Great Wall V200 2013: Quick Spin

What we liked:
>> Spacious cabin
>> Value for money
>> Conservative good looks

The Great Wall V200 TDI 4WD is not set to win any design awards, but there’s a skin-and-bones rawness to it that is strangely appealing.

There’s a definitive line that can be drawn in the sand when we think about a workhorse vehicle. It’s a lot about hard facts and practical attributes, and little about emotion. And on this train of thought, the V200 is winning. After all, it does have all the basics covered.

The V200 remains the cheapest ute of its kind on the market. Priced from $16,990 drive-away for the single-cab V240 (petrol) and $22,990 drive-away for the V200 (diesel) it seems hard to argue the case against the value of the Great Wall twins.

But to be fair, a work vehicle is not all about price. Considering its role, ride, handling and safety are all very valid considerations.

Great Wall's V-series ute range comprises single- and dual-cab models. The V240 is powered by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox while the V200’s 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine is married to a six-speed manual.

In either case, there is currently no automatic transmission on offer.

Our test model, the V200 TDI 4WD, delivers 105kW and 310Nm, making it 5kW and 110Nm more powerful that the V240. Fuel economy for the V200 is pegged at 8.3L/100km.

All V-series ute models feature power steering, double wishbone suspension in the front and leaf spring on the rear. Payload is rated at 1050kg and braked towing capacity 2000kg.

But look a little closer and certain quality traits prove why the Great Wall utes command the price they do. The tray is unlined and the panel joins and seals around the cabin are well below par. On the upside, the tray bed does include several nifty anchor points.

In-cabin safety for the V-series utes is rudimentary at best. Both variants offer dual front airbags only and there is no provision for the fitment of a child seat. Poor crash test results saw the V240 score only a two-star safety rating from ANCAP.

There’s not a great amount of equipment to speak of in the V200, but all the basics are covered. Features include ‘leather’ trimmed seats, manual air-conditioning, a multi-function steering wheel, a single-CD/tuner, power windows and mirrors, 16-inch alloy wheels and remote keyless entry.

The absence of any USB or Bluetooth connectivity is disappointing.

On the road the V200 proved to be a mixed bag of mediocrity. Its handling and on-road behaviour are well below the level of most in this class, while low range power delivery is best described as lethargic.

Fortunately, things improve with a little pace, and on the go the V200 was a surprise performer. After its initial lag, the engine provides steady power delivery which is well managed by an easy gear shift mechanism.

But it’s the V200’s steering and road manners that let it down most. The feel through the tiller is woolly leaving the driver feeling disconnected from the intentions of the front wheels. The firm suspension is also an issue. It’s completely unforgiving over rough surfaces and potholes delivering a harsh response. In short, the V200 feels busy and unrefined behind the wheel.

There was some joy to this story, however. In-cabin comfort is quite good with comfortable seats, good storage and a general ‘wipe-me-clean’ vibe that is well suited to a light-commercial vehicle of this kind. The second-row seats were comfortable and spacious, and offered good outward visibility thanks to a raised seating position.

There again, the Chinese manufacturer’s level of fit and finish inside is well below par. There are a lot of exposed screws and the hard plastics surfaces appear easily scratched. Perhaps it’s built for hard knocks, or perhaps it’s an indication of cost cutting...

While we fully appreciate the appeal of a no-frills utility vehicle, the V200 just doesn't have the maturity to compete against more established players. Until the build quality and safety credentials are improved, its price -- and skin-and-bones rawness -- remain its only saving graces.

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