GWM unveils new 3.0L diesel engine in Australia
Great Wall Motors will introduce its new 3.0-liter turbo-diesel engine in Australia next month, debuting in the Cannon Alpha dual-cab ute and Tank 500 SUV. Australia becomes the first market to receive the larger diesel, which replaces the outgoing 2.4-liter unit.
The four-cylinder engine delivers 170 kW and 620 Nm of torque. It produces more torque than the Ranger’s V6 turbo-diesel, while power is only slightly down. It pairs with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a part-time four-wheel-drive system, marking a change from the full-time setup previously offered in the Cannon Alpha.
Fuel efficiency claims beat rivals
The 3.0-liter diesel achieves 7.3 L/100 km under ADR 81/02 testing, an improvement over the 2.4-liter’s 8.9 L/100 km. That consumption rate outperforms key competitors: the Ranger V6 at 8.4 L/100 km, HiLux 48V at 7.6 L/100 km, and D-Max 3.0-liter at 7.8 L/100 km.
A 78-liter fuel tank extends the theoretical range to 1,068 km. The engine also eliminates the need for AdBlue, setting it apart from many rivals.
Driving experience improves
Test drives on a private proving ground showed the engine responds more quickly than the 2.4-liter, with less lag and smoother acceleration. Peak torque arrives between 1,400 and 2,400 rpm, allowing the transmission to shift early and keep revs low.
Suspension and steering have been adjusted for better control. The 19-degree breakover angle still limits serious off-roading. A new “Towing” mode changes engine and transmission settings, though drivers must use touchscreen menus instead of a rotary dial to activate it.
Related: Equinox, Chevy dealerships near me
Noise and vibration stay low even during hard acceleration, supporting the Cannon Alpha’s premium positioning. The longer 3,350 mm wheelbase improves ride stability but may reduce agility in tight off-road situations.
Pricing and availability
GWM hasn’t fully detailed pricing for the Cannon Alpha 3.0-litre diesel.
Safety details remain unconfirmed but are expected to match the PHEV variants, which earned a five-star ANCAP rating in 2024. All Great Wall Motors vehicles include a seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty, though capped-price servicing details have not been released.
The company has 124 dealerships across Australia, covering urban and regional areas. Full specifications and pricing will be announced closer to the September launch.
If the fuel economy holds in real-world use, the Cannon Alpha could challenge established players in the ute segment. The lack of AdBlue and lower claimed consumption may attract buyers who value simplicity and cost, though the part-time four-wheel-drive system might deter those who often drive on mixed surfaces.
