It launched here earlier this year in solitary high-spec Luxury grade in 4x4 dual cab pick-up form, and priced from $43,490.
The Luxury badging brings more standard features to the table compared to its predecessor. This includes 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a tailgate damper strut, that smoothly lowers the tailgate, rather than it crashing down into place. At its asking price the well-appointed Cannon is one of the best value-for-money AWD double cabs in its class.
The big news is the significant powertrain, design, technology improvements, and premium interior. A larger 2.4-litre turbo-diesel, generating class-leading 3500kg towing capacity, make it far more competitive with its Japanese rivals, especially when you lob its seven-year new vehicle warranty into the mix.
This Cannon is loaded with an impressive features such as a new generation selectable intelligent all-terrain drive modes with normal, eco, sport, snow, mud, and sand. Activated via a centrally located dial, the BorgWarner transfer case ups the traction, stability, and performance ante. It’s helped in that department by an electronic rear differential delivering enhanced off-road capability.
A visual refresh adds more muscular wheel arches, sculpted bonnet lines, and a wider more purposeful stance.
The standard Cannon is powered by GWM’s 2.4-litre single turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, delivering 135kW of power and 480Nm of torque. That figure equals the Mitsubishi Triton ute twin turbo diesel, and is 40Nm more than the just launched and much hyped Kia Tasman ute. It delivers a smoother driving experience and enhanced power delivery across the rev range. An advanced variable geometry turbocharger reduces turbo lag while maintaining efficiency at higher speeds. Paired with GWM’s in-house 9-speed automatic, this compact unit is no larger than a standard 6-speed, and can manage up to 750Nm of torque.
This extra power and torque is well managed by the same 9-speed auto cut and pasted from the newer Cannon Alpha. It doesn’t earn a perfect 10 with the odd clunky gear change, and occasional hesitancy. Crisper cleaner gear changes would help it draw more favourable comparisons with the automatics found in most of its Japanese ute rivals.
The sumptuous feel of the passenger compartment is a reflection of the upmarket push of ute cabins. Faux leather trimmed seats strike a reasonable compromise between durability and modern sophistication. If that doesn’t convince you, then perhaps the smart blend of premium materials, including soft-touch surfaces on the dashboard and door panels, just might. This is an area where Chinese brands have really lifted their game.
The redesigned centre console offers a clean and modern layout, while a large touchscreen display enables seamless wireless connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Functional and practical elements are thoughtfully integrated, along with the smartphone charging pad with USB-A and USB-C ports for versatile charging options. Drive modes and other essential controls are easily accessible via quick buttons surrounding the console. The 7” freestanding digital driver instrument cluster features bright, clear, and streamlined and easily customisable graphics.
This ute makes a safety statement and a strong one at that, with seven airbags, reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring, ISOFIX child restraints, hill descent control and adaptive cruise control to maintain a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. Other notable safety inclusions are blind spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert with emergency braking, great when reversing out of busy carparks, and avoiding unwanted vehicle dings.
It has front double wishbone suspension and a leaf sprung rear end, the latter showing show this is a serious workhorse ute. This is no mean feat given the Cannon’s relatively unsophisticated rear suspension arrangement. With a generous 228mm of ground clearance and a well-sorted AWD system, it has what it takes to negotiate more demanding terrain. However, over rocky ground potential damage to the vehicle’s smart alloy wheels would be a concern.
The ride seems more tuned for comfort and the plush suspension feel may not appeal to traditional ute buyers, though the sharp price and seven-year warranty will.
By Bob Nettleton
