GWM UTE News

Utes are Australia’s most popular type of vehicle, but which models offer the best resale value when the time comes to selling them? CarsGuide’s analytics team crunched the numbers so that we could bring you this exclusive report. 

The GWM Cannon is now a more serious contender than ever.

If you want a big beefy engine under the bonnet of your dual-cab, it might be now or never.

GWM has cleared the way for a beefed up version of its dual-cab ute.An updated version of the Ute Cannon has been approved for sale by the Federal Government with a new 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine and nine-speed automatic combination.Details lodged with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts showed the new engine ups power to 135kW, but torque hasn’t been revealed.Overseas this engine pumps out 135kW and 480Nm, which is likely to carry over to Australia.The extra grunt elevates the Ute Cannon’s braked towing capacity from 3200kg to the benchmark 3500kg, matching rivals such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Kia Tasman and Isuzu D-Max.This new engine will only be available on top-end variants with four-wheel drive and a nine speed auto transmission.Cheaper variants maintain the current 120kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel motor that is fitted with either an eight-speed auto or six-speed manual transmission.The new engine is expected to be paired with a range of interior upgrades, too.This includes a 7.0-inch digital driver display, a 12.3-inch multimedia screen, in-built dash cam, redesigned centre console and wireless device charger.GWM has reportedly improved the cabin experience by vastly improving the sound insulation.It also has slightly revised styling with big GWM embossed lettering on the tailgate in place of the GWM badge.Expect to see the updated GWM Ute in dealerships early next year.The Ute’s 2.4-litre is one of the smaller capacity engines in the local ute market, but this is expected to become the norm as the federal government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) takes effect next year. Car makers will be fined for every vehicle they sell that produces CO2 over a certain level. This CO2 threshold will get lower every year.Isuzu has just revealed a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that is likely to replace the 3.0-litre unit currently powering top-end D-Max utes and MU-X 4WDs.Ford is rumoured to be dropping the bi-turbo diesel engine in favour of a single turbo unit found in the current entry-level Ranger.These moves are expected to help those vehicles avoid penalties for a few years and prolong their life in Australia.

The Australian Government has issued a recall notice affecting 2872 units of the GWM Ute Cannon sold from 2023 over concerns a manufacturing defect could lead to fuel leaks.A statement from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts said: “During the installation of the diesel fuel filter assembly, the incorrect lubricant type was used on the fuel filter sealing rubber ‘O-ring’.“As a result, the sealing may reduce over time, allowing fuel to leak from the filter housing. Fuel leak in the presence of an external ignition source could result in a vehicle fire.”The Department said vehicle fires can increase the risk of severe injury, death and property damage for vehicle occupants and bystanders.Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted by GWM in writing requesting they schedule an appointment at their nearest GWM dealer to have their vehicle's O-ring replaced, free of charge.Owners can see whether their vehicle is impacted by checking their VIN number here.

GWM upgrades its popular ute overseas, but there's no word yet on when its new engine and upgraded interior tech will launch in Australia.

I’ve road-tested 48 cars this year alone and I’ve seen the weird, the wonderful and everything in between. So, out of all of the cars I’ve been fortunate to be in, these were my favourites (in no particular order).

We've already looked at the top five most-powerful petrol cars under $80K and the five EVs offering the most power for your dollar, but now it's time for the diesels to shine and we've added a twist.

The launch of Ford’s latest-generation Ranger Raptor in September 2022 was greeted with a level of wild exuberance the likes of which I’ve never witnessed before.

GWM's top 10 aspirations could come to fruition this year, as sales surge off strong supply, expanding range, and keen pricing.