Farmers need them, tradesmen use them and dogs love riding on the back of them... there's no denying the ute is an Aussie icon.
But now China wants a piece of the action and is selling utes on the Australian market for around one third less than its popular competitors.
Great Wall Motors has become the first Chinese-made car to sell in Australia, with three models on offer as some of the cheapest options around:
2.2L 4 Cylinder Dual Cab Ute 4x2 Manual: $19,990
2.4L 4 Cylinder Dual Cab Ute 4x2 Manual: $23,990
2.4L 4 Cylinder Dual Cab Ute 4x4 Manual: $26,990
They are cheap. But what about safety and value?
Pros
Standard equipment includes air conditioning, alloy wheels, leather seats, electric windows
Three year/100,000km warranty
GWM is the largest privately owned carmaker in China
Importer Ateco also imports Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Ferrari, Fiat, Maserati
Cons
Older style drum brakes fitted to rear axles
Old, blocky appearance
GWM SA220 has no airbags or anti-lock brakes and is only rear-wheel drive (unless you get the pricier 4WD model)
None of the GWM utes have been independently crash tested in Australia yet
The Australian Automobile Association confirmed to ACA online that crash tests on the GWM have not been conducted yet as part of their Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) but have scheduled tests "for the near future".
