While the new competition in the 4x4 pickup market seems to be among the luxury brands, one Chinese entrant is aiming to build on a value image. The Great Wall Steed 4x4 pickup has been quietly entering the market through seven dealers across the country, carefully building a reputation for strength and durability.

The Great Wall Steed has made an approach at the lower end of the market in terms of price and engine power to satisfy practical users, many of whom need a 4x4 pickup on the farm. I’ve taken this Chinese-built machine on and off the road to check its credentials and it pretty much does what it says on the tin.

The styling is improved over the original models I had seen. The interior and exterior styling is a significant leap forward, giving this Steed a look that competes well against the likes of the Isuzu D-Max in terms of styling.

The Steed’s 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine has less power than its competitors, but it is a modern engine and achieves all of the necessary EU standards. Engine torque is a shade lower also and combines with the lower power to give a sluggish acceleration figure of 17 seconds in a 0 to 100km/hr race. Despite this, the pulling power for the upgraded Steed has been boosted to 2.5 tonnes. The payload rating is 1,045kg – on par with the new Mitsubishi L200 featured last week.

The modest engine performance allows for greater economy, with rated figures of 11.6km/litre (8.6l/100km or 32.8mpg). My test result was about 14% off that and I covered more than 1,080km. The newer 4x4 pickups coming this year will be significantly better in terms of economy.

This is a commercial 4x4 so road tax is modest at €333, but you will require an annual DOE test. Farmers can qualify for commercial status with either a herd number or a VAT number. The oil change interval is 15,000km; main service interval is double that.

Look closer at the Steed’s measurements and you’ll find that the pickup area is the smallest on the market. It’s shorter and narrower than its competitors while load area height at 480mm is marginally higher than the Toyota Hilux, but the hinged tailgate is not lockable. The Steed has the lowest ground clearance at 194mm.

These dimensions make it 200mm (8in) shorter in overall length than most 4x4 pickups on the market, so it should be easier to handle. For the Irish market, parking sensors are fitted rather than a reversing camera, but only on the higher grade SE model.

Standard features for all Steed models include 16in alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a Thatcham-approved alarm, electric front and rear windows, an Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, air conditioning, heated front seats and a full leather interior. The SE accessory pack, which includes hard-top canopy with roof rails, sidesteps and reversing sensors that were on the version that I tested, adds €3,000 to the entry price. The towing hitch is also extra. There is no trailer safety kit included other than standard ABS brakes, which operate through disc brake systems all round.

The Steed’s entry price is €29,109 (£17,997 in Northern Ireland) including VAT, which makes it the cheapest 4x4 pickup on the market, even lower than the smaller SsangYong Korando. The value part includes a six-year warranty for Irish buyers and that’s attractive too.

In a driving sense, the Steed feels rougher and less refined than some of the more established competition. The leaf spring suspension, common on 4x4 pickups, needs finer tuning for comfort, while a heavy rear load will settle it somewhat.

The price difference is not that significant against the rivals. They have all upped their game when it comes to towing ability, so the Steed is now an entry level towing machine. The Steed fills a gap where lower price is the priority for local driving. Buy it for keeps in that situation, as you need to be conscious of the resale value and that’s one figure that we cannot predict for the Steed.

Great Wall Steed

Engine 2.0L diesel

Engine power 139hp

0-100km/hr 17 seconds

Economy 11.6km/litre

Fuel tank capacity 70 litres

CO2 emissions 222g/km

Road tax Comm (€330)

Service interval 30,000km/

2 years

Safety rating TBC

Towing rating 2,500kg

Warranty Six years/

200,000km

Entry price €29,109

NI price £17,997