ATN #418

Cannon-L’s straight-line advantage is
down to the more closely-stacked ratios of
its eight-speed automatic, as the Musso’s
engine feels stronger with a wider spread
of available grunt.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Let us be clear that the GWM Ute is a
massive, massive step forward from Great
Wall’s previous offerings and is now on
the cusp of competitiveness. It has plenty
of showroom appeal, thanks to a modern
exterior and interior styling, plenty of
features and a strong warranty.
However, from behind the wheel, the
compromises inherent in the GWM’s
eye-popping price quickly become clear;
in terms of ride, refinement, performance
and dynamics, it still lags well behind even
a base Triton, which isn’t a million miles
away in terms of price.
The Ssangyong performs better, on-road
at least. If you need to carry big people
or big stuff, then the XLV offers heaps of
metal for the money, but the standardwheelbase
Musso is perhaps a better
bet for most, its lighter weight improving
performance and its coil-sprung rear end
offering better ride and handling.
In reality, these two don’t compete
with the established players in the new
market but instead with second-hand
examples. For example, $35,000 gets you
a six- or seven-year-old Hilux or Ranger
with almost 200,000km on the clock, and
while, to be honest, those vehicles are
probably still objectively superior, there is
a lot to be said for a brand new car with
up-to-date safety and technology as well
as a seven-year warranty.
If that describes your buying situation,
grab the Ssangyong.
Above: The Ute’s traction control system is reasonable and hill descent
control worked well compared to the Musso
Opposite: Ssangyong’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty covers
even commercial use
SPECS
GWM Ute Cannon-L
BODY
four-door, five-seat ute
DRIVE
all-wheel drive
ENGINE
1,996cc inline-four-cylinder
diesel, DOHC, 16v, turbo
BORE/STROKE
83.1 x 92mm
COMPRESSION
16.2:1
POWER
120kW @ 3,600rpm
TORQUE
400Nm @ 1,500–2,500rpm
FUEL ECONOMY
9.4L/100km
0-100KM/H
11.38 seconds (tested)
WEIGHT
2,045kg
POWER/WEIGHT
61kW/tonne
TRANSMISSION
eight-speed automatic
TOWING
3,000kg (braked)
L/W/H
5,410/1,934/1,886mm
WHEELBASE
3,230mm
TRACKS
1,580mm (f/r)
SUSPENSION
double-wishbone, coil
springs; leaf springs (r)
STEERING
electrically-assisted rackand-pinion
WHEELS
18 x 7.5-inch (f/r)
TYRES
265/60 R18 108 H (f/r)
Cooper Discoverer HTS
PRICE
$37,990 driveaway
FULLYLOADED.COM.AU July 2021 ATN 83