2024 GWM Cannon Alpha (2.4 diesel) detailed review: 0-100 & POV test drive

[@waynev5097]

I have seen a few comments about resale values. You have to be careful when you consider resale values as a percentage of the cost of the vehicle new. This is a trick of the car companies marketing people and finance companies. Example if over 3 years a $100k ute loses 20% while a $50,000 ute loses 30% then the actual dollars lost are $20,000 and $15,000 respectively. Lets compare a Toyota Hilux and a GWM Ute. Maybe..... After 3 years - a $75000 Hilux is worth $60,000 (loss $15,000 or 20%) or a $42,000 GWM Ute is worth $ 28,000 (loss $14,000 or 33%). Of course your GWM was also $33,000 cheaper to buy so you save say $4,000 in interest on your loan or if you are buying cash you can invest the $33,000. So the adjusted calculation for the $42,000 GWM Ute is after 3 years it is worth $ 28,000 (loss $14,000) but you have saved $4, 000 in interest so the loss is really only $10,000. So regardless of the percentages, which are often pointless, in real dollars after 3 years the Hilux costs you $15,000 to own while the GWM actually costs you $10,000. I'm not saying a person should or should not buy a GWM or a Hilux....... I am just saying that retained values as a percentage do not tell the full story.

[@someoneridesmountainbikes2355]

And the time value of the initial price value

[@someoneridesmountainbikes2355]

Price difference *

[@redbrickize]

That is exactly I was talking to everyone about the math. People seem only to think about how much you lost in numbers but forgot to do the math of how much you pay for the extra interest.

[@wenxx889]

Can’t agree more. Resell price is important, but it’s not the only thing. This is an unbiased comment.

[@mersinalou7397]

Finally someone with some common sense putting a sound argument forward to identify the ridiculously high prices charged by Ford or Toyota .. this is a great vehicle for the money which is covered by a great warranty and will appeal to 80% of the buyers in this market for a large ute .. you can keep this for 5 years and still sell it with factory warranty and that adds to resale value

[@Wedgetail96]

As always, we can rely on a balanced facts based review. Also the engineer reference, “Australian cousin of Phil Collins” 😂😂 (Straylia only). Great work 👍🏻

[@MikeJones-mz5ig]

Manufacturers don't have to make "Australian " cars. If you want familiarity, buy it. These videos are very picky when iced vovos aren't served. don't be closed to new ideas. " I think I'd upgrade the suspension to something more reputable" ( GWM sells 1.3 million a year, and he wants us to go to midas).

[@VilThong]

Great review very thorough and you covered everything I needed to know.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@VilThong Thanks

[@wayneli4070]

The reason why the rear door panel wrapped around the C pillar is for wind noise reduction where it is the loudest, as you can see it provides not 1 but 2 seal strips also.

[@Stroh538]

Thorough review, thanks

[@waynev5097]

That was a great review!!!

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@waynev5097 Thanks 👍

[@oghawk]

I really wish they kept the 8sp ZF

[@351tgv]

great review, thanks Bret. the sales rep who got the D-max is lucky that the fleet company allowed the higher emission's engine to pass through, they (fleet operators) are getting ultra picky about such things, I know when I was doing that work several years ago that we also looked at engine displacement (nothing over 3L) and my method was to tell he bosses above me hey its a 5cyl not a 6 (re: Ranger with 3.2L) and that is why we were allowed to get Ranger in that config, but that changed once the 2L sequential turbo diesel was introduced which had better engine specs and lower emissions, also helped that we could buy "manual transmission" over automatics.

[@kareembaba7498]

Very off topic, but I mentioned to my Dad how cold my room is, and 5 minutes later, I click on this video and get an ad for a plug-in heater.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Haha. The internet is watching 👽

[@351tgv]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia - tip go to advanced settings on your PC and switch off the drivers for microphone and camera or set them to only when in use.

[@PETERILIFFE]

would love a tow review on the alpha diesel when towbars are available ,a comparison with the hybrid would be even better but thats a big ask .thanks for this review

[@kirk2632]

I ordered a hybrid alpha and I will use it to tow 2.5t boat. I might do a test when I received the car and fitted the tow kit. I am in doubt of its battery capacity against a long climb.

[@PETERILIFFE]

Be very interested how you go , I’m keen on the diesel have put deposit down but not finalised yet . I’m keen to see how you go with the hybrid towing

[@kirk2632]

@@PETERILIFFE I believe the diesel is ok towing but it just lack of the extra juice when launch it. I did a test drive of the 2.4 diesel and it is not hell lot better than my current GWM cannon in terms of response and torque. plus it doesn't have the autopilot and infinity sounder all those fancy stuff

[@PETERILIFFE]

Thanks Kirk for the reply appreciate the feedback . I currently have a 2 0 l deisel 4x4 steed 2017 I’ve been happy with it just want an auto with a bit of luxury I’ve test drive the diesel I think it’s pretty good compared to the steed . Pity the extra luxury bits aren’t in the ultra diesel I would happily pay the extra but not to be . I’m just worried the hybrid might suffer with low battery and be much re thirsty than the diesel towing . I’m not after a rocket ship just a good tow tug I’m in no rush , I think in fact we all need to slow down a bit and not be in such a rush these days . Thanks for the reply

[@ballistictrigg3r297]

Great review, looking forward for the Alpha hybrid review. And also the BYD Shark coming,

[@Malc664]

Paddle shifters can be handy on sand dunes and beaches.

[@bernardpeel7133]

The hybrid review will be interesting. Anecdotal evidence from the Alpha Facebook groups so far is that it’s a better driving experience.

[@NzDeplorable]

Just traded my canon for a ranger wildfrak last weekend, and I’ve never been happier. Had the opportunity to buy a new GWM ultra Hybrid, opted for a Ranger. Had a couple of issues the dealer couldn’t sort out under warranty so I’ve lost faith in GWM.

[@simonbates5939]

Ford would be worse wouldn't"t they

[@Buriedpast85]

Trading a car for a Ford, because you had a bad dealer experience…. Tell me you’re an uninformed consumer without telling me. Good luck my man. Not defending GWM in any way. But your reasoning is poorly informed and surely a joke.

[@mattgrimwood977]

Also opted for a wild track. Not saying these aren’t capable but would definitely wait for at least the 2nd or 3rd gen as the first is too basic. Tech yes, Ute practically no.

[@michellet2890]

I don’t own a GWM but a ford owner , you might just made 2 mistakes in a row 😂

[@shraygautam2500]

Ssangyong all the way. Test drove this today, I was soo confused as to which girl to listen to, the navigation chick or the driver monitoring camera chick. Beautiful ute, but shit driving experience. Yeah naah

[@denism5008]

Great review, well done. Which one would you choose, hybrid or diesel?

[@Video-co1eu]

The torque is quite impressive at 480 Nm for only 184 hp, but for some reason this engine is not available in the 500 tank, even though the same platform could be a good solution, I hope this engine is present in my country.

[@redbrickize]

I think they are putting the 2.4 diesel to the new Haval H9, it’s already on the market as stock in car yard in China but not on sale for another month. Not sure whether it will come to Australia or not, it seems not from the GWM communication CEO. Back in China, tank 500 only has 3 TT V6, which is about 15-16L per 100 combined, which is not bad, my RX350 drinks 14L per 100.

[@bogemon1]

I bought it. its big. like very big.. very comfy. fuel is about 9-9.2 on long distance and around 10-11.5 per 100 in city. just did the first 4000km. for better comfort reduce air by 3 psi to 35. use eco mode in city. it is quiet than most diesels.. maybe coz its new i guess. there is a LOT of room. more like SUV space.. the driver monitoring is ok. but it can become a bit erractic....should have come with bigger wheels.. due to the wheels its looks a bit "mr incredible" small legs..big body centre panel should have been a bit angled to the driver side for easy access...

[@YZJB]

24:32 harsh torque converter lockup I’d say

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Yeah it feels something like that. Sometimes jolts into gears.

[@nathansmith6914]

This is the review we've been after. The Alpha diesel seems to have been largely ignored yet should be a major player. That said, I haven't spotted one in the wild yet. So the diesel doesn't get the split tailgate?

[@jeremyyang9895]

only the ultra get the split tailgate

[@christophergallagher3066]

I am getting an Ultra diesel Alpha. The ultra models have the split tailgate, I loathe tailgate as I can use the step to get in and from outside reach the front of the tray. Not a rocket ship for sure but none of the diesel utes are. Anyway It'll be my daily driver and hunting truck. I drove a diesel ultra and it's enough with a fantastic cabin. I also drove every other brand ute and they feel insubstantial in comparison. This cabin is up there in space with the Americans. I had four Hiluxes but dpf, price for anything better than base model and cabin size have lost me.

[@michaelburns5680]

Can you review a Diahatsu Hijet Truck?

[@eparaimaterewi5184]

Hey mate keep up the great work. Just wandering if you could offer a little advice. I'm currently in the market for a Ute to start going camping with the family and comfortable enough for long trips. Have 3 kids so will need to be spacious in the back. Also looking at putting an alloy canopy on back. Needs to be reliable and cannot handle bad customer support. Any opinions would be great cheers

[@benzboye5007]

Consider a navara pro4x.

[@ishaqthkr]

Is there a better customer service than Toyota?😂

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Hi mate, Thanks for the feedback. Great question and a difficult one to answer. What's your budget? Navara PRO 4X is probably the most comfortable (coil springs at the back), aside from the Raptor. Ranger is big and comfy inside with lots of features that should keep the family happy. HiLux is best for resale and all-rounder. D-max is like the more affordable cousin to the HiLux - still capable and decent resale. And then the Triton is the surprisingly good underdog with superb value as the standout (10y warranty). That probably doesn't help you sorry, but the best thing to do is take all of these for a test drive and see what suits you best. Personally, if that was my situation, I'd consider the Navara PRO purely from the comfort point of view (crap infotainment is the main letdown). But if you have money then the Ranger V6. Ford's customer service isn't the best and long-term reliability is not at the top of the class. However, if you keep it for 3-5 years, while still in warranty, it is a really nice tourer and still very capable. HiLux if I was planning to keep for 5-10+ years. Hope that helps.

[@351tgv]

If you don't need the tray but still want ability then look towards the 4x4 wagon alternatives like Everest (expensive but awesome, Ford service and warranty can be hit or miss but keep in mind keep all service records and they cant refuse warranty) Pajero Sport (all rounder, but is dated these days however it wont let you down, Mitshibishi are general good with warranty claims provided you get it serviced at their dealerships as the safety net). Fortuna (um its as good as Hilux but that's not saying much, Prado is next step up but expensive like well past Everest levels of cash needed) Rexton (cheap, loaded to the max but overall ability is lacking) M-UX (great option but dated but great option if you are looking for reliability and durability). Tank 500 (cheap but no one know long term anything about reliability or durability and warranty claims are concerning already buyers). If you really must have a "ute" look at the big boys Ram, F150 or GM Chevrolet, if those are too expensive then you should be able to get either a Ranger (in trim and spec you want) or as Bret suggest the next best option (coil springs and manual) the Navara Pro 4X Warrior by Premcar, that said engine is lacking. and Nissan is hit or miss with warranty claims.

[@warrenpitt6205]

Is the Mitsi Delica PHEV coming to oz? I hope so

[@angusnz7910]

Do the safety systems really not default to on with each start? That’s bloody brilliant as most default to one with each start. Ultimately the lack of grunt would be a killer for me, I don’t follow the crowd so will never be a Ranger/Hilux driver (went from 3.0 Navara to 450 Navara, now X350 so not afraid of being hated lol) but do wonder about private importing a V6 petrol one of these…reckon that would be an awsum all rounder

[@YZJB]

Which RHD market gets the V6?

[@tuna_6548]

​@@YZJB China

[@BrokeAndOffensive]

They do default to on. It would depend how long they had the engine switched off for, if its a short time it remembers the last settings.

[@93jummy]

Having the tank 300 and living in the country and averaging 12L/100 over all on Unleaded. the alpha and its anti green spec diesel engine is certainly looking cheaper for the actual running cost.

[@351tgv]

actually diesel is more green (cleaner emissions) than petrol is in euro 5 spec and even more in Euro 6 spec. if it had Ad Blue (re: SCR) it would also be better for NOx levels. If you truly want a green ICE engine the only way forward is LPG or CNG and sadly both are being phased out due to stupidity. Here is something that many don't know, the last Falcon Liquid phase Injected LPG and Commodore Vapour Injection are both rated in terms of emissions to Euro 6, true fact, they were both registered as Euro 4 however due to the way LPG combusts the emissions spewed out are actually rated to Euro 6 levels (re: less CO2 and NOx), shame the tech has died and being phased out.

[@93jummy]

@351tgv can you explain the use of such

[@23DuDe]

Pity you couldn't review the Ultra model instead as there are a lot of differences and better features than the cheapest version Lux

[@JettoGospel]

Does it have a tank turn?

[@btwd-qh7kd]

I hope this car come to Saudi Arabia

[@jasonmach339]

What do think about being as good as the MV GSR Trition

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

The interior is more elegant in the Alpha and it is bigger and more comfy inside, and those external cameras are impressive. But overall, the resale value, over-sensitive safety systems, and low engine performance/efficiency means I'd take the Triton.

[@jasonmach339]

Thanks for that ​@@drivingenthusiastaustralia

[@simonbates5939]

@@jasonmach339 Why you'd buy a Triton over a Alpha is beyond me... The Cannon is the best selling ute in the biggest car market in the world - China! Mitsubishi went bankrupt in China, why do you think that is?

[@scarwall]

​@@simonbates5939 china isn't so friendly to outsiders these days.

[@JeremyGeduldt-m2h]

New model GWM P500 in South Africa .

[@warcrabcyber9908]

The chinese have come a long way in vehicle design, the alpha looks like luxary inside. Although there is no telling how that dashboard is going to age. Gwm still has work to do when it comes to their engine and powertrain, this alpha would definitely get out performed by a triton from 2004.

[@351tgv]

ask the poor bastards who bought he "Haval H9" which is essentially has been upgraded to the Tank 500 how they fared on resale value and warranty claims, now grated that was under ATECO distribution but yeah they all got burnt hard.

[@simonbates5939]

@@351tgv Yet the Haval H2 is selling for a couple of thousand less than it did 5 years ago. Depreciation non excitant!

[@jamespavier1624]

The Main thing that lets it down is the motor, that motor should go in the standard Cannon. A 2.8-3.0 Litre in the Alpha 150+ kw, 500+ NM 0-100 in under 10 seconds, as it is it is to slow.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Yep, agree. Great idea.

[@simonbates5939]

2025 & it will happen

[@23DuDe]

7 year capped servicing pricing is pretty good compared to Hilux

[@mphombuli8123]

In south africa it's called a P500

[@tuna_6548]

Stop start can stay off, autonomous braking has to turn itself back on legally.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@tuna_6548 Wow, I didn’t know that. Why don’t all car brands allow you to keep it off after resetting?

[@culls007]

You mention only 4wd????? Put it in eco and it's rwd.

[@mersinalou7397]

Why is anyone talking about performance/speed with any 2500+ kg vehicle .. lets be serious here because in an accident these do a lot of damage in the real world to the average motorcar ... they are made to carry or tow stuff .. all of them do a good job for that

[@chrispaterniti8142]

Hey Bret, Any comments/experiences with the DPF on this thing? Did it just work as normal and come in during highway KMS? I saw that the tank 300 is rumoured to be getting this engine so just doing a bit of research. Thank you mate.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Hey mate, Yes I noticed it cleared a few times during highway driving. Seems to work fine.

[@ballistictrigg3r297]

It that belanglo State Forest?..

[@perpetualgrin5804]

For security reasons Brett never discloses his location.

[@351tgv]

its the State Forrest around Branxton up north *wink*wink* Bret knows the truth :)

[@mahcooharper9577]

I do like the interior but the rest still seems underdone. Is also very thirsty for the performance on offer and as you mentioned resale will be a disaster. And its embarrassing. It also worries me how many of these Chinese vehicles you get that have weird behaviours (like the transmission thing in this and the sudden lack of acceleration in others) and then you drive a different exanple and it doesn't do it. Also, it's good to constantly develop your product but these things seem to change so frequently it's easy to imagine that getting parts etc will be really difficult in the future (and now for that matter). And it's not even that cheap. For the money I think you've got rocks in your head if you don't stretch a bit to a Triton or D-Max.

[@simonbates5939]

Drive them all & you'll realise why

[@titanx04]

New 2025 cannon will be out with 2.4l diesel in March starting at 40,990. I do not like the woodgrain inserts, hideous.

[@JY-kn9ht]

Hmmm interesting. Cannon alpha and tank 500 use the same tyres but the alpha has way better braking performance and their weight are similar. Interesting to see how the braking performance for the hybrid alpha.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@JY-kn9ht Yes but keep in mind this braking is with the diesel. The Tank 500 was hybrid. The hybrid uses a different braking system and is heavier.

[@JY-kn9ht]

⁠​⁠@@drivingenthusiastaustralia I do noticed that tank 500 has an ibooster in it but since alpha is a diesel I think it might not have that. In terms of weight, according to Carsales, ultra diesel alpha is 2550kg, ultra hybrid alpha is 2575kg and tank 500 ultra is 2605kg so shouldn’t make that much difference imo.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@JY-kn9ht You’re right, the weight isn’t much different. It must be the braking system then. I’m testing the hybrid Alpha this week so we’ll see how it performs.

[@BrokeAndOffensive]

@@JY-kn9ht The alpha also uses the electronic booster, Tank would brake sooner due to a much better weight distribution from front to back.

[@BiggyF16]

Disappointing that they stuck with that cheap looking crap no purpose tail bumper, although I suppose one can look at after market options.

[@HussamO]

it's not the wrong side of the road. Australia is driving on the wrong side of the road. are all Australians left handed???

[@Wasengenyie]

Poohpa 😂

[@sailingcitrinesunset4065]

ELK is shit in every car! BT50 has tried to kill me twice with ELK trying to push me into other traffic! Turn that shit off!

[@garynew9637]

Does anyone really give a shit about emissions?

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@garynew9637 Probably not but I mentioned the figures as it can be a good indicator of how modern and efficient an engine is. In this case it is belching out more emissions than its rivals but yet it produces less power. That’s a clear sign of inferior engineering.

[@351tgv]

fleet managers Petrol/Diesel companies Government agencies. in terms of private buyers I agree meh who cares, however it is what it is.

[@simonbates5939]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia Unlike other manufacturers, they are conservative

[@stuart4860]

realse...fk all

[@azteckjumbie9344]

Holy fck .27 minutes off bitching about the lane assist when it can easily be turned on amd off as needed ..

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@azteckjumbie9344 Gee, GWM fans/workers are a sensitive bunch aren’t they? It’s impossible to say anything negative about these cars. Should I just record an advertisement and read out the brochure for you? Because that’s obviously all you want to hear. This is a review mate. Look up the meaning. PS. It’s actually about 2min within a 40min video. And I actually say good things about it in the end, which suggests you’re just paid to comment by GWM and didn’t actually watch the video.

[@colnuttall9035]

Why would anyone want to encourage he CCP buy buying Chinese anything ! And no, I'm not racist but I chose not to further the disgusting practices of the CCP. Chose another vehicle, your Chinese vehicle will be rubbish, it will have no resale value and the after market service will be abysmal.

[@simonbates5939]

So you are a Thailand supporter then? I bet most things in your home are made in China lol

[@迷糊调侃]

can u please tell your government do not export your natural resouce to China, including your wine and beef.

[@ToranaA9X308]

Hope you take a recovery vehicle with you during these tests. If you got stuck you’d be in for a long walk

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Yep, great tip. Fortunately, I know someone that lives relatively close by with a 4x4 so it's not too much of a worry. Having phone service is also important.