2022 GWM Ute Cannon-L review - Long-term owner

Multimedia and safety technology: 9/10

Amazing value, especially in terms of the tech! A 360-degree camera view with high quality screen resolution, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, heated seats, front and rear parking sensors and Apple CarPlay, all for $40 grand or thereabouts. You just can’t beat it (although the sound system needs a bit of an upgrade).

Practicality: 8/10

Externally this thing is a dream, easy to park with the front and rear parking sensors and the 360-degree camera system. Internally it’s roomy with plenty of space and comfort for above average-sized people, up front and in the back seat. Plus it’s a ute. Take the family out on Sunday and go to work on Monday... in comfort.

Driving: 7/10

You sit up high with good vision and the ride is okay. But you have to take into account it's a ute, not a luxury vehicle. The driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert come in handy. It is a four-pot, 2.0-litre diesel. I bought it new and I’m happy, but if GWM brings its twin-turbo V6 to Australia, in a ute… well, I might consider my options. ;)

Running costs: 8/10

Fuel economy is pretty good at approx 8.0 litres per 100km. Capped price servicing is appealing compared to the competition. Some people are investing big dollars tricking them up but I’m happy with a couple of modest mods like adding a drivers grab handle to the A-pillar, installing internal rear lights, upgrading the reversing light (the standard one isn't the greatest) and improving the sound system.

Reliability: 7/10

So far so good, I’m only at 18000km but in the social media forums there are people pulling big caravans and the likes and getting into six figure categories on the speedo. The diesel particulate filter system is good and bad. It allows for DIY regenerative burns, but when the time comes that the car suggests a burn it can throttle back responsiveness which is frustrating and dangerous in certain situations. Aside from the DPF, the GWM Cannon ute is brilliant.