Great Wall, the first Chinese vehicle brand to go on sale in Ireland, is set to break cover in Ireland with their Steed double-cab pick-up at the National Ploughing Championships, writes Padraic Deane.
As one of the world’s fastest growing motor manufacturers, Great Wall tells us that it operates in more than 120 countries around the globe, including Australia, South Africa, UK, and Italy. And now potential Irish buyers can appraise Great Wall for themselves.
Great Wall Ireland says that these double cab pick-ups have a reputation as tough and reliable vehicles. They add that investing heavily in state-of-the-art technology and R&D, they are known for highly specified trucks that represent uncompromising value for money.
Great Wall will launch as a brand in Ireland with the new Steed 4X4 pick-up. The vehicle has rugged good looks, and the importer says that the entry level specification would not look out of place in many top-of-the-range pick-ups.
Every double-cab Steed comes with a leather interior, air-con, Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity (subject to phone compatibility ), steering wheel audio controls, individually heated front seats, full electric windows, Alpine CD/USB/RDS radio, and four surround-sound speakers.
They are generously equipped with 16-inch alloys, a Thatcham approved alarm, and selectable high and low ratio 4WD, while twin airbags, ABS, and EBD provide enhanced safety performance.
It has a galvanised body panels and comprehensively rust-proofed chassis backed by a six-year anti-perforation warranty for complete peace of mind.
The turbo diesel engine has a displacement (cm3 ) of 1996 and maximum output (Ps/Kw ) 143/105 at 4000rpm, with maximum torque (lbs ft/Nm ) of 225/305 between 1800/2800 rpm. It has six-speed manual transmission and offers electric ‘shift on the move’ selection between 2WD and 4WD.
Loading space is 1380mm long x 1460mm wide x 480 mm high. Another important feature for some potential buyers is that it has a trailer weight braked of 2,000 kg, and unbraked of 750 kg.
The new Steed comes at a comparatively attractive price, starting from €21,995 excluding VAT and metallic paint. And Great Wall tells us that the Steed offers a good combined fuel consumption of 34 mpg (8.3 l/100km ), whilst also claiming that it is amongst the most economical runners in non-urban terrain.
More about this Chinese Great Wall after I get behind the wheel of the new Steed pick-up.
