Previewed: GWM Cannon Pick-Up Truck at Malaysia Autoshow 2023

Aside from the Haval H6 and Jolion SUVs, Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia’s showcase at the ongoing Malaysia Autoshow 2023 also features yet another new model, dubbed as the GWM Cannon. This pick-up truck is set to be launched into the Malaysian market later, set to go against the likes of Ford Ranger and Peugeot Landtrek in the lifestyle pick-up segment.

The Malaysian-bound GWM Cannon is expected to harness the 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbodiesel mill that delivers 161 HP and 400 NM to boot. Power transfer from the powertrain to all four wheels (AWD) is facilitated by the ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission.

Displayed at GWM Malaysia’s booth are two variants of the Cannon, one basic and one maxed-out one, with the latter primed with more premium equipment and amenities. Visually, the blue-hued range-topping Cannon boasts an aggressive front fascia, dominated by the massive chromed-up grille, flanked by the equally-aggressive LED headlights design.The chrome theme continues for the maxed-out spec, featuring on the door handles, side mirror caps, windows surround, rear sports bar, and many more. 

The standard spec Cannon, draped in white, swaps the chrome parts for body-coloured ones. This version also sports the more conventional front grille design, finished in black instead of chrome. Also gone is the aggressive-looking LED headlights, with the more tame-looking headlights design.

GWM Cannon premium 18-inch wheel (left) and standard 17-inch wheel (right)

The premium Cannon rides on a set of 18-inch sporty dual-tone alloy wheels with multi-spoke design, while the baseline one comes standard with 17-inch ones, finished in dark silver.

GWM Cannon's latchable tailgate ladder - providing easier access to the flatbed

More importantly, the GWM Cannon’s tailgate comes standard with a latchable flatbed ladder – a feature that is missing in most pick-up trucks available in the market right now.

On board, the GWM Cannon packs a rather comprehensive and well-equipped cabin, primed with tech amenities like touchscreen infotainment display, power-adjustable driver’s seat, as well as electronic parking brake (EPB). For the premium variant, drivers will also get a digital instrument cluster, while the seats are finished with quilted patterns.

Further fuelling the ‘lifestyle truck’ sentiment is the presence of dedicated air vents for the rear passengers, plus a three-pin plug outlet and single USB port for better convenience. Speaking of rear passengers, the Cannon’s rear seats are foldable with 60:40 split configuration, enabling more cargo space to haul extra items, should the rear flatbed be fully occupied.

Though not much details were given about the Cannon’s safety features, GWM claims this China-bred pick-up truck is fully-equipped with Level 2 autonomous driving system, thus making it the leading model in its segment when it comes to advanced safety features.

Already making its first-ever public appearance here at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023, the GWM Cannon is poised to join the ever-competitive local pick-up truck segment in Malaysia later this year, according to GWM. The truck will join fellow compatriots like the Peugeot Landtrek (Kaicene F70), Maxus T70 and JMC Vigus Pro to fight the Japanese truck monopoly in our local market, spearheaded by the Isuzu D-Max and Toyota Hilux.

So folks, what are your thoughts on the soon-to-be-launched GWM Cannon truck? Would you take this China-born truck over some other more obvious choices available out there? Why don’t you check it out yourselves by visiting GWM Malaysia’s booth at the Hall A of the Malaysia Autoshow 2023 in MAEPS, where you can get a closer look at this truck, alongside other models.

The Malaysia Autoshow 2023 is taking place from May 4 to 7, 2023 at MAEPS, Selangor, beginning from 10AM to 10PM. Tickets can be purchased online via Malaysia Autoshow’s official website, or you can just walk-in at the ticket counter near the autoshow entrance.