GWM showed off its Wingle (Steed) 6 pick-up at this year’s Shanghai Motor Show – a model that previews the Chinese firm’s upcoming Foton Tunladnd/Toyota Hilux/Ford Ranger rival.
Measuring in at 5 340 mm long, 1 800 wide and 1 755 high, the Steed 6 is marginally longer than the Ford Ranger and Mazda BT-50 and will be the largest pick-up model produced by GWM to date. It appears to follow the recent upsizing trend that has seen a number of major names in the one-ton pick-up segment grow considerably.
The Steed 6 will be offered with a choice of three powerplants; 2,0-litre naturally aspirated and 2,4-litre turbopetrol, as well as a new 2,4-litre turbodiesel. All of these units will be mated with a manual gearbox, although there is already talk of an automatic transmission being offered.
Unavoidably, the Steed 6’s design is going to draw comparisons with models from other manufacturer’s wares, but at least the comparisons are favourable ones; most notably the side profile with squared-off wheel arches and large, stacked brakelamps similar to those of the VW Amarok.
In side, the touchscreen infotainment system is something that has been a standard feature on such models as the GWM H5 and is even creeping into rivals such as the Toyota Hilux.
The Steed 6 will be launched on the Chinese market early next year. Given the positive response with which GWM’s Steed 5 has been met, and GWM SA’s aggressive new-model line-up for the next 12 months, it’s fair to assume that the Steed 6 will find its way here within the course of the next year or so.
