The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) recently tested the Great Wall Motors (GWM) Steed bakkie and the result was a highly disappointing two-star rating.
The ANCAP crash testing of the double cab 4×2 petrol Steed against the 2016 ratings criteria gave an overall score of 16.49 out of 37.
The bakkie is fitted with six airbags and electronic stability control (which were not fitted to the previous model), however ANCAP found the performance of the core body structure to be lacking.
Australian publication Car Advice reports that “Steering column components were deemed a potential source of knee injury for the driver, and dash components were a potential injury source for both the driver and passenger” and that “the lack of top-tether child restraint anchorages fitted also means ANCAP suggests not carrying kids in back row.”
The bakkie scored full marks for its side-impact performance and for head and neck protection, but whiplash protection was described ‘marginal’ and was 4×2 was not given the pole-test because of its front-offset score.
ANCAP reported that there was ‘excessive footwell deformation, separation of footwell panels and pedal displacement was observed in the frontal offset crash test’.
“Despite claims from the vehicle brand that the Chinese dual cab is ‘all-new’ and offers ‘outstanding levels of performance, value, safety and comfort,’ the underpinnings of the Steed differ little to that of the previous-generation dual-cab ute which carried the V240 model name,” ANCAP CEO James Goodwin stated.
“This is a disappointing result for consumers and the brand… ANCAP is urging consumers in the market for a new car to be wary of such claims.”
In response, Great Wall Motors Australia said it was disappointed by the Steed’s performance and Australian spokesperson Andrew Ellis claimed the company was taking “immediate steps” to see what could be done to rectify the situation.