Great Wall Motors Philippines is a relatively new brand in the country, its original entry into the local market more than a decade ago was lukewarm at best, but this time the automaker is looking to heat things with its new lineup of hybrid crossovers and its new pickup truck, the GWM Cannon.

The GWM Cannon seeks to take on established names, such as the Toyota Hilux, Isuzu D-MAX, Nissan Navara, and the Ford Ranger. 

However, the question remains, how will the Cannon separate itself from the rest?

Also Read: Starts under P1M: GWM Philippines launches pick-up, hybrid crossovers ahead of MIAS 2023

Tough looks

The GWM Cannon brings its rugged looks like any other pickup truck in the segment. However, it sets itself apart thanks to its more rounded front fascia with its massive grille and large headlights. 

It resembles a cross between a Toyota Tundra, a Toyota Hilux, and even a bit of an older Ford Ranger. But the amalgamation of familiar design cues works well together to deliver a unique look for the pickup truck. 

Aside from this, you also get LED headlights, a hydraulic-assisted tailgate, and a bedliner right from the showroom floor. You also get meaty tire options in 17-inch wheels wrapped in 245/70 series tires or 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/60 series tires. 

Turbo diesel power and 4x4 capabilities

Under the hood of the GWM Cannon, you are looking at a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder diesel engine that produces 161 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Depending on your chosen variant, it is mated to either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. 

If you opt for the 4x4 model, you get a 4-wheel drive system with Torque on demand and an electronic rear-locking differential. It also carries a BorgWarner transfercase for on the fly shifting to its 4x4 modes.

The transfercase helps shift torque to where you need it when off-road. It uses a proprietary electronic control unit and software to monitor steering wheel angle and pedal position, automatically delivering torque to either the front or rear axles.

9-inch infotainment system

Not to be outdone by its other rivals, the GWM Cannon is also equipped with a touchscreen infotainment system. It measures 9 inches and supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth.

The infotainment system also doubles as your display for the reverse camera. 

The pickup truck also has a 7-inch full digital display for its gauge cluster for the S 4x2, S 4x4, and other higher-tier variants. 

Rugged interior

Rugged on the outside and rugged on the inside is what the GWM Cannon offers you with its cabin. You are greeted with a practical interior made with a few hard plastics and soft-touch materials for a premium feel.

Regardless, the interior material of the pickup truck can take a beating and will still look good at the same time, which is what you will want from a practical pickup truck. 

All the interior controls are easily within reach and are straight forward making operation of the interior controls a breeze. 

Extensive variant lineup

GWM Philippines has six different models available for the Cannon.

If you want something affordable, the Pilot line is there to answer your call, which starts at ₱998,000 for the 4x2 model and ₱1,118,000 for the 4x4 variant.

If you want something with more technology and more features, the S and Lux variant lines are there to help you out. The Lux models start at ₱1,198,000 for the 4x2 AT model and end at ₱1,318,000 for the 4x4 AT variant. On the other hand, the S Lux variants start at ₱1,358,000 for the 4x2 AT and ₱1,498,000 for the 4x4 AT.

Thanks to the low pricing band of its variant lineup, the GWM Cannon is one of the most affordable pickup trucks you can get in the Philippine market today.

5-star ANCAP safety rating

Another strong point of the GWM pickup truck is its strong safety rating. It was able to get a 5-star safety score from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) back in 2021. The ANCAP is one of the strictest testing agencies and follows the same testing procedures as its Euro NCAP counterpart.

It was commended for its great occupant protection thanks to its standard suit of airbags and the addition of a center airbag.

Its set of other safety features, such as autonomous emergency braking and a lane support system, also helped it get its 5-star rating. 

Something to note is that the Cannon has yet to be tested by the ASEAN NCAP, so the results may vary.

Will you be considering the GWM Cannon as your next pickup truck?

Did you like our story? Let us know with a 5-star rating.