The Cannon Alpha is available as a Lux or in Ultra grade. The latter is also offered with an optional hybrid powertrain, in lieu of the standard turbo-diesel engine.

Standard kit includes LED headlights, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, powered and heated front seats, a 360-degree view camera, a 12.3-inch digital instrumentation cluster, a large central touchscreen, automatic parking, side steps, front and rear parking sensors and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Ultra adds a panoramic sunroof, leather trim, massaging front seats with memory, heated and vented second-row seats, a front diff lock and more.

A head-up display, heated steering wheel, a 10-speaker premium audio upgrade, ambient lighting and powered rear seats are part of the Ultra Hybrid spec.

The Cannon Alpha’s interior is larger and roomier than most medium-sized dual-cab utes, with ample space for five. Fit and finish is excellent, with attention to detail highlighting the premium aspirations GWM has for the Cannon Alpha.

The dash has a modern symmetry to it, defined by its large central touchscreen, with a row of elegant toggle switchgear below and an electronic instrument panel to the right, ahead of the driver.

Plus points include good all-round vision due to the surround-view cameras and deep side windows, along with the lofty seating position.

Storage is plentiful and ventilation is excellent.

However, accessing some of the vehicle’s functions through the touchscreen can be a fiddly and distracting experience.

The back seat is also roomy, with a reclinable bench and all the amenities one might expect, including air vents, storage, grab handles, overhead lighting and access to USB ports. Some grades also offer a sliding back window panel for extra ventilation.

The TD uses a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine.

The Hybrid, meanwhile has a 180kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, paired to a 78kW/268Nm electric motor, for combined power and torque outputs of 255kW and 648Nm respectively.

Drive is channelled to either the rear or both axles via a nine-speed automatic transmission. There are your usual 2WD and 4WD high and low ranges, as well as several drive modes.

The Cannon Alpha is a five-seater dual-cab ute, with two up front and a three-row bench in the back. There is storage hidden within the backrest, while the latter also folds to reveal a bit more behind against the firewall.

One unique Alpha aspect is that the rear bench also reclines, up to 33 degrees. In the Ultra Hybrid grade, this is done electrically.

The Cannon Alpha diesel goes from standstill to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in around 11 seconds, on the way to a top speed of about 180km/h.

The Cannon Alpha hybrid goes from standstill to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in about 8.0 seconds, on the way to a top speed of about 180km/h.

The Cannon Alpha Turbo Diesel averages 8.9L/100km, for a carbon dioxide rating of 234g/km. Filling its 78L tank with diesel offers up to 875km of range.

Capable of operating on standard 91 RON unleaded petrol, the Cannon Alpha Hybrid's official consumption figure is 9.8L per 100km.

This translates to a carbon dioxide emissions rating of 225g/km.

Fitted with an 80-litre fuel tank, this should mean an average of over 815km between refills.