BIG MIDDY

THE GWM CANNON ALPHA HYBRID OFFERS A STUNNING ALTERNATIVE IN THE 4X4 UTE MARKET

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

GWM'S Cannon Alpha Hybrid was the first proper hybrid 4x4 ute to hit the mainstream Australian market when it was launched earlier this year. We were pretty impressed with the big ute when we had a short drive of it at the launch and were keen to get into it for a longer evaluation.

A bit of background on the newish model; the Alpha is the bigger version of the popular GWM Cannon midsize ute and the Ultra is the top specification model. The Alpha is still midsize... but at the big end of that segment. It's akin to a Ford Ranger/ VW Amarok as it's not as big as a full-size F-150 or Ram 1500.

The Cannon Alpha measures 5445mm long (35mm longer than Cannon Ute), 1991mm wide (57mm wider than Cannon Ute) and is 1924mm high (38mm taller than Cannon Ute), while the 3350mm wheelbase is 120mm longer than that of a Cannon Ute.

The Alpha is more than just big and hybrid, it's also exceptionally well appointed, probably more so than any other midsize 4x4 ute and more akin to the higher-spec US pickups. Slip inside via the large, wide-opening doors and you're met with plush leather, big screens, a huge sunroof and a swag of features.