Huge range expansion coming for GWM Ute

GWM Australia is primed and ready to back up the recent introduction of its GWM Ute Cannon cab-chassis line-up with a barrage of new ute variants, from single-cab load-lugging commercials to a decked-out off-road hero aimed at the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X and Nissan Navara PRO-4X Warrior.

We know this because official homologation data for 15 new GWM Ute variants – including the latest cab-chassis – has just been published by the federal government, foreshadowing a rapid expansion of the Chinese brand’s local workhorse range by the end of this year.

There’s still no sign of the bigger and more exuberant GWM Shanhai Cannon due here around Christmas, but there’s news on just about everything else the discerning ute buyer could ask for, especially if they’re on a budget.

None of the just-homologated variants are listed with their showroom variant names, however, they are all shown alongside an image of their specific body type and configuration, suggesting the local GWM Ute line-up could expand to more than 20 different variants – compared to the current eight.

These accompanying images and the internal product codes indicate a bevy of new ute variants are coming, specifically including 4x2 and 4x4 single-cab pick-ups, 4x2 and 4x4 single-cab/chassis, 4x2 and 4x4 dual-cab/chassis, 4x2 and 4x4 dual-cab pick-ups and a dedicated 4x4 dual-cab off-road flagship.

All these configurations besides the auto-only range-topper are listed with both a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic transmission, and all are powered by the same 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine as the current line-up.

Stopping duties are taken care of by disc brakes on all configurations, something that will lend the fleet and tradie-spec versions a key advantage over the established single-cab, super-cab and twin-cab Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Nissan Navara offerings.

Delving into the unknown for our market (until now), the single-cab ute versions are listed as having a maximum payload of 1205kg across all drive configurations – 155kg more than the dual-cab versions and 75kg more than the dual cab chassis – and measure a huge 5665mm from nose to tail, making them 255mm longer than the standard dual-cab, 240mm of which is found between the axles.

Tare weights for the single-cab/chassis versions – which retain the standard 3234mm wheelbase – aren’t included in the data, but they do have a maximum GVM of between 2965kg and 3070kg depending on the drivetrain.

These more utilitarian offerings can be differentiated from their more passenger-oriented stablemates by their unique front fascia, which does away with the latter’s chrome bling and fancy headlights in favour of a much simpler, no-frills arrangement.

Maximum braked towing capacity across the new configurations and variants is pegged at the same segment-lagging 3000kg as existing GWM Ute variants, however, the flagship ‘Off-Road’ tough-truck once again breaks that mould and can only tow an indicated 2250kg.

Having been on sale in China for a while now, the pumped-up Ute can be spotted a mile away courtesy of its redesigned black grille, steel bumpers, factory snorkel, black wheel-arch extensions, wider tracks, Vanta-style sports bar, unique 18-inch alloys and the chunkier all-terrain rubber encompassing them.

It isn’t clear why this particular Ute can’t tow as much as the others, but we do know it features upgraded suspension with more ground clearance and travel, front and rear locking differentials as standard, beefier underbody protection, multiple off-road driving modes, tank-turn function and even an integrated winch.

All of these additions have predictably added to the Ute’s tare weight, with this particular version weighing in at 2045kg.

‘Running clearance’ is officially listed at 228mm – 34mm more than the standard dual-cab 4x4s – while its indicated 1105kg payload bucks the traditional trend of hero utes skimping on their workhorse abilities.

GWM Australia would not say exactly when the expanded GWM Ute range will be available Down Under. However, we understand the facelifted version shown at the Shanghai auto show has no bearing or relevance to our market at this stage.

"I can confirm that a number of additional GWM Ute models are under consideration for us here in Australia," said GWM Australia spokesperson Steve Maciver.

"The Ute has become one of GWM’s best-selling models with just one dual-cab body style until the recent release of the dual-cab/chassis.

"It’s no secret that the popularity of Utes continue to grow. And like any segment in which we have the option to add new models to meet demand, it’s something we’ll look at.
In regards to being able to confirm local launches, it’s too early at this stage. But, watch this space…"

Regardless of when or which versions arrive in local showrooms and in what order, GWM is about to take a monumental step forward in its pursuit of sales and leave both of its challenger-brand rivals – SsangYong and LDV – in its wake in terms of sheer range diversity.

For reference, both SsangYong and LDV only offer dual-cab pick-ups, albeit each with their own extended-wheelbase versions.

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