China’s first foray into the UK market is getting spearheaded by a sluggish pick-up. But its efficiency in difficult circumstances impresses Tim Barnes-Clay.
Fantastic Wall? Isn’t that one thing to do with a series of fortifications built across the historical northern borders of China?
Effectively, yes and no.
Cheap to purchase and run
It is also the name of 1 of the most lucrative car companies in China – and Fantastic Wall is the initial Chinese automotive brand to commence volume vehicle sales in the UK.
It began in 2012 with the launch of the Steed choose-up – a difficult-hitting, no-nonsense motor, equally proficient as a workhorse or a weekend getaway set of wheels.
The Steed is also 1 of the most low-cost choose-up trucks in Britain – both to purchase and to run.
The S model, on test right here, has a 2.-litre, 16-valve turbocharged diesel lump which sips rather than gulps fuel.
Stocky load-lugger
The upshot is an typical claimed fuel economy of 32 mpg.
The Steed’s stocky look – enhanced by broad-shouldered wheel-arches and higher ground clearance – indicates its resilience as properly as its credentials as an adaptable load-lugger, both on the road and in the rough.
Carrying capacity compares properly with nicely-identified choose-up rivals, and the 1,050kg maximum payload is really competitive.
Towing capability is impressive as well at 2,500 kg with a braked trailer.
Generous storage
Climb inside and the 4-door Steed’s double-cab body is nicely balanced.
Slip behind the wheel and the driving position is decent, with all the dials and controls effortless to see and use.
There’s enough space for up to 4 passengers and storage space is generous.
This includes a lockable glove-box, front centre console, front door pockets with cup holders and front seat-back map pockets.
Slow to get going
On the move, the Excellent Wall Steed is something but fast.
It requires an absolute age to get from -62 mph – 17 yawn-inducing seconds in fact.
It also has a top speed of just 87 mph.
That stated, when it at some point gets rolling, it does a great job of acquiring you from A to B.
A challenging drive
You have to truly operate it even though: it will not drive you, so you may possibly nicely really feel like you’ve had a decent perform-out by the finish of a extended journey.
When the terrain gets a lot more demanding than the blacktop, you can engage the Steed’s low-range gearbox, as well as the on-demand 4-wheel-drive system – the latter at speeds of up to 12 mph.
This is when the Chinese choose-up comes in to its own.
It will work tough and plough its way across rutted tracks and fields with no difficulty.
No rivals at this value
But the Steed isn’t just a stripped-down, no-frills instrument.
It’s well kitted out, and no similarly priced choose-up on sale in the UK will rival its notable tally of regular gear.
The entry-level S model comes with a entire host of characteristics usually presented as options in competitors.
These include 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a Thatcham-authorized Category 1 alarm, electric front and rear windows, an Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, air-conditioning, heated fronted seats and a leather interior.
The Excellent Wall Steed comes with a extensive 3-year or 60,000-mile mechanical warranty, a 6-year anti-perforation warranty, a 3-year paint warranty, and 3 years’ roadside recovery and help.
Pros & cons
- Reasonably priced √
- Resilient on and off road √
- Roomy √
- Fantastic load-lugger √
- Painfully slow X
Fast information
- Max speed: 87 mph
- -62 mph: 17 secs
- Combined mpg: 32.8
- Engine: 1996 cc 4 cylinder 16 valve turbo diesel
- Max. power (bhp): 137 at 4000 rpm
- Max. torque (lb.ft): 225 at 1800 rpm
- Max. towing weight (braked) 2500 kg
- CO2: 222 g/km
- Cost: £17,941 on the road
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Vehicle assessment: Wonderful Wall Steed S
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