The same 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel that runs in GWM’s largest ute now goes into its smaller sibling.

MORE firepower has come to GWM’s cheapest one-tonne utility here, the Cannon, along with more favourable pricing.

Having run until now with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel and eight-speed automatic, the type now achieves the same 2.4-litre compression ignition engine and nine-speed auto that continues to represent in the larger Cannon Alpha utility.

Power rises from 120kW to 135kW and torque from 400Nm to 480Nm, so lineball with Alpha.

GWM cites economy of 8.4 litres per 100 kilometres, a 0.5L advantage over the Alpha, and CO2 count of 221 grams per kilometre, but the make’s confirmation that this is calculated using the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) tool means it is inapplicable here, on grounds of questionable trustworthiness.

The Cannon’s new engine boosts braked towing capacity from 3000kg to 3500kg, matching the benchmarks in the category. Payload capacity of 995kg is cited.

Just one derivative, a four-wheel-drive doublecab in Lux trim, has been announced with the 2.4-litre and GWM NZ has notified that the previous types with the 2.0-litre will not continue.

Pricing of $43,490 intrigues, as it suggests the new edition will be cheaper at full RRP than the pair of 2.0-litre 4WDs it has until now offered, a Lux at $45,490 and an X at $48,490.

Remnant stock of those products remains, but once cleared just the 2.4-litre 4WD will be available.

GWM has also had a rear-drive entry Cannon 2.0-litre, at $41,490. That model will not be replicated in 2.4-litre guise, a spokeswoman said today.

“We are simplifying our offering. The little remaining stock of the current 2.0L diesel variants are on a runout and will be discontinued once sold out.”

The cheapest Cannon Alpha with the 2.4-litre comes in at $54,990 at full RRP.

The new model can be identified by its modest exterior restyle, with a new grille and lower front bumper, as well as a new wheel design.

The cabin also updates to a reshaped dashboard with a larger 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen – up from a 9.0-inch display – and a 7.0-inch instrument screen that is now freestanding, rather than integrated into a binnacle.

It also gains the "aviation-style" gear shift lever seen in GWM Tank models, plus a new steering wheel design, and a higher-power wireless phone charging pad.

GWM says the five star score the 2.0-litre Cannon received from ANCAP in 2021 still stands for the 2.4. ANCAP scores now retire after six years.

There is no word if the Cannon will ever see the Cannon Alpha’s other powertrain, a 2.0-litre petrol electric hybrid that restricts to the $68,990 flagship and makes 255kW and 648Nm.

The use of the NEDC economy and emissions calculation tool by GWM persist because the make sends out NZ model information from its regional office in Australia, a country that still supports NEDC.

However, the calculations are no longer recognised here as NZ has moved to the more reliable Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Testing Procedure (WLTP-3) scale, which though considered more ‘real world’ also generally delivers less favourable outcomes.

GWM NZ famously last tried to pass off NEDC data as relevant to Kiwis when it claimed last November that the H6 plug-in hybrid could achieve 180 kilometres on electric range alone; a groundbreaking achievement if realistic.

When taken to task, GWM regional office vowed it would try to share WLTP data for NZ-bound stock, including any relevant to the H6 PHEV. The Cannon has been the first new vehicle announced by GWM since then. It has yet to distribute WLTP figures for the H6 PHEV.