V240

GREAT Wall Motors became the first Chinese car-maker to nail up its shingle in Australia, staking a claim on the light-commercial vehicle market.

The dual-cab V240 ute tipped the scales at 1660kg kerb weight in 4x2 form and 1780kg in 4x4. Both models had a one tonne payload.

The front suspension was double-wishbone with torsion bar springing, while the rear was conventional leaf-spring solid axle.

The V240’s 100kW/200Nm from its Mitsubishi-derived 2.4-litre petrol four consumed 10.7L/100km on the combined fuel test cycle.

Safety kit included airbags, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and a high-mounted stop light.

Apart from leather upholstery, air-conditioning and 16-inch alloy wheels, the list of standard equipment on the V240 included foglights, electric windows and central locking.

A year after the original launch a two-door, cab-chassis version was launched at $17,990 drive-away for the 4x2 ($6000 cheaper than the equivalent dual-cab at $23,990 drive-away).

Weights were 1387kg (4x2) and 1507kg (4x4).

As with the V240 dual-cab, the single-cab was powered exclusively by a 2.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine.

Great Wall Motors introduced facelifted, upgraded and diesel-powered versions of the V240 ute range in April 2011 bringing a fresh face at the same price.