GWM launches Poer 300 in UK as diesel pick-up for £31k

Great Wall Motor (GWM), maker of the Ora 03 hatchback and Haval Jolion Pro crossover, is bringing a pick-up truck to the UK - and it will be one of the country's cheapest.

The GWM Poer 300 is a diesel-powered double-cab with a towing capacity of 3.5 tonnes, a one-tonne payload and a starting price of £31,495 (excluding VAT) - making it cheaper than the equivalent versions of the Isuzu D-Max, Volkswagen Amarok and Maxus T60 Max - and only a few hundred pounds more than the cheapest Ford Ranger and KGM Musso.

The Poer 300 uses a 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that sends 181bhp and 354lb ft through a seven-speed auto gearbox to both axles - and while GWM has not given full performance details, it says it returns 32.7mpg on the WLTP cycle.

Headline off-roading specifications include an approach angle of 27deg, a departure angle of 25deg and 230mm of ground clearance, which, combined with the permanent 4x4 system and electronic locking rear differential, means the Poer 300 has "exceptional off-road capability", according to GWM.

Already on sale in Australia as the Cannon Ute, the Poer 300 is due on UK roads from September in a choice of three trims: entry-level Lux, mid-rung Ultra and range-topping Vanta.

Standard equipment includes a 12.3in touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring, a 7.0in digital driver's display, a wireless phone charger, keyless entry, faux leather seats and 18in alloy wheels.

Options fitted to higher-spec variants include heated and ventilated seats, ambient lighting, a 360deg camera and a sunroof.

GWM UK boss Toby Marshall said: “With the Poer 300, GWM UK is delivering unmatched utility, power and technology at a very competitive price point in the UK market. 

“We fully expect the GWM Poer 300’s combination of capability and value to resonate strongly with small business users and rural dwellers, who rely on vehicles such as this as a backbone of their businesses and lifestyles.”