Confirmed for Australia and imminent for New Zealand is GWM’s new Cannon Alpha, promoted across the Tasman as a lower cost, smaller alternative to the North American “full size pickup”. Its top-spec form is a petrol-electric hybrid 4WD ute.

Alpha is essentially a ute version of the GWM Tank 500 SUV, sharing front-end sheet metal and mechanicals with the SUV. Falling size-wise between a regular one-tonne ute like the Toyota HiLux and the Ford F-150, the three grades of dual-cab Cannon Alpha range will be an entry Lux diesel model, the Ultra diesel model and the hybrid. Alpha is 35mm longer than current Cannon (which will remain on sale alongside it), 57mm wider and 38mm taller. It has more rear legroom than other double cab utes, as well as reclining rear seats.

The Alpha also brings another ‘first’ to the New Zealand ute market: a ‘barn door’ 60/40 split rear tailgate that can also be cross-locked to open in traditional fashion. A short press on the button tailgate activates barn-door opening; a longer press on the same button drops the full tailgate.

 Diesel-powered models run a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine rated at 135kW and 480Nm (slightly lower than the Triton’s 2.4-litre outputs of 150kW and 470Nm or the Hilux’s 150kW and 500Nm from 2.8-litres).

The hybrid’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and electric motor make 255kW/648Nm to fall between the Ford Ranger V6 diesel (184kW/600Nm) and Ford F-150 V6 petrol (298kW/678Nm).

The transmission for all versions is a a nine-speed automatic transmission, part-time 4WD and low range Borg-Warner transfer case.

Maximum braked towing capacity for both powertrains is 3500kg and front and rear locking differentials will be available on some models.