Running up against the Toyota Hilux is a bit like being in a Marvel movie: Thanos just ain’t easy to beat. The tight pick-up truck market has seen Toyota’s stalwart top our sales charts for years now (along with the Mitsubishi Triton and recently, Isuzu D-Max) and naturally they’re the first names that are dropped when one’s seeking a high-rider with a bed.
Competitors have come and gone, many more will do, but the man of the hour is the GWM Cannon. Poised to take on the trucks Malaysians are so familiar with, here’s our brief initial impressions behind the wheel.
- Price: TBC
- Segment: Pick-up truck
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbodiesel, 163 PS/400 Nm
- Transmision: ZF 8-speed automatic
- Assembly: CBU China
Design and features
GWM Malaysia is keen to introduce two variants of the strongly-named Cannon in our country – a tidy lifestyle-focused one alongside the more tenacious workhorse variant. The example we’re driving in white is the latter.
Also known as the Poer in other markets (short for Powerful, Off-road, Enjoyable, Reliable….yeah) the difference between the two types are clear. The P11 – the model code of the cheaper variant – comes with halogen projectors, bulb-type tail lamps, and thick tyres wrapping the 17-inch wheels.
Also read: GWM Cannon previewed, will launch in Malaysia later this year, to challenge Triton and Hilux
Naturally the fancier Cannon (P12) eschews all that with LEDs up front and back, slaps on 18-inch wheels, simultaneously gaining heated seats and a digital instrument cluster to add to all that.
Digressions aside, both get a 2.0-litre turbodiesel four-cylinder with 163 PS and 400 Nm, paired to a ZF-made 8-speed automatic transmission, and its part-time 4×4.
Price-conscious shoppers might want to note that roadtax for this is RM 440 (similar to other 2.0-litre entrants like the JMC Vigus Pro and Ford Ranger), making it the second cheapest just behind the D-Max’s RM 400 its 1.9-litre mill commands.
Quality and interior impressions
There’s only so much to expect from a truck that probably won’t see another carwash beyond the free ones service centres throw in, and to frame in that context the Cannon seems to have its priorities in order. Material mix seems hardy enough and presumably very easy to wipe down, but certain plastics feel a bit too cheap.
What it does well are the infotainment (9-inch digital display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) and general no frills character: the analogue dials, for example, are simple and clear, and major controls like the air-cond as well as drive mode selector are easy-access switches and knobs.
Also read: 5 things we now know about GWM in Malaysia; CKD work in the pipeline
The upscale P12 is a whole new take. There’s a lot more leather in there, nicer plastics, a digital instrument readout, and a bunch of more comfort features.
As a whole, this P11 Cannon offers enough of what one might value in a pick-up truck, but that’s not to say it’s without its head-scratchers either. Frustrating of all is that it lacks the great idea that’s the step-up ladder nestled within the tailgate – this is in the P12, but surely those working with the P11 can appreciate having easier access to the bed, no?
Compounding that is also the P11 lacking an easy-lift tailgate.
Cost can be cited as a reason for omission, but here’s the kicker: there’s a mechanised sunroof. Which probably negates any savings from not putting on the step assist in the first place. For a feature we’ve hardly seen anyone working at the sites ask for…
Also read: Up to 186% sales growth, the GWM Pao is among Australia/New Zealand’s top-10 pick-ups
For what its worth though, interior space should fit 5 adults just nice without too much of a hassle.
Driving impression
The 2.0-litre is definitely in our list of quietest diesels we’ve had the pleasure of driving. It’s plain impressive at how smooth and refined it is, with only very little of its vibrations and clatter making its way into the cabin.
We’re very curious on what our dB meter will read, along with the fuel economy – but alas that’ll have to wait until we get the car for longer after it’s launched proper. Today’s drive was just a short one around GWM’s new 4S in USJ Subang.
Also read: This 3-acre facility in USJ Subang is GWM Malaysia’s first 4S centre in Malaysia
Ride quality is well, par for the course of a work-oriented truck, so take it gentle and it should be reasonably comfortable getting around town. The turning radius is pretty wide, so taking tight U-turns proves a little unwieldy.
Verdict
Like the Haval H6 we drove just minutes before this, the GWM Cannon starts off on the right foot. Based on the short experience, the refinement is the main quality that sticks in our minds, and we’re rightly tantalised to see how the top-spec Cannon improves on things, with its Level 2 semi-autonomous ADAS and all that.
But insofar where it sits, it’s still quite a populous segment. There’s the cheapest variants of the Japanese makes, plus also the quite competitive Chinese upstarts like the Maxus T60 and JMC Vigus Pro.
Ultimately it’s all about how much sense one can get for the Ringgit, so price and aftersales will prove to be that universe-balancing snap.
Also read: Review: Coming to fight the X70, the 2023 Haval H6 Hybrid leaves positive first impressions