New Chinese-built ute gains only 2-star ANCAP safety score…

In a time when five-star safety scores are the expectation for commercial vehicles, Great Wall Motors has managed to achieve only a two-star ANCAP safety score.

The independent crash test and safety body says the new dual-cab ute suffers from having the same underpinnings as the previous-generation Great Wall V240 ute.

This helped contribute to excessive footwell deformation, separation of footwell panels and pedal displacement during the frontal offset crash test of the Great Wall Steed.

ANCAP also reporting that steering column components were a potential source of knee injury for the driver, and dash components were a potential injury source for both the driver and passenger.

Protection of the driver and front passenger from whiplash injuries was also marginal.

While the Steed is not fitted with top tether child restraint anchorages and is therefore not suitable for transporting young children.

The Great Wall Steed is the first vehicle to score a two-star rating since the Ford Mustang.

ANCAP CEO, James Goodwin, says the result is a concern, especially given the fact that Great Wall had marketed the Steed as being a safe option vehicle.

“This is a disappointing result for consumers and the brand,”

“While the Steed is equipped with six airbags and electronic stability control, features which were not offered on the previous model, there has been little change to the vehicle’s structure to improve the safety of the passenger cabin.”

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