant whether the Great Wall utes are copy design, as long as it is value for money for consumers (us), we should be happy. Value for money should be how this ute is to be judged.
Hilux’s are heaps better than these cheap underpowered plastic buckets, that arent even cheap, in aus. atm hilux’s are cheap coz mining companies are buying any utes…
170kw turbo diesel dual cab hilux > 32k
and yes you could buy a triton or ranger or navara but the hiluxs are the pick of the bunch…
if money is no limit, buy a TRD….
Great Advertising, how much are you being paid?
Very good value for money ute (v240)
peoples opinions have no merit unless they have actually purchased one of these.
I WANT TO START BY SAYING THAT 75% OF THE ITEMS IN OUR HOUSE IS MADE OR HAVE SOME CONNECTION TO CHINA…
I think the importers made the wrong decision .
they should have imported the single cab , or extra cab . as their market is the companies that require a cheap vehicle to do the labour and not a “sport ute ” family style , I do not see any of the families buying this vehicle but as i said before “only companies and trade personel who need another cheapie on the road ”
I just came back from South africa where the indian TATA have taken the country by storm for the reason stated above , and they share the road with the Merc’s BM’s and Bentley’s .
Cheap Vehicle for work …
(
Admittedly chinese cars are crap as has been pointed in the posts here ad nauseum. But they are ambitious. They hope to get into the world scene, which is a tough nut to crack … having to contend with emissions, crash tests, IPR, etc. But they are not standing still tho, they are gaining valueable experience by selling in 3rd world markets like South America, Africa and Australia, before attempting the more lucrative markets of Europe and America.
Uuuuuhm, are you saying Australia is 3rd world?
In some respects, actually yes.
Get into the world scene? China are the second largest car producing nation in the world. Only Japan stands in their way and selling cars globally will certainly challenge the Japanese for manufacturing numbers. Quality will follow, believe me.
Just saw one today at the Royal Adelaide Show. Looks and Interior are great. I like the 240 Nose. You can tell it’s not Toyota or Ford. I couldn’t care if they copy the design from NASA. Clearly some people here have not seen the vehicle. Obviously some people here are anti China imports. Maybe you people can stick to buying over priced American and Jap cars and feed at least one selfish and greedy economy. I am going for a test drive next week. If I like the drive, I am buying one.
Of course Australia is 3rd world country. At least China can feed its own people and make almost everything they need. Australia can’t even make a plasma TV or Airconditioning. And even worse, lots of Aussies believe Aus. makes much better cars than China even before they’ve touched the Chinese cars. This is a typical 3rd world country way of thinking – just like North Korea.
China has built nuclear power stations 20 years ago and has sent satellite into space in 1960’s. What make you believe Great Wall will never beat Holden? (by the way, isn’t holden American cars which are only assembled in Australia?)
+1 for BQ.
I’m sure 80% of people who speaks in here never ever touched the GWM, they are just talking based on their imaginations. Those people who was bitching out there, it’s not the right time for bitching yet. Just look around in your house and get an idea what you have is made in Australia? If you didn’t find any, then second question you are going to ask yourself is, are we qualified to whine here?
Australians should really ask themself, “Can we make a car?”. Oh yes, there’s Holden out there, not to mention the ownership of American GM, but apart of Commodore, all other models from Holden are either Korean Dawooe or Opel from Europ, and Holden’s truck and 4WD has always been a Isuzu with a Holden face. Only thing Holden does is fit 4 wheels on the car, and nail their pretty bedge on it. Even the so called “Australian made” Commodore is a American car assembled in Australia and it was running on a old school TOYOTA engine for 10 years.
Guys, save some beer money and buy a $900 ticket from Qantas and fly to China to have a look because you guys have totally no ideas about Chinese cars.
BOTH the V220 and V240 utes have as standard equipment; a single, “hazard-warning triangle” constructed to European/UN specification (a triangle and safety vest is mandatory in EU & ROC markets). The supplied triangle is *not* a junk item either.
In the V220; the warning triangle is located UNDER the rear seat.
In the V240; the warning triangle is located BEHIND the rear seat backrest. See the yellow label.
http://www.nbntv.com.au/index......de-safety/
I wasn’t meant to offense anyone, my point was, never say anything if you don’t know about it. It’s a common human nature that people always follows other people’s thinging when they don’t know about it. My suggestion is, go to the dealer and test drive one.
I have to say Chinese cars were so crap 10 years ago, I woldn’t even touch one when I was in China. But hey, if you are the owner of a manufacture, you always try hard to improve your product wouldn’t you? I saw the change of the automotive industry in China over the years and the fact is, the big brand such as VW, TOYOTA, Honda, GM family brands etc had to reduce their car price in the Chinese market by more than 40%, becaus they are losing the market very quickly due to Chinese made cars are quickly catching up.
My brother in China law is a TAXI driver, he owned a Chery A5(which Ateco is bring into Australia sometime later) for 3 years which runs 24 hours per day on the road, the car had clocked over 350000kms and there were no major issues at all.