Car Reviews 2026 Great Wall Motors V240 Light

The two versions of Great Wall Ute are, like many things coming out of China, a piece of mixed heritage, although this one is based on proven mechanicals. The Great Wall Ute is essentially a previous generation Holden Rodeo from the A pillars back, with Mitsubishi petrol engines, and Borg Warner drivetrain. Two models are currently sold in New Zealand, both petrol powered, although diesel power is arriving next year. Despite the lack of an automatic gearbox and diesel option, sales have been strong, with around 90 sales since the vehicle went on sale a couple of months ago, split evenly between SA220 and V240. The Great Wall Ute range is currently the best selling petrol powered Ute in New Zealand, although that more reflects the availability of petrol engines in other Ute ranges and the overwhelming choice of diesel for vehicles in this market. The current range opens with the 2.2 litre petrol SA220 in two wheel drive and 78kW of power, while the V240 is essentially the next generation of Great Wall’s ute, with an updated body and nose, available in both two and four wheel drive with a 2.4 litre petrol engine producing 100kW and 200Nm of torque. The first thing that’s apparent is that you get what you pay for, as the top of the range V240 4X4 feels a couple of generations behind the current batch of utes, but at NZ$29,990 with a three year/100,000km warrantee and roadside assistance package it’s appealing to those who just want a working ute rather than a lifestyle type vehicle. The V240 4X4 Is also well specc’d with ABS, dual front airbags, leather seating, engine immobiliser, remote central locking, power windows and a braked towing capacity of 2250kg. Payload in the tray is a full one tonne. Inside, the V240 is eerily familiar to anyone who has driven a Rodeo, and the four wheel drive system is activated through pushbuttons on the dashboard rather than a separate lever. The gearshift is a little notchy but precise, and certainly puts the manual gearchange in the Holden Colorado to shame, which is rather ironic. The seats feel a little small, and there’s not that much under thigh support, but there’s enough room in the back for adults if they squeeze in. Don’t go mistaking the Great Wall Ute for budget lifestyle Ute – even Ateco Automotive doesn’t suggest that. What these Utes represent are workhorses for very little money, based on mechanicals that have been developed and run over a long period of time. It may take the arrival of diesel and automatic transmissions, but expect to see a fair few fleet sales from this new brand. Category:Home › Home • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 2 • Will higher gasoline prices mean lower sales for new cars? — part 1 • Should the crew of the Sea Shepherd board whaling ships? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 13 • Grandparents: Can blogging chronicle your genealogy? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 12 • Are teachers unions the cause of public school problems today? • Which makes a better pet: A dog or a cat? — part 11