Great Wall's bargain-priced off-roader aims high but scores poorly - for now.
GreatWallX240
Good
It's a new car for a second-hand price
comes with equipment not on cars twice its price
decent tyres
roadside assistance adds peace of mind.
Bad
Poor quality
needs more safety features
wheezy engine
stiff gearbox action and auto not available for a few months.
Price and equipment
Value is key to the GWM sales spiel, and it begins with an attractive $23,990 drive-away price tag. That's thousands cheaper than smaller, front-drive-only SUVs with less equipment and $20,000 cheaper than its most similar rival, the Mitsubishi Challenger.
The X240 is backed by a three-year, 100,000-kilometre warranty and three years of roadside assistance. There are also lashings of chrome that inject some bling to an already stylish shape.
More impressive is the list of standard fare, which includes leather trim, an electric driver's seat, power windows, climate control air-conditioning, reversing sensors, fog lights, alloy wheels and a USB input for external audio devices such as an iPod.
There's also a full-size spare tyre, which is handy for those looking to go off road.
Smaller touches, such as the lights in each door, are indicative of a brand out to impress at showroom level. Metallic paint costs $350 while a sunroof adds $1000.
Under the bonnet
The X240 utilises a proven Mitsubishi 2.4-litre petrol engine; the Mitsubishi badge is still stamped on the top. Managing 100kW of power, it looks modest but OK on paper.
In reality, though, the GWM needs to be worked hard for even an average response. The engine is noisy and wheezy, almost like it's gasping for air as you build revs, at which point it becomes thrashy. It needs time to wind up, too, which adds to the lethargic feeling.
An automatic transmission is due in a few months but for now there's only a five-speed manual.
The gearstick operation is basic but notchy, although it's the clutch feel that's unnerving. It has inconsistent weighting that's initially too light, then too heavy.
Thankfully the GWM isn't overly thirsty, slurping a claimed average of 10.4 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres.
How it drives
Unlike the modern, city-friendly breed of soft-roaders, the GWM is a more serious off-roader with traditional thinking to its construction. That means compromises but also translates to respectable off-road muscle.
Its ute-based underpinnings allow generous wheel travel, while the set of low-range gears (selected via a knob) assists with slower speed work and obstacles such as sand.
On road, though, the X240 is less than exemplary. The steering is vague and our car had a mild knock.
Over bumps the GWM can get fussy, albeit disposing of speed humps ably.
Thankfully the Goodyear tyres partly make up for the average road manners, delivering decent cornering grip.
Comfort and practicality
It's inside where the GWM really loses points. Interesting dimpled finishes are let down by poor fit and detailing, with some plastics on the dash of our car out of alignment by half a centimetre or more.
Further evidence of ordinary build quality are misaligned panels and a rough-running sunroof shade.
The indicator was also squeaking like a sparrow and the driver's door handle was unnaturally sprung, with the door itself opening and closing with a tinny clang. It may sound picky, given this is a fledgling car maker, but it highlights the attention to detail and quality inherent in vehicles from places such as Japan.
The cupholder that hits your hand when you engage first gear is a demonstration that Great Wall is finding its feet.
So are the illuminated blue lights on the radio and other functions on the centre console that don't dim with those in the instrument cluster.
Otherwise the basic controls are logical enough and the sound system is reasonable.
The X240 also has hangovers from its ute underpinnings, such as the floor that sits quite high (allowing for the truck-like ladderframe chassis beneath), which means less space. The seats, too, could do with more lateral support.
There are five seats, with reasonable leg room in the rear.
The high-floored boot is also spacious enough for what is a relatively compact proper off-roader, although those looking to fit child seats will trade some cargo area; the mounting points are in the floor, not on the seat backs.
Safety
The ute on which the X240 is based achieved a disappointing two stars out of five in NCAP testing. GWM importer Ateco is confident the wagon will score at least three stars because of extra features, such as pre-tensioning seatbelts.
Still, there's no ignoring the fact it misses out on a stability-control system and curtain airbags, leaving it below par in the safety department.
Overall verdict
One Half Star
The X240 is great if you only have $24,000 to spend and want a new car - that's its appeal.
But China's off-roader laced with issues that to many may make a second-hand 4WD a better option.
GWM's Australian importer, Ateco - which also looks after Citroen, Alfa Romeo and Ferrari - says the brand's Chinese head office is eager to listen, learn and, reassuringly, make appropriate changes.
Nuts & Bolts
Price $23,990, drive-away
Country Of Origin China
Engine Size/Type 2.4-litre 4-cylinder
Power 100kW at 5250rpm
Torque 200Nm at 2500-3000rpm
Transmission/Driven Wheels 5-speed manual
Kerb Weight 1830kg
Fuel Consumption 10.4L/100km
Safety Equipment dual front airbags; ABS.
Safety Rating Not independently crash tested;
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