Great Wall Steed is great value

The Great Wall Steed is back in revised form. Boasting better quality and Euro5 emissions compliance, this pick-up is tough, rugged and fearsome value for money.

The latest Steed hasn’t changed that much under the bonnet, but the 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine is now certified to Euro5 emissions standards.

Only a two-litre? Don’t worry, because this one’s power and torque (139PS and 310Nm) are comparable with many of its rivals’ 2.5-litre engines.

It’ll get to 60mph in 17 seconds, which isn’t particularly rapid but then you’re probably not buying this car as an alternative to a Holden Maloo.

Likewise, the steering and gear change aren’t anything to give Porsche designers recourse to the drawing board, but it’s big, honest and does exactly what you’d expect and more of a vehicle in this class and at this price point.

There’s a switchable four-wheel drive system and decent ground clearance which means the Steed will smash its way through the muddiest sites.

The Borg Warner transmission is rugged and the latest Steed has a maximum payload of 1,050kg and is now certified in the UK to tow 2.5 tonnes with a braked trailer.

What’s more, the latest Steeds get rear discs, as opposed to the drum brakes of the previous version.

Value for money is bound to draw buyers to the Chinese brands and the GreatWall Steed offers us a taste of what we can expect.

With many of its rivals starting at around £20,000 even in their most stripped out basic specifications, the Steed looks strong value with prices starting at just under £15,000 on the road in S trim, with the Tracker costing around £16,000 and the SE costing almost £17,000.

Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, leather seats that are heated in the front, air conditioning, electric selection of four-wheel drive, a load liner, rear parking sensors and an Alpine double-DIN stereo with Bluetooth and a USB slot complete with steering wheelmounted controls.

The Steed will appeal to those who just want a cheap pick-up that can do the business.

The fact that it’s decently equipped will come as a bonus. Success hasn’t been easy to come by for Great Wall.

Perhaps now with a little momentum behind it, the Steed can find its stride.

Picture: Newspress. The Great Wall Steed.