GWM Ute towing capacity lifted

The towing capacity of the just-launched GWM Ute has been increased from 2250kg to 3000kg following local durability testing.

Along with the higher towing capacity, the maximum downball weight – or tow ball load, which is the proportion of the trailer weight that can be vertically applied to the rear of the tow vehicle – of the Chinese brand’s new 4x4 dual-cab ute has also been recertified to 300kg.

The payload for the GWM Ute was previously quoted at 953kg, although model variants were not specified.

The headline 3000kg figure is an important selling point for the GWM Ute, bringing it closer to – but still in most cases leaving it 500kg behind – bigger-selling 4x4 turbo-diesel dual-cabs including the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-MAX, Nissan Navara and Mazda BT-50, all of which have a 3500kg limit.

The Mitsubishi Triton is an exception at 3100kg.

Of course, as carsales testing has shown, all manufacturers’ claims are to be treated with caution as most vehicles can’t realistically tow at their specified limit once vehicle occupants and their cargo is factored in.

GWM Australia says the increased towing capability “will make an already strong overall package even more compelling”.

A replacement for the Great Wall Steed, the all-new GWM Ute went on sale in December and the car-maker claims that “dealers have been reporting strong levels of enquiry of the GWM Ute and expect this trend to continue”.

VFACTS figures show that just over 100 examples of the GWM Ute were registered in Australia last month.

As reported, the new ute is highly specified with a raft of safety, multimedia and convenience features, a seven-year warranty (with five years of roadside assistance) and low pricing that starts from $33,990 drive-away for the entry-level GWM Ute Cannon.

The mid-series Cannon-L starts at $37,990 drive-away and the flagship Cannon-X is set at $40,990 drive-away.

Up until the end of March 2021, buyers will receive $1000 worth of factory accessories for no extra cost, while those trading in a Great Wall Steed or an SUV from sister brand Haval during the same period will also be eligible for a $1000 bonus.

All GWM Utes are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (129kW/400Nm) paired exclusively with a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission and 4x4 drivetrain.

Watch this space for our first drive of the new GWM Ute next Tuesday (January 19).