Great Wall Steed SE: Fine looking truck at a bargain price

Business Van Review of the Great Wall Stead SE

NOWADAYS just about everything we buy comes from China – and we all seem to be reasonably happy with that state of affairs, But when it comes to buying commercial vehicles, it seems that the vast majority of buyers draw a line. Take Great Wall for example. As can be seen by the pictures, this Chinese manufacturer produces a fine looking 4×4 truck with a jaw-droppingly low price. But after sales of 551 last year, its tally is down 60% this year. So what does importer IM Group do to try and arrest this alarming decline? Launch an improved model for 2015 with even more standard spec on it. If that doesn’t work we reckon nothing will. If we mention all the things you get thrown in for the price of £16,998 ex-VAT we would probably bring down the internet! Basically if you can think of it, this truck has it – leather seats, alloy wheels, chrome side bars, air-con, reversing sensors – that kind of thing. Plus a few others like daytime running lights, remote central locking, a Thatcham-approved Category 1 alarm, electric windows all round, heated front seats and for the 2015 model, the addition of a double-din Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel mounted audio controls. An auto dimming rear view mirror is also now standard. The Steed also has a six-year/125,000 mile mechanical warranty. So should we all lay aside our prejudices and ankle round to the nearest Great Wall showroom, eschewing the more established (and hugely more expensive) models? Let’s see, shall we?