GWM Cannon Alpha Lux Diesel 2024 review
Utes are everywhere in Australia. Everywhere you look, you’ll see one. You’ll probably see numerous examples during your morning or afternoon commute. Whether it be for work or play, Australians are obsessed with this particular vehicle type.
Global automakers have realised this huge sales opportunity and so the ute market locally is continuing to expand. Kia’s first ute, the Tasman, is locked and loaded for 2025. BYD will bring its first Shark ute, a hybrid, to Australia this year.
And now GWM has built a slightly larger and more premium stablemate to the existing Ute Cannon called the Cannon Alpha to broaden its dual-cab offerings.
While the headline news is that GWM has become the first automaker to bring a petrol-electric hybrid ute to Australia, it’s also offering its Cannon Alpha with an uprated 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine.
Sure, it’s got more power than a Cannon X or XSR, but how does the Alpha move the ute game forward? Or does it merely stick to the formula established by its smaller Cannon siblings?
Well, it’s time to find out with the entry-level Lux diesel version.
What are the Alpha Lux Diesel’s features and options for the price?
Our test vehicle is priced at $51,990 driveaway and is the entry-level ute in the new Alpha range.
As standard, the Lux diesel grade is offered with the following features:
- LED headlights and daytime running lights
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Dual 12.3-inch screens for touchscreen and instrument cluster
- Dual-zone climate control
- Six-speaker sound system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto
- Electric rear differential lock
- Four drive modes
- 360-degree camera
- Artificial leather upholstery
- Tyre pressure monitoring
- One-piece tailgate
As for options, our Alpha Lux diesel was stock as a rock, however a range of accessories will be available for the vehicle in time.
I think the Chinese-built ute is well specced for its outlay and doesn’t seem to skimp on features. A comparable Ford Ranger XLT 2.0-litre costs roughly $70,300 driveaway (NSW), while a Volkswagen Amarok Style with four-pot turbo-diesel power will also easily tip over the $70K driveaway bracket.
After having just recently reviewed the
