
GWM Cannon Alpha PHEV priced for NZ
GWM is amping up its challenge in the New Zealand ute market with sharp pricing and an extended electric-only range for its new Cannon Alpha PHEV.
For a limited time, buyers can bag the Cannon Alpha PHEV Lux 4×4 for $67,990 plus on-road costs, thanks to a $2000 launch discount and they'll also get a complimentary wall charger. The offer runs until 30 June 2025. Step up to the Cannon Alpha PHEV Ultra and you're looking at $74,990 + ORC.
The Cannon Alpha PHEV uses GWM's Hi4T 4×4 system with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, electric motor and a 37.1kWh traction battery. Altogether, they deliver a beefy 300kW with 750Nm of pull. And pull it will, with a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.
Read more 2025 GWM Cannon Lux Review
GWM has also updated the EV-only range, which is now stretched to 115km on the NEDC cycle. That's more than enough for most daily commutes without sipping a drop of petrol. When the battery reaches a low state of charge, fuel consumption is stated 7.9L/100km. Keep the battery topped up and GWM claims a combined figure of just 1.7L/100km, although, as always, real-world results will vary.
Charging is sorted via a CCS2 plug with up to 50kW DC capability, allowing a 30–80% top-up in a claimed 24 minutes. And thanks to V2L (vehicle-to-load) functionality, the Cannon Alpha PHEV can also output up to 6kW to power tools, camping gear, or even a coffee machine on the job site.
Dimensionally, the Alpha is a full-sized contender, stretching 5445mm in length and offering decent off-road credentials, including an 800mm wading depth, 28.5° approach angle, and selectable 4H and 4L drive modes. Payload comes in at 685kg, while gross combined mass sits at 6745kg.
Inside, both Lux and Ultra models are loaded with kit. Think 14.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, 360-degree cameras, and a full suite of driver aids. The Ultra variant adds luxury touches like massaging front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and a 10-speaker Infinity audio system.
Backing it all is GWM's seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and five years of roadside assistance, sweetening an already compelling package.
First deliveries are expected in the coming weeks, with test drives available from late May through the GWM New Zealand dealer network.
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You can spend a lot on a ute these days. While they used to be a tool of trade with just the bare basics to do the job, pick-ups are now a lot more versatile than their utilitarian ancestors. Many are fancy, with big price tags. But what if you're looking for a bit more value from your next truck? Things don't seem to be 'back on track' economically as the Prime CEO promised. So finding a good deal on a new truck this year could have people looking to spend less. At the value end of the market two 4×4 double-cab utes landed with price tags in the forties yet they are hardly stripped back to the basics. In fact, they are both well outfitted. The JAC T9 is one them, a new nameplate to the market, arriving as a single, well-specified double-cab offering. Another from China is the reworked GWM Cannon that lands with a very sharp price. Are these two up to challenging one of the best-selling utes though? We brought along the Mitsubishi Triton to test their mettle. 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Its 2.4 makes 150kW and 470Nm at 1500-2750rpm and is delivered more readily thanks to the twin-turbo set-up. It might only have a six-speed auto but it manages its cogs better, sorting the ratios quicker and more smartly than the others here. The GWM's new 2.4 makes 135kW and 480Nm of torque. It ramps up smartly too, on from 1500rpm. Cannon has a nine-gear auto, which is a smooth operator but sometimes isn't quick enough in sorting the right gear, getting caught out on when you need to get going again. The JAC's 2.0-litre makes 125kW and 410Nm at 1500-2500rpm, matched to an eight-speed auto. It's not as responsive however with more lag than the others but is strong through the midrange. The auto is smooth and quick to upshift, but reluctant to kick down, making it feel less energetic. It isn't quite as brisk as the other two, as you can see from the figures in the spec box. Triton is rated at 8.8L/100km, T9 at 8.4 and Cannon at 9.6 (all figures from Rightcar). 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The Cannon's on-demand system made harder work of the mild obstacles we faced on the farm; it's harder to be smooth when slow and steady progress is required. Each has a diff lock helping them ease up on to the stump. The JAC has the most clearance at the front, the Triton the least, although the Mitsubishi's 4×4 driveline made easier work of it all. Each has myriad driver aids, all necessary to gain top marks in crash tests. But they can be annoying too. There is no driver monitor in the Cannon, but you'll want to disable the lane keeping. It jerks you about on the motorway while also deciding to take over the steering with evasive manoeuvres at times. The active cruise likes to keep a big gap to the traffic in front and is quite noisy in operation. The Triton's drive monitor does not like you wearing sunglasses, but is okay when you're not. Otherwise its safety features lay in the background, the lane keeping okay in action. The JAC goes in for overkill, bonging heaps with overspeed warnings and constant prompts to remain vigilant while driving. The lane keeping is trigger happy too. However, the active cruise with lane centring works alright on motorway. The Triton has the best comfort and support behind the wheel. Like the Cannon, you'll have to manually adjust the seat, no biggie really. We prefer the cloth trim to the vinyl of the Cannon (sweat inducing), and while the T9 gains heating elements and electrics, the seat adjustment is limited. The flexibility at the wheel is restricted too, moving only up and down. Some bits feel flimsy in the JAC's interior, like the fuel cap release lever and 4×4 switch. The JAC's cruise refused to work one day, then was fine the next, and the radio had a mind of its own, randomly changing stations. The interior detailing is flashy, the shiny bits reflecting the sun harshly. It has the largest screen, which is good for the surround view camera, though it's also hampered by reflection. The 150W three-pin plug in the back might come in handy. The GWM is well made, and nicely finished. It's the most modern looking, with the most soft touch points too. Like the others, storage is okay, although its cup holders are a little small. The central display has a widescreen format with a vibrant resolution and quick response, though some of the soft buttons are too small. Its reversing camera is complemented by a side view feature. Some of the finishing in the Triton is to a price point, the carpet thin for instance, the softer touchpoints applied sparingly. But it's screwed together well. It's a little quaint with its analogue dials and smaller screen but, wouldn't you know, it's the easiest to fathom. A few knobs and buttons make for easier operations, the main screen is essentially an infotainment interface and it's the only one with sat nav. The manual handbrake will be appreciated by the farm hands in the paddock. Triton also has a smidge more legroom in the rear but there's not much between them back there. All have Isofix points, but the Triton lacks USB outlets while the GWM alone lets you flip the seat up if you have stuff to store in the cabin. The triton is the best ute here, but also the most expensive. in times where every dollar counts, the $10k difference between this and the Cannon is harder to overlook. At the business end, the Chinese crew run with bigger trays. The Cannon's is 20mm longer than the T9's at 1540mm, and is wider at both the tailgate (1410mm v 1350mm) and between the arches (1180mm v 1140mm). With its drop-in tray liner in place, the Triton measured up at 1420mm long, 1340mm wide at the tailgate and 1100mm between the arches. None has a bumper step to help you up into the tray. The JAC's extended sports bar makes it even harder to retrieve stuff from the side of the tub, and only the Cannon has a soft opening and easy closing action. The T9 and Cannon both come with a spray-in liner, the JAC's covering the tops of the welllside too. Each has four tiedown points. The Triton is the best ute here, but also the most expensive. In times where every dollar counts, the $10k difference between this and the Cannon is harder to overlook. It represents a big step forward for the GWM brand, goes well, with the right capabilities and it's great value. The T9, not being all new (only new to our market) shows its age against these too, dating back to 2020. It has a strong spec, and its solid underpinnings go well off road, but it has a few too many irksome traits. So go Triton if the extra spend isn't an issue, or the GWM if it is, knowing it's a solid offering at the price. GWM Cannon Lux$43,490 / 8.4L/100km / 221g/km 0-100 km/h 10.12 80-120 km/h 8.54s (241m) 100-0 km/h 37.45m Speedo error 97 at an indicated 100km/h Ambient cabin noise 70.4dB@100km/h Engine 2370cc / IL4 / TDI Max power 135kW@3600rpm Max torque 480Nm@1500-2500rpm Drivetrain 9-speed auto / on-demand AWD Front suspension Wishbones / sway bar Rear suspension Solid axle/leaf springs Turning circle 13.1m (3.1 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Discs Stability systems ABS, ESP Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size f/r-265/60R18 Wheelbase 3230mm L/W/H 5416 / 1947 / 1884mm Track f-1580mm r-1580mm Fuel capacity 78L Tow rating 750kg (3500kg braked) Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km Warranty 7yrs / unlimited km ANCAP rating ★★★★★ (2021) Weight (claimed) 2230kg JAC T9$49,990 / 8.4L/100km / 221g/km 0-100 km/h 12.37s 80-120 km/h 9.66s (275m) 100-0 km/h 37.90m Speedo error 97 at an indicated 100km/h Ambient cabin noise 65.5dB@100km/h Engine 1999cc / IL4 / TDI Max power 125kW@3600rpm Max torque 410Nm@1500-2500rpm Drivetrain 8-speed auto / switchable 4×4 Front suspension Wishbones / swaybar Rear suspension Solid axle/leaf springs Turning circle 12.4m (3.1 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Discs Stability systems ABS, ESP Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size f/r-265/60R18 Wheelbase 3110mm L/W/H 5330 / 1965 / 1920mm Track f-1610mm r-1610mm Fuel capacity 76L Tow rating 750kg (3000kg braked) Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km Warranty 5yrs / 200,000 km ANCAP rating ★★★★★ (2024) Weight (claimed) 2055kg Mitsubishi Triton GLX-R 4×4$53,990 / 8.8L/100km / 233g/km 0-100 km/h 9.62s 80-120 km/h 7.42s (211m) 100-0 km/h 38.87m Speedo error 97 at an indicated 100km/h Ambient cabin noise 71.0dB@100km/h Engine 2442cc / IL4 / TDI Max power 150kW@3500rpm Max torque 470Nm@1500-2750rpm Drivetrain 6-speed auto / switchable 4×4 Front suspension Wishbones / sway bar Rear suspension Solid axle Turning circle 12.4m (3.2 turns) Front brakes Ventilated discs Rear brakes Drum Stability systems ABS, ESP, TV Safety AEB, ACC, BSM, LDW, RCTA, ALK, AHB Tyre size 265/60R18 Wheelbase 3130mm L/W/H 5320 / 1930 / 1815mm Track f-1570mm r-1565mm Fuel capacity 75L Tow rating 750kg (3500kg braked) Service intervals 12 months / 15,000km Warranty 5yrs / 130,000km ANCAP rating ★★★★★ (2024) Weight (claimed) 2125kg