GWM Poer300 Diesel 2.4D Turbo Vanta Double CAB Pickup 4X4 Auto

Ten Second Review

Against all the odds, there are a few signs that the pick-up market is picking up. Here's a fresh contender, the GWM POER300. It's an old-school diesel pick-up with a very strong value proposition indeed.

Background

New Chinese auto brands are known for cutting-edge new EV tech. But they do old school engineering too. Like you get in big diesel pick-ups, specifically in this case this one, the GWM POER300. GWM, you'd be forgiven for not knowing, is 'Great Wall Motors', who already import two vehicles here, the ORA 03 EV supermini and the Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid family hatch. Between 2012 and 2016, they also imported into the UK a pick-up called the Great Wall Steed and this POER300 is essentially the delayed replacement for that model. It sells, badged differently, in various overseas markets (in Australia for instance, it's called the 'Cannon Ute'). The POER badge used here means 'power'. Can this model muscle in at the budget end of the pick-up market? Let's see.

Engines and Tech Spec

You might expect an EV drivetrain from an emerging Chinese brand in this segment - as was the case at launch from rivals Maxus. But no, beneath the bonnet of the POER300 beats an old-school four cylinder 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine with 181bhp and 460Nm of torque. 0-62mph takes 11s and top speed is 99mph. You can only have this model with a nine-speed auto gearbox and this truck has a 3,500kg braked towing capacity which is un-bettered in the segment. Don't expect anything other than the usual fairly crude standard of pick-up ride thanks to the leaf-spring rear suspension. GWM makes big claims for off-road capability too. As you'd expect, there's a full-time 4x4 system with low range capability. There are specific drive modes for snow, mud and sand and an electronic locking rear differential. The off-road stats look decent - 230mm of ground clearance, a 27-degree approach angle and 25-degree departure angle.

Design and Build

From the outside, the POER300's look is Far Eastern-generic; you might initially identify it as a Maxus T60 or a KGM Musso. There's a double cab-only body shape of course. Top versions get the usual pick-up add-ons and all POERs ride on 18-inch wheels. It looks ready for the rough, with a decent 230mm of ground clearance. It's pretty Far East and generic inside too, with faux leather seats, a 7-inch drivers display and a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen. That latter monitor features voice control and wireless 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' 'phone-mirroring. Plus an app vehicle function control set-up and a six-speaker DAB audio system with adaptive volume control. GWM also provides front and rear USB ports and an auxiliary power outlet. There are plenty wipe-clean surfaces and everything looks decently built to last. Rear cabin space conforms to the double cab pick-up norm, which means it's OK for adults on short-to-medium journeys. On anything longer, you'd start to be troubled by the upright backrests. The decent 3,230mm wheelbase length means reasonable leg space.

Market and Model

GWM wanted from around £31,500 for this POER300 at the time of its original UK launch - that's for the base 'Lux' version. You'll need well over £3,000 more for mid-level 'Ultra' trim - and around £37,000 for the top 'Vanta' version (around £2,000 more than a rival Maxus T60 which only comes in a single high spec). GWM hopes you'll be impressed with the kit levels on offer. Base 'Lux' trim includes LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, power-folding mirrors, front smart entry, rear parking sensors with a park assist function and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist. Rhere's also an extensive list of safety and ADAS features. These include auto emergency brake, rear collision warning, Lane keep assist, lane change assist, a Blind spot Monitor, a driver fatigue monitor system and trailer sway mitigation. Plus there are centre and curtain airbags. Inside with base spec, there's leatherette seats, a 7-inch driver information display, climate control air conditioning and a wireless 'phone charger pad. Media connectivity's taken care of by a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' and voice command. If you can stretch to the mid-range 'Ultra' version, GWM will add a sunroof, front parking sensors, a tailgate step, rear privacy glass, and a 360-degree surround view camera. While inside, the brand will add leather upholstery, heating ventilation for the front seats, a six-way power adjustable driver seat, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and an auto-dimming rear view mirror. Top 'Vanta' trim further adds a black-themed pack, with that colour featuring on the wheels, the mirror covers, the fixed side steps, the door handles, the front grille and brand badge, the wheel arches and the sports bar.

Practicalities and Costs

The POER300's cargo bay measures 1,520 by 1,520mm and can take a one-tonne payload. Unfortunately, the base-spec version does without the useful fold-out step into the load bay that you get with other variants. As we told you in our 'Driving' section, this pick-up can tow up to 3,500kg. Fuel economy is rated at 32.6mpg on the combined cycle (about 4mpg better than a rival Maxus T60); and CO2 emissions are rated at around 205g/km. There's plenty of ownership peace of mind too, with a five year / 125,000 mile warranty. Plus a 5 year 60,000 mile paint warranty and a 6 year unlimited mileage anti-corrosion warranty. There's a year's breakdown cover provided by GWM Mobility Assistance in association with the AA.

Summary

Pick-up customers looking at new models have had to go through a lot recently with the ending of government tax breaks, the result of which is that the purchase of such a light truck suddenly seems a much more expensive undertaking. A good time then perhaps for GWM to be marketing what they reckon is the best value choice in the segment. Certainly, value is the key thing that might draw you to a POER300. It's not the cheapest choice in the class, but when you take equipment into account, you'll certainly conclude that you get a lot for your money. And GWM has managed this without compromising on the engineering attributes a working pick-up needs; a lusty 2.4-litre diesel engine; a properly capable 4x4 system; a one-tonne payload; and a 3,500kg towing capability. In future, this Chinese brand will probably bring us better pick-ups than this. But right now, we could see a small but significant bunch of buyers concluding that this one is all they really need.