The light commercial vehicle sector continues to expand in several directions. As well as more compact car-derived vans, such as Fiat’s Punto-based product, and the rise of the combi van platform, the number of contenders in the pick-up truck market has also increased.
Great Wall Motor chose April’s CV Show to launch of its Steed model – the Chinese manufacturer betting on winning custom on price, with no apparent reduction in quality. Starting at £13,998 for what is clearly a well-equipped double-cab 4×4 pick-up, the firm expects business to be brisk.
Great Wall is promsing more than just a low-cost versatile load-lugger, though. Steed comes with a galvanised steel skin and a rust-proofed ladder-frame chassis, strengthened and braced by reinforced middle cross-members. There is also an impact-resistant rear beam and a reinforced cargo bed.
Carrying capacity compares well with many other pick-ups already established, too – with a payload of 1,000kg, towing capability of 2,000kg (braked trailer and 750kg unbraked) and a cargo bay measuring 1,380mm x 1,460mm x 480mm.
It also delivers good fuel economy, via its newly-developed 2-litre, 16-valve turbocharged diesel powerplant (30.1mpg urban; 37.7mpg extra urban; 34.0 mpg combined) – and comes in at a low insurance rating of just 7A.
As for the powertrain itself, this is a four-cylinder diesel fitted with charge air cooled intercooler, new glow plug technology and a VGT (variable-geometry turbocharger), with Delphi high-pressure common-rail direct injection and EGR (exhaust gas recirculation).
It’s also long stroke – and hence its maximum power of 143PS at 4,000 rpm, as well as torque of 305Nm over a rev-band from 1,800 to 2,800 rpm – delivered through a six-speed manual box and an ‘on-demand’ part-time, four-wheel-drive, selected by pressing a dashboard button on the move.
Incidentally, Great Wall also says it has already established a nationwide network of 40 dealers, with standards of customer service “that will break new ground in the pick-up market”.
Take it to the (D-)Max
Meanwhile, Isuzu’s all-new D-Max pick-up will be covered by a unique-in-class five-year/120,000-mile warranty, according to the company. The manufacturer claims a lot of interest, and believes that the added assurance over maintenance scheduling will persuade even more individuals and operators to choose the D-Max.
“Warranty cover for five years, or 120,000 miles, gives buyers of the new Isuzu D-Max peace of mind for longer than any other pick-up in the UK,” insists William Brown, general manager for Isuzu UK. “Isuzu has become renowned for producing rugged, durable pick-ups, and we’re now demonstrating our absolute confidence in the toughness of our new product.”
The new Isuzu D-Max will be available with four specification levels and three cab configurations – extended cab, single cab and double cab. Prices range from £14,499 for the single cab 4×2 derivative, rising to £21,499 for the range-topping ‘Utah’ specification double cab automatic.
The new Isuzu D-Max’s five-year / 120,000-mile warranty comprises a standard 36-month / 60,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty and an extended warranty provided by the importer, Isuzu UK, for up to a total of 60 months or 120,000 miles, whichever comes sooner. Customer deliveries begin in early July.