Great Wall Steed (2012 – 2017) Review

Great Wall Steed (2012 – 2017) At A Glance

2/5

+Cheap double-cab pick-up, decent 2.0-litre diesel engine.

-Dated to drive, poor refinement, dwindling dealer network, question marks over warranty support.

Great Wall become the first Chinese car brand in the UK when it launched its Steed pick-up in 2012. Described by the brand as a 'robust and highly practical pick-up', it appealed to value-focused buyers thanks to its low list price and comprehensive warranty. 

It's powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine with 143PS and 305Nm of torque which is combined with a six-speed gearbox plus selectable two and four-wheel drive which can be switched on the move. Economy is adequate with an official 34mpg average while insurance should be cheap with group 7 and 8 ratings.

The Steed, which is called the Wingle in its home market, has been on sale in Australia since 2009 under the V-Series name. While the brand is unknown in the UK the low price will have plenty of appeal for those after a no nonsense working vehicle and should provide a cheaper alternative to the likes of the new Isuzu D-Max, the replacement for the Isuzu Rodeo with which the Steed shares a very similar look.

The Steed was originally sold through a network of 40 Great Wall dealers across the country with the brand promising 'standards of customer service that will break new ground in the pick-up market.' However since 2017, its UK importer has halted new orders and the dealer network has been largely forced to close, leaving some serious question marks over the value of the warranty.

While the Great Wall is a decent effort and the price appeals, it feels considerably dated alongside competitor pick-ups, even those that have been on sale for several years now. And with the dealer network dwindling, finding workshops and garages willing to support the six-year-warranty has become increasingly difficult.