Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors has entered the SUV segment with its nicely styled X240.
Very competitively priced from $23,990 driveaway, the X240 expands the Great Wall lineup beyond its twin cab utility models.
Power comes from a 2.4-litre overhead valve petrol engine that delivers 100kW at 5250 rpm and peak torque of 200Nm between 2500rpm and 3000rpm.
Drive is via a five-speed manual transmission and the four-wheel-drive system features a switch operated 'on the fly' selection of high or low range.
Combined cycle fuel economy consumption is 10.4l/100kms.
Front suspension is a double wishbone independent design with torsion bar springs, hydraulic shock absorbers and anti-roll bar. The rear is a four-bar independent design.
Inside are leather seats (power adjustment for the driver), power steering, air conditioning, central locking and an eight-speaker CD/MP3 audio system. A sunroof is a $1,000 option.
Standard safety features include dual airbags, anti-lock brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution and reverse warning sensors.
Off-road, the X240 looks to be reasonably competent with ground clearance of 175mm, an approach angle of 28 degrees and a departure angle of 27.5 degrees. The turning circle is 12 metres.
Great Wall's design team has delivered a modern and conservative exterior appearance aided by the standard 17-inch alloy wheels. Available colours are white, black, silver and red.
This year car sales in China will exceed 11 million vehicle to become the world's largest new car market. Great Wall - a major player in the Chines market - was established in 1976 and was the first Chinese automatic manufacturer to be listed on the Hong Kong stock exchange.
