http://www.greatwallmotors.com.au/default.asp?action=article&ID=21816

It’s not so long ago that Cargo reviewed the Great Wall utes from China and, after a few hours driving about in them, we felt the Chinese had pretty much got a handle on what makes a ute actually work.

Oh yes, we had some reservations about the V240 – much like we suspect our readers did – but with the promise of newly developed engine technology to come in a very short space of time, our concerns regarding the Mitsubishi-sourced petrol engines in the Great Walls were minor. Everyone has to start somewhere, right?

We did however, want to see a genuine Great Wall-developed powerplant and we wanted to see if what we’d read about Great Wall’s engine development carried some water.

We also wanted to see a Great Wall with a diesel and, on a recent visit to the importer/distributor in New Zealand, we found both in the form of the V200 TDi, a turbo diesel double cab 4x4 Great Wall.

Under the bonnet is the exciting news, but the Chinese have also given the Great Wall something of a facelift, so before we get too far into the miracles of China’s diesel tech, a few words on the other stuff.

The V200 is significantly more ‘ute-like’ in its face, which makes it more acceptable to the ‘bloke’s bloke’ who might have considered the V240 petrol a little too gentle in its front-on aspect.

Where once the V240 may have looked like a car designer’s influence dominated the production department, the diesel V200 has definitely ‘macho-ed up’ and is likely to find favour with those who might once have said, “I don’t care about the diesel engine.”

We suspect a look over the oil-burner might have them changing their tune as there is – among ute owners especially – a fair degree of consideration for the ‘right’ appearance.

But the Great Wall diesel is still a parking space friendly ute, which means you won’t feel quite like your maneuvering a truck. The Chinese have struck a perfect balance of building for the boys and keeping it sensible for the city.

And what do we make of the V200’s interior?

Here, the Chinese have done a little more work too, tightening up on the small stuff which we didn’t actually sweat over the first time round, but which the Chinese obviously felt to be an important consideration.

The end result is definitely noticeable and, while the interior of the cab is still functional and still has all the bits and pieces we had seen previously (including dual airbags), the finish seems to have improved somewhat, perhaps ‘matured’ would be an apt description.

There was one noticeable difference in the cab though, and that was on the shifter. The diesel Great Walls come with an extra cog – yes, that’s right, a six-speed transmission to make good use of all the pulling power available from the engine.

Our short ‘spin round the block’ suggested to us that the Chinese again, have been paying attention. First is something of a ‘just get it rolling’ gear on the road, which suggests that off road and in muddy conditions, you’ve got a better than even chance of hauling stuff round at low speeds.

Up and driving on the tarmac though, that top gear is a nice one to hit and keep things ticking over smoothly. All the way through the other gears, you do need to be mindful of the torque take up at around 2500-3000rpm, it is quite aggressive.

Once you’re used to it, it’s fine and you can drive the ute with more confidence as to what it will do. Under this sweet spot, you’ll find similar characteristics to the petrol engine varietal.

On the whole though, we were pleased with what we experienced driving the diesel Great Wall. We can see why Great Wall’s importers and indeed the dealer network is so excited about and we are pleased to report that the Chinese have delivered on their promise of notable improvements as each model comes to our shores.

How much? We can’t tell you, but we’re confident you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Industry guessers are picking at around the $30,000 sticker price. You’ll be pleasantly surprised, if not rocked back on your heels.

You’ll see why at Fieldays when the Great Wall comes down - from Auckland to Mystery Creek that is.