Another Great Wall recall

GREAT Wall Motors has recalled 922 examples of the X240 compact SUV because the steering column may come into contact with the car’s brake pipe.

The recall notice placed on the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) website states that “it is possible that the lower section of the steering column may come into contact with the front-right hydraulic brake pipe due to the small clearance between the two.

“The column may rub against the pipe during operation resulting in a leak in the hydraulic brake pipe.”’Owners of affected vehicles will be contacted and advised to see their local dealer for an inspection and, if necessary, a replacement brake pipe.

Public affairs consultant for Ateco Automotive – the distributor of Great Wall Motors in Australia - Daniel Cotterill, told GoAuto: “There has been an issue noted on one X240 concerning the incorrect fitment of a brake pipe in the factory.

“This has led to the recall of 922 potentially affected 2010 model X240s for inspection and rectification if necessary. None of the facelifted models are included,” he said.

Last month’s X240’s facelift gave the car sleeker frontal styling and a substantial increase in standard equipment, including a reversing camera, DVD player, Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel audio controls.

As GoAuto reported in April, the X240 – which is powered by a 100kW/200Nm 2.4-litre petrol engine and available only with a five-speed manual transmission – is set to be joined by an X200 TDi model powered by a 105kW 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine matched with both six-speed manual and five-speed automatic gearboxes.

Mr Cotterill confirmed this week that the release of the diesel engine and automatic transmission for the X200 is scheduled for the third quarter of this year.

Great Wall shifted 346 X240s in April, meaning the SUV accounted for almost half of the company’s 711 total national sales for the month and outsold rivals such as the Ford Escape, Kia Sportage and Suzuki Grand Vitara.