It doesn’t seem that long since the long heralded Chinese Great Wall brand made a low-key entrance to the Irish market. It is distributed by I.M. Automotive, which has been the long-standing importer of Subaru.
Now I.M. Automotive tells us that the Chinese manufactured Great Wall Stead, their sole model line has just had a full equipment upgrade.
The company says that their highly specified Stead represent uncompromising value for money as Ireland’s best value 4×4 double-cab pick up, the Great Wall Steed gains an array of upgrades, including Improved galvanisation and additional rust proofing, the introduction of a Diesel Particulate Filter and a new exhaust system (Euro 5), and the addition of a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), with display integrated into the new Multifunction rear view mirror, which also includes auto-dimming. It also boasts new rear disc brakes replacing previous drum brakes, and a newly refined transmission
I. M. Automotive adds taht it also gets repeater indicators incorporated into the door mirrors; a new instrument cluster, with clearer layout and premium feel; a new foldable key, with remote central locking function incorporated into the key fob; an upgraded Sound System: Alpine Double DIN stereo with Bluetooth, CD/USB/RDS and MP3 capability; as well as improved leather upholstery – softer and more durable
The importer also refers to the Steed’s extended six-year warranty comprises the 3 year/ 100,000 km. manufacturer warranty plus a further 3 year/100,000 km. powertrain extended warranty provided by Great Wall Ireland. It adds that as well as the new six-year / 200,000 km. extended warranty, all Great Wall Steeds benefit from a six-year anti-perforation warranty, three-year paint warranty and three-year roadside assistance.
Great Wall boast that their entry-level Steed S is the most affordable 4×4 double-cab pick up, with a purchase price of just €23,666 (excluding VAT, delivery and related charges.). Features standard to all Steeds include 5 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a Thatcham-approved Category 1 alarm, electric front and rear windows, an Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, air-conditioning, heated fronted seats and a full leather interior.
The SE Accessory Pack, (hard-top canopy with roof-rails, loadliner, sidesteps, and reversing sensors), adds €2,506, plus VAT. (€3,000 inc. VAT & VRT)
All Steeds feature Great Wall’s 2.0-litre 16-valve turbocharged diesel powerplant that the company boasts will deliver class-leading fuel economy (30.1 mpg urban; 37.7mpg extra urban; 34.0 mpg combined), as well as a low-range gearbox and an ‘on-demand’ four-wheel-drive system that can be selected by the driver when the terrain becomes challenging. Towing capacity is 2,500kg. braked.
