First overseas drive: GWM Ute Cannon Alpha

GWM’s flagship Cannon Alpha ute has only just arrived in Australia, but already the Chinese brand is looking to add to the local line-up with a high-performance plug-in on the cards.

If given the green light, the Alpha PHEV will join the initial diesel and mild hybrid petrol versions taking the family to three options and, as it could beat Ford’s Ranger plug-in to the punch, gain another first for the brand.

We were offered a chance to drive a pair of as-yet unconfirmed Alpha variants at GWM’s impressive proving ground in China to see if either might complement the Cannon line-up Down Under.

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V6

In China and other selected markets, GWM offers a version of the Alpha powered by the company’s mighty twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, posing potentially the only powertrain that could take the shine off Ford’s largely unchallenged Raptor.

With the same capacity than the Raptor and 3.0 litres, the GWM engine produces 260kW and 500Nm, and despite a hefty mass to haul, the most potent Alpha’s performance is impressive, albeit not quite enough to match the Raptor’s 292kW/583Nm.

There’s a little more lag than expected stepping off the line but once the brace of turbos have spooled and the transmission understands what the right toe wants, the Cannon leaps forward with great force.

Straight line speed is just one product but we suspect the variant would make a stoic towing companion calling on the readily available torque and a transmission that’s been calibrated to strike a good balance of both loaded and unladen work.

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Aside from its notable performance, the V6 version we sampled also showcased a more playful colour scheme and design.

While the versions coming to Australia are thought to be in a range of more conservative tones, GWM rolled out a version of the Alpha dressed up in bright metallic turmeric golden paint with contrasting pumpkin flesh yellow and black interior.

On the outside it also gets a number of embellishments to set apart from lesser variants such as a plastic bonnet bulge, similar treatment for the tailgate, and extra cooling vents in the grille.

Our test version had also been treated to a few optional extras to complete the flagship look such as bull bar with subtly integrated winch, snorkel, and chunky sidesteps that double as rock racks.

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We’re certain a version tailored for Australia would find a strong audience especially given the demand for both high-power utes as well as modified and toughened off-road rigs.

Unfortunately the official word at this stage is that the V6 turbo version won’t be coming to Australia. According to the company, as the various manufacturers look to reduce carbon emissions through engine downsizing, a big turbo petrol is not a good look or fit.

However, there is one option that might offer a happy medium.

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Hi4-T 2.4T PHEV

GWM has become the first brand to introduce a hybrid ute with the Cannon Alpha Ultra arriving this month, but it’s already considering giving the Ford Ranger PHEV a rival with a 2.4-litre petrol plug in version on the cards.

Like the freshly arrived hybrid, the PHEV version the Alpha PHEV is larger than a Ford Ranger but smaller than an F-150, for example, but has a turbocharged 2.4-litre petrol four-cylinder under its big bonnet along with a small battery to feed two electric motors.

With the combustion and electric units working in unison, the 2.4 is a little laggy from a standing start but a short wait is followed by excellent acceleration.

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Once rolling, the power is abundant and the Alpha has surprising reserves with very good torque characteristics.

Like the other Alpha variants, the steering is light but responsive and although the ride is overly firm and a little crashing over lumps and imperfections, the handling is reasonably good for one of the largest dual-cabs on the market.

Another advantage in addition to plug-in hybrid efficiency is the associated noise vibration and harshness (NVH) benefits. The cabin of the PHEV is unusually quiet for a ute and it’s unusual to spend time in a dual-cab without the clatter of a diesel engine.

On the contrary, the Alpha PHEV has a satisfying note when forced to work hard, and a smooth quietness when given an easier time.

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Like the V6, we suspect the decent electric torque paired with tractable petrol power would provide the basis for a competent towing vehicle.

The interior also shares the same blend of decent materials and likeable design of the rest of the Alpha range along with good ergonomics.

We didn’t have enough time to get fully acquainted with the various information and entertainment features, but if the version that’s arrived in Australia is anything to go by, you get a lot for your money.

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Features such as wireless device charging and heated seats for the second row passengers are almost unique in the market and will no doubt boost the model’s appeal in Australia if given the green light.

For now though, the 2.4 remains on the wish list for local showrooms if not confirmed at the time of writing.

That said, GWM has ambitious growth plans in Australia with a busy launch schedule planned over the next few years and, in addition to the confirmed future models, the Tank 700, Tank 400, Haval H9 and Ora Sport are all under consideration for introduction.