Chinese utes go west of the wall

Great Wall utes are an unknown quantity here but conform to Australia's strict ADR rules. Photo / Supplied

The Chinese invasion has begun, with Great Wall utes on sale from July 1.

Ateco Automotive, which also distributes upmarket Alfa and Fiat cars, will tread a fine line as it attempts to sell Kiwi buyers cut-price vehicles without suggesting any build quality and safety corners have been trimmed.

It helps that these utes are also sold in Australia, which has stringent ADR regulations.

The line-up starts with the 2.2-litre 78kW/190Nm plain-Jane SA220, a two-wheel drive double-cab that sells for $21,990.

The 220 will tow 1800kg braked, carry 855kg, and use 10.8 litres/100km of fuel. But that price means a pared-to-the-bone specification list with no airbags or ABS brakes, although the 220 does have 15-inch alloy wheels, leather seats, air-conditioning, a CD player and a flash drive port.

Want something a little better? Then there's the high-riding 2.4-litre 100kW/220Nm V240 - sold elsewhere as the Wingle, and here in two or four-wheel-drive format from $26,990.

Although boasting more power, the 240 uses a tad less fuel at 10.7 litres/100km. It's more useful, too, and will tow 2250kg, carry a 1-tonne payload, and has ABS brakes and twin front airbags as standard.

Does it drive well? We've yet to try one. Six dealers have been appointed and website www.greatwallauto.co.nz went live last week.