Latest news with #CannonAlpha
News.com.au
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
GWM's Cannon Alpha Ultra takes aim at the BYD Shark and Ford Ranger PHEV.
We're going to need a bigger boat. Originally established by BYD's Shark in 2024, the new class of plug-in hybrid utes has grown to include Ford's Ranger PHEV and the new GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV. China's GWM promises to split the difference between the affordable, road-biased Shark and Ford's deeply impressive (but similarly expensive) Ranger. Priced from $59,990 plus on-roads (about $63,000 drive-away) for the entry-level version, or $66,990 (about $70,000 drive-away) for the well-appointed Ultra, the Cannon takes the middle ground. Like for like, a GWM with a nice stereo and heated seats costs about $11,000 more than a similarly-specced Shark, or $20,000 less than a loaded Ranger Stormtrak hybrid. First impressions of the Cannon Alpha is that this is a big car – easily a size larger than the Ranger, particularly in the cabin. It looks a little odd, with a long wheelbase that lends unfamiliar proportions. That sense of the strange is amplified by a spare wheel mounted vertically within the tray, as the GWM's underfloor battery means there is no room for a conventional spare wheel. So you can lug it in the tray or leave it at home. But it's luxuriantly spacious on the inside, particularly in a back seat with plenty of legroom. High-end Cannons have a digital dash and head-up display augmented by a 14.6-inch central touchscreen. It has a 10-speaker stereo, wireless charging in the front and rear, and a 360 degree camera with 'see through' tech originally introduced by Land Rover for off-roading. The Cannon is loaded for bear on the luxury front, serving up heated and ventilated seats with a massaging function in the front, along with heated and vented seats with electric adjustment in the rear. While the list of features is extensive, some of the design choices – slabs of shiny fake wood, and a small analog clock – look out of place in 2025. Other head-scratchers include the spare wheel we've already mentioned, and a lack of power points in the cabin or tray. Instead, you have to buy a $230 power board with a special connection that goes into the car's charging port, then plug laptops or power tools into that. It also lacks easily accessible, clearly labelled controls for the hybrid system – most plug-in hybrids make it easier to go EV-only, preserve existing range or add to the battery's charge. More thought went into the Cannon's off-road hardware, which includes separately locking front, rear and centre differentials as well as a nine-speed automatic transmission with a low-range function. That's a great start for an off-roader. Then there's the 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, a 180kW/380Nm unit that pairs with a 120kW and 400Nm electric motor to make a combined total of 300kW and 750 Nm. Again, those are good numbers. Having driven all three, it feels faster than the Ranger but not as zippy as the Shark – which drives more like a punchy electric vehicle than a hybrid-assisted machine. Other key numbers include a claimed 115km of electric driving range from a 37.1kWh battery that extends to a claimed 1060km of overall range if you fill the petrol tank. GWM claims official fuel use of 1.7L/100km, a figure that – like most plug-in hybrids – is almost impossible to match on the road. Budget on using about 10L/100km in the real world unless towing or off-roading. The Cannon looks set to do a better job of both than the Shark, which can't match its 3.5 tonne towing capacity or off-road hardware. GWM's 800mm of water wading depth and 210mm ground clearance promise decent off-roading performance, though it falls short of the payload claims of its hybrid rivals. Out on the road, GWM's big pickup feels as large as it looks, with relaxed steering and a long wheelbase that lend stability, but make it feel a little unwieldy in town. Soft suspension rides well while returning more roll than you might expect, and there's an occasional delay in throttle responses that can frustrate from time to time. Verdict GWM's Cannon Alpha is an impressive machine that will have people think twice about a conventional ute, but it lacks the star factor of the more affordable Shark or more polished Ranger. GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV WARRANTY: Seven-year, unlimited km THIRST: 1.7L/100km PAYLOAD: 685kg
News.com.au
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- News.com.au
The ute war: GWM fires shot at BYD
In the battle of the beasts, GWM is positioning its new plug-in hybrid Cannon Alpha as the apex predator. During an exclusive roundtable briefing, GWM Australia marketing chief Steve Maciver laid it out clearly: It's hunting down the BYD Shark 6. 'BYD has done a great job launching that car and got some good volume out of it very, very quickly, but we feel now is our time,' he said. 'We feel hand on heart looking you in the eye, we do have a better vehicle.' The BYD Shark 6 is the first PHEV ute to launch into the Australian market and has so far been successful. It is currently the fourth-best selling 4×4 dual cab in Australia behind only the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max. So it's no surprise rivals feel threatened by the Shark. But it's not usual for companies to boldly target a competitor but GWM didn't hold back. 'We're second to the market, but we're not second best,' a GWM spokesperson said. 'We feel now is our time. We've got to absolutely take the fight to BYD Shark and the full range of [PHEV] utes.' GWM claimed the Shark 6's lower towing capacity, limited off-road capability and design compromises is the result of the company building a 'plug-in hybrid system' first. Unlike the Cannon Alpha which was engineered as a 'ute first, EV second', specifically for Australian conditions. 'They've just got a system and then built a ute around it,' a GWM spokesperson said. 'We understand our customers.' BYD's Shark is rated to tow 2.5 tonnes and the Cannon Alpha is 3.5 tonnes – a number GWM said was non-negotiable after receiving customer feedback. 'It would be remiss of us not to bring three and a half tonne, regardless of what the powertrain is,' a GWM spokesperson said. TESTED: Kia's new Tasman ute So how do the predators stack up? Well in terms of battery, the Cannon wins points as it carries a 37.1kWh pack (split into A/B cells), the largest currently available in any PHEV ute. GWM claims a class-leading 115km pure electric range and 1060 km combined. BYD lists 100km EV range and 840km combined, while the Ranger (arriving mid-year) offers approximately 49km of EV-only range, less than half of GWM's range. GWM says its ute achieved 1.7L/100km, also 'best in class' but real world figures will likely be much higher. Cannon Alpha outputs 300kW and 750Nm via a hybrid 2.0-litre turbo engine paired to a nine-speed automatic and mechanical 4WD. BYD offers 320kW combined power (1.5-litre turbo and two electric motors), 650Nm torque with a dual-motor setup. The Ranger pairs a 2.3-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (138kW/411Nm) with a 75kW electric motor, offering a combined output of 213kW, less than Alpha and Shark. However, these claims are made on the ADR81/02-NEDC standard. While the BYD Shark 6 undercuts the Cannon Alpha at $57,900 for the single model, GWM is pitching the Cannon Alpha models from $59,660 Lux and $66,990 (all pricing plus on-road costs), Ford is pricing high with the entry-level XLT starting at $71,900 (before on road-costs), with the top of the range Sport and Wildtrak variants priced up to $86,990 (before on road-costs). But GWM insists the slight premium is justified by a long list of extra features – including better towing, a larger battery, superior off-road capability and a 'world class' warranty (7 years warranty, 7 years roadside assist, 7 years capped price servicing). If the Shark was the first in the water, the Cannon Alpha is now asserting itself, not just over the Shark and Ranger but as the Alpha of the PHEV ute segment.
NZ Autocar
29-04-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
GWM has a powerful new 3.0-litre diesel in the works
GWM is set to introduce a new-generation 3.0-litre diesel engine across its growing model range. The new engine has been confirmed for the GWM Cannon Alpha ute and the Tank 500 SUV within the next two years. Obviously, the new 3.0-litre diesel will offer more power than the brand's current 2.4-litre turbo-diesel (135kW/480Nm), although full outputs are yet to be announced. It will be a four-cylinder configuration, not a six-cylinder, and is expected to debut in showrooms by 2027. Early indications suggest GWM is targeting best-in-class numbers for a four-cylinder diesel, meaning more than the 165kW/550Nm the Toyota HiLux GR Sport makes. Hopefully it's a twin turbo set up to avoid any exaggerated lag in torque delivery. GWM Australia Managing Director Charles Zhao confirmed to Aussie news outlets that the new engine is being considered for the Cannon Alpha, but not for the regular old Cannon, which recently received the new 2.4-litre engine during its mid-life update. Read more 2025 GWM Cannon Lux Review In addition to the Cannon Alpha, the 3.0-litre diesel will power a diesel variant of the Tank 500 SUV in addition to the petrol hybrid model. Zhao also hinted the larger Tank 700 flagship SUV could be on the radar for an Australian launch once the new diesel engine is available. Speaking to media, GWM's head of right-hand-drive markets, James Yang, explained the company's strategy: 'In Australia, for high-end, off-road SUVs, we know customers expect higher torque and bigger engines. Some models will wait until the 3.0-litre diesel is ready.' Yang believes diesel still has a critical role to play, particularly in Australia, where towing, off-roading, and long-distance driving are key demands. 'Fuel consumption is good, towing capability is better, and diesel fits well with future emissions regulations alongside hybrids and plug-in hybrids,' Yang said.
West Australian
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Leapmotor could offer an electric ute too
The Leapmotor brand may have only been launched in Australia in recent months, but despite arriving here with just one model, it hasn't ruled out the possibility of developing a ute to compete in one of Australia's most popular auto market segments. Leapmotor, operating here through a joint venture with auto conglomerate Stellantis, is the only Chinese brand in Australia yet to confirm concrete plans for a ute – even Chery has previously said it wants to introduce a ute , and has shown off a concept . Despite that, Leapmotor International CEO Tianshu Xin says that while the fledgling brand doesn't have a ute or pickup truck on the cards, it's possible one could be developed – likely with electric power. 'From Leapmotor's perspective, if you look at the product plan they have in China at the moment, the main focus in China is not pickup. Pickup doesn't allow [you] to go into the city centre, the pickup [segment] is too small in China,' he said. 'In the current Leapmotor product plan, we do not have the pickup. 'And, frankly speaking, there's nothing to hide. But the speed they are developing new products is amazing, it doesn't rule [that] out in the future.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . As it stands, there's already no shortage of Chinese utes on sale in Australia. The current catalogue includes the BYD Shark 6 , GWM Cannon and Cannon Alpha , JAC T9 , and LDV T60 , with at least a few more on the horizon. JAC has revealed the Hunter PHEV , LDV was the first in Australia to sell an electric ute in the form of the eT60, and will soon bring a replacement in the eTerron 9 , while MG is gearing up to launch its closely related U9 dual-cab ute . It's also no secret that dual-cab utes are among the most popular vehicles in Australia, behind only medium SUVs as of April 2025. The Ford Ranger was Australia's overall best-selling vehicle in 2024, while the Toyota HiLux , Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton are also among the nation's top-selling vehicles. Mr Xin said it was important for Leapmotor – founded in 2015 – to get up and running in Australia before worrying about potential models outside its comfort zone, while also outlining that its export distribution partner Stellantis is already established in the pickup world, via the Jeep Gladiator and Ram 1500 . 'When you're looking at the business decision, the product plan, you have to make sure the product plan we are introducing makes sense,' he said. 'Pickup [trucks are] a big market, but also [in] Stellantis group, we have a good pickup – Ram – as well. 'I think that when you are a startup, when you are a new baby, you cannot expect that day one you cover everything, you become a professional marathon runner. You have to take things one step at a time.' According to Mr Xin, rather than focusing on utes or pickup, Leapmotor is choosing to prioritise passenger models like the C10 mid-size SUV that launched in Australia as an electric vehicle (EV), and is now available with an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain too. 'But it doesn't necessarily rule out [that] we will also develop not only pickup, but Leapmotor also entering into the commercial vehicle space,' Mr Xin added. 'Because, even in the light commercial space, this energy transition will happen as well, but it will be maybe a few years behind passenger cars.' If Leapmotor were to expand into the commercial vehicle segment as an EV and EREV brand, it would still be competing with the likes of LDV and its eDeliver 7 and eDeliver 9 electric vans. Volkswagen is set to bring PHEV versions of its Transporter van and Multivan people mover to Australia within the next 12 months, along with outlining an interest in selling the Caddy eHybrid locally . The electric ID. Buzz Cargo is now on sale here too. Ford, meanwhile, offers a PHEV version of its Transit Custom van , while an electric E-Transit Custom will soon join its commercial range. Other more niche electric rivals could also be the Mercedes-Benz eVito and eSprinter , the Renault Kangoo E-Tech , and the Chinese Skywell D11 van. MORE: How Leapmotor plans to stand out from the crowd in Australia MORE: Everything Leapmotor
7NEWS
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Leapmotor could offer an electric ute too
The Leapmotor brand may have only been launched in Australia in recent months, but despite arriving here with just one model, it hasn't ruled out the possibility of developing a ute to compete in one of Australia's most popular auto market segments. Leapmotor, operating here through a joint venture with auto conglomerate Stellantis, is the only Chinese brand in Australia yet to confirm concrete plans for a ute – even Chery has previously said it wants to introduce a ute, and has shown off a concept. Despite that, Leapmotor International CEO Tianshu Xin says that while the fledgling brand doesn't have a ute or pickup truck on the cards, it's possible one could be developed – likely with electric power. 'From Leapmotor's perspective, if you look at the product plan they have in China at the moment, the main focus in China is not pickup. Pickup doesn't allow [you] to go into the city centre, the pickup [segment] is too small in China,' he said. 'In the current Leapmotor product plan, we do not have the pickup. 'And, frankly speaking, there's nothing to hide. But the speed they are developing new products is amazing, it doesn't rule [that] out in the future.' Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. As it stands, there's already no shortage of Chinese utes on sale in Australia. The current catalogue includes the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon and Cannon Alpha, JAC T9, and LDV T60, with at least a few more on the horizon. JAC has revealed the Hunter PHEV, LDV was the first in Australia to sell an electric ute in the form of the eT60, and will soon bring a replacement in the eTerron 9, while MG is gearing up to launch its closely related U9 dual-cab ute. It's also no secret that dual-cab utes are among the most popular vehicles in Australia, behind only medium SUVs as of April 2025. The Ford Ranger was Australia's overall best-selling vehicle in 2024, while the Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max and Mitsubishi Triton are also among the nation's top-selling vehicles. Mr Xin said it was important for Leapmotor – founded in 2015 – to get up and running in Australia before worrying about potential models outside its comfort zone, while also outlining that its export distribution partner Stellantis is already established in the pickup world, via the Jeep Gladiator and Ram 1500. 'When you're looking at the business decision, the product plan, you have to make sure the product plan we are introducing makes sense,' he said. 'Pickup [trucks are] a big market, but also [in] Stellantis group, we have a good pickup – Ram – as well. 'I think that when you are a startup, when you are a new baby, you cannot expect that day one you cover everything, you become a professional marathon runner. You have to take things one step at a time.' According to Mr Xin, rather than focusing on utes or pickup, Leapmotor is choosing to prioritise passenger models like the C10 mid-size SUV that launched in Australia as an electric vehicle (EV), and is now available with an extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) powertrain too. 'But it doesn't necessarily rule out [that] we will also develop not only pickup, but Leapmotor also entering into the commercial vehicle space,' Mr Xin added. 'Because, even in the light commercial space, this energy transition will happen as well, but it will be maybe a few years behind passenger cars.' If Leapmotor were to expand into the commercial vehicle segment as an EV and EREV brand, it would still be competing with the likes of LDV and its eDeliver 7 and eDeliver 9 electric vans. Volkswagen is set to bring PHEV versions of its Transporter van and Multivan people mover to Australia within the next 12 months, along with outlining an interest in selling the Caddy eHybrid locally. The electric ID. Buzz Cargo is now on sale here too. Ford, meanwhile, offers a PHEV version of its Transit Custom van, while an electric E-Transit Custom will soon join its commercial range. Other more niche electric rivals could also be the Mercedes-Benz eVito and eSprinter, the , and the Chinese Skywell D11 van.
