Great Wall Steed receives update for 2015

The Great Wall Steed, the cheapest double-cab pickup on the market, has received an update for the 2015 model year. The Chinese manufacturer says practicality and comfort have been greatly improved with the new model, which is about £1,000 more than the outgoing one.

While Great Wall may not be challenging the likes of the Ford, Mitsubishi and Volkswagen at the top of the pickup category just yet, it says it is pleased with the progress the Steed has made so far. There are now 50 dealers nationwide and the Steed comes with an unbeatable six-year warranty.

Not all that much has changed, but the biggest alteration is quite a significant one. The braked towing capacity has now been increased to 2.5 tonnes, from two tonnes, although this still falls short of many of the key competitors, which offer upwards of three tonnes.

The Steed retains its dated dashboard, although Great Wall says it now uses higher quality materials. An automatic dimming rear view mirror, all round disc brakes, an outside temperature display, double-din Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel mounted audio controls and a tyre pressure monitoring system are all now part of the spec.

There’s no doubting the Steed represents huge value for money, being the cheapest double cab and offering a lot of spec, including 16-inch alloy wheels, all round electric windows, air-conditioning and heated front seats. The pickup market is a tough cookie to crack, though, and only when it has built up a reputation as a durable workhorse will it breakthrough into the mainstream.