Building Connection Summer 2016

82 / 92

8 2 B U I L D I N G CO N N E C T I O N S UMM E R 2 0 16
Chinese brand Great Wall Motors has made a comeback to the
Australian marketplace with the launch of its new-generation
one-tonne utility – now known as the Steed – which is pitched
squarely at budget-conscious tradespeople.
Three variants are available at launch: a 4x2 petrol priced from
$25,990 plus on-road costs, a 4x2 diesel from $27,990 and a 4x4
diesel from $30,990 – although for a limited time the company is
offering all three with drive-away pricing and with $1000 taken
from the RRP.
There is no automatic gearbox available and the only body style
at launch is a dual cab utility with a boxed rear end.
Value for money is a key selling point, with standard safety
equipment in the single-spec Steed running to six airbags
(including full-length side curtain airbags), Bosch-developed
electronic stability control, hill-start assist, a tyre pressure
monitoring system, automatic headlights/wipers, daytime running
lamps and front fog lamps, rear parking sensors, and ABS brakes
with electronic brake-force distribution and brake assist.
Creature comforts include Comfort-Tek faux leather
upholstery, heated front seats, six-way electric-adjustable
driver’s seat, cruise control, six-speaker stereo with radio/CD/
MP5 functionality and Bluetooth phone connectivity, USB/aux
ports, a multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-
dimming rear-view mirror, electric windows/mirrors and climate
control air-conditioning.
The Steed is also fitted standard with side steps, a stainless-
steel sports bar, fully lined cargo bed and 16” alloy wheels (with a
full-size steel spare) shod with 235/70-section tyres.
The petrol engine is a 2.4L ‘4G69S4N’ unit developing 100kW
of power at 5250rpm and 205Nm of torque at 2500rpm. It drives
the rear wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox and
official figures indicate combined-cycle fuel consumption of 12.4L
per 100km.
The oil-burner is a 2.0L ‘GW4D20B’ common-rail turbo-diesel
producing 110kW at 4000rpm and 310Nm from 1800-2800rpm,
working in tandem with a six-speed manual transmission and
capable of fuel economy of 9.0L/100km on the combined test
cycle. The 4x4 includes a BorgWarner-sourced transfer case.
Compared to the previous V-series ute sold here, Great Wall’s
new-generation workhorse is 305mm longer at 5345mm – the
new front grille design is responsible for 150mm – and 30mm
higher at 1760mm (ground clearance is 171mm), while maximum
width is 1800mm.
The tray is now 155mm longer at 1545mm, and measures
1460mm wide and 480mm deep. The Steed’s payload is squarely
at the one-tonne mark (between 1010kg and 1022kg, depending
on the variant) while a braked towing capacity of up to 2000kg is
available. Typical workhorse ute underpinnings include a ladder-
frame chassis, independent double wishbone front suspension
and a solid axle with leaf springs at the rear.
The range is backed by a three-year/100,000km warranty and
three years’ roadside assistance, with a national retail network of
around 50 dealers at last count.
Great Wall Motors
Great Wall Steed