2025
Automatic
Tax: n/a
Mileage: 2,500
Diesel
New Chinese auto brands are known for cutting-edge new EV tech. But they do old school engineering too. Like you get in big diesel pick-ups, specifically in this case this one, the GWM POER300. GWM, you'd be forgiven for not knowing, is 'Great Wall Motors', who already import two vehicles here, the ORA 03 EV supermini and the Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid family hatch. Between 2012 and 2016, they also imported into the UK a pick-up called the Great Wall Steed and this POER300 is essentially the delayed replacement for that model. It sells, badged differently, in various overseas markets (in Australia for instance, it's called the 'Cannon Ute'). The POER badge used here means 'power'. Can this model muscle in at the budget end of the pick-up market? Let's see.
Pick-up customers looking at new models have had to go through a lot recently with the ending of government tax breaks, the result of which is that the purchase of such a light truck suddenly seems a much more expensive undertaking. A good time then perhaps for GWM to be marketing what they reckon is the best value choice in the segment. Certainly, value is the key thing that might draw you to a POER300. It's not the cheapest choice in the class, but when you take equipment into account, you'll certainly conclude that you get a lot for your money. And GWM has managed this without compromising on the engineering attributes a working pick-up needs; a lusty 2.4-litre diesel engine; a properly capable 4x4 system; a one-tonne payload; and a 3,500kg towing capability. In future, this Chinese brand will probably bring us better pick-ups than this. But right now, we could see a small but significant bunch of buyers concluding that this one is all they really need.
