Great Wall V200 Ute 2011 Review

Great Wall's V240 ute has found a home in plenty of Aussie garages and driveways thanks in part to sharp pricing. Now, the reason to buy becomes stronger with a new V200TDi turbodiesel model selling alongside the V240 petrol four.

Great Wall Motors has been here for two years now and is shaping as a serious player in the light commercial vehicle market. The Chinese maker currently outsells established brands like Isuzu and others, something that is nearly certain to accelerate with the diesel's arrival.

The first shipment of V200TDis has arrived and is filtering out to Great Wall's 66 dealer network. Many have been pre-sold. Great Wall is expecting a spike in sales on the back of the diesel especially considering the light pick-up market is about 80 per cent diesel.

VALUE

The diesel V200TDi models are $2000 more than the petrol V240 with a price starting at $24,990 drive-away for the 2WD dual cab ute. Tick the 4WD box and it's a still competitive $27,990 drive-away.

TECHNOLOGY

Power comes from a 2.0-litre, DOHC turbo diesel engine(105kW/310Nm) with a variable geometry turbo matched to a six-speed manual transmission. It passes Euro 4 emissions regulations.

No auto is available but is under consideration. It uses 8.3L/100km on the combined cycle. The payload is at 1000kg (the same as the petrol V240) while towing capacity is 2000kg on both the diesel and petrol crew cab utes.

The V200TDi meets Australian government safety requirements and comes with two airbags and anti-lock brakes. Other kit includes leather upholstery, power windows and exterior mirrors, remote locking, alloy wheels and aircon'.

The Great Wall V200TDi is yet to be crash tested by ANCAP. It comes with a 3 year/100,000km warranty and 24 hour roadside assist. A loan vehicle program is available if your Great Wall is out of action for mechanical repairs.

DRIVING

We got to drive the V200TDi rear wheel drive last week and it was as expected -- a workhorse truck with a rumbling diesel engine offering good overall performance and fuel economy. The diesel has more go than the rather under-done petrol four and fuel economy is better.

Though not as well refined as other more expensive offerings in the market, the V200TDi undercuts all of them by $6,500-12,000 comparing apples to apples. The tray is a decent size and there's plenty of rear seat room for three. It whizzes along the freeway with minimal fuss and has enough get-up under foot to put traffic well behind you.

We like the new front styling and overall, the V200TDi's appearance won't offend anyone. For a tradie on a budget (and who isn't) the Great Wall V200TDi is a value for money argument. If you want a Toyota, stump up the extra $12 grand and keep smiling.