Great Wall's new Steed trots in

Pioneering Chinese ute brand Great Wall has landed the long-overdue replacement for its discontinued V-Series budget utes, the Steed, as you can see by this first image of an Australian-spec version.

The first shipment of Steed dual-cabs has now arrived Down Under ahead of the model's local launch in early September, when it will revive China's top-selling utility brand here, where Great Wall has been dormant for 18 months.

Following a protracted legal battle with former importer Ateco Automotive, new factory-backed distributor Great Wall Motors Australia says it is ready to release three dual-cab variants of the Steed, including 4x4 diesel, 4x2 diesel and 4x2 petrol.

Every Steed will come standard with a one-tonne payload, stability/traction control and six airbags.

While diesel versions will come with a 102kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, all models will come with a six-speed manual transmission and 16-inch alloy wheels.

Options will include an alloy sports bar and side steps, as you can see from the 4x4 model pictured here.

GWMA managing director Parker Shi said 50 dealers are already signed up to represent the brand – well down on the 90 that previously did so but enough to provide nationwide coverage from launch.

“The dealers have been impressed by the new Steed and our commitment to customers," he said.

"We are determined to offer new levels of customer service. We have already been overwhelmed by the positive response from many of the existing customers to the new Great Wall Australia organisation."

Pricing is yet to be announced but it remains to be seen whether the Steed matches the $22,990 drive-away starting price of Great Wall's old V-Series dual-cab, which first arrived in Australia in 2009.

"We will launch with a three-model line-up boasting a rugged new design, high levels of safety, one-tonne payload and very attractive price points for Australian customers," said Shi.

“The line-up will include three dual cab versions – a 4x4 diesel, 4x2 diesel and 4x2 petrol – with ESP and six airbags standard on all three models.

“They will all come with a long list of creature comforts, including cruise control, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control air-conditioning and heated front seats.”