Hybrid ute sets standards

The first-ever alternative-powered utility to be tested and rated by ANCAP has scored the maximum five stars. 

The GWM Cannon Alpha, available with hybrid and diesel powertrains, underwent the full local crash and on-track testing to bolster the list of top-rating options in its segment.

In crash testing, it displayed similar levels of performance to other dual-cab utes tested against 2023-25 criteria.

The Cannon Alpha achieved full points for protection of the driver in the side-impact test and front passenger in the frontal offset test.

As a large and heavy vehicle, its overall frontal-offset performance was tempered by its risk to occupants of a struck vehicle with the maximum eight-point vehicle-to-vehicle compatibility penalty applied.

For child-occupant protection, the ute equalled the top score recorded for this against current assessment criteria to match the 93 per cent notched up by its SUV sibling, the Tank 500.

Full points were awarded for both child dummies in the head-on and t-bone collision tests. 

Technology-wise, the Cannon Alpha scored well thanks to its direct child-protection detection system. This provides the driver with audible and text-based notifications if a child is inadvertently left within the vehicle.

Its active collision-avoidance capability – which assists in minimising the risk of collision with a pedestrian, cyclist, motorcyclist or another vehicle – also scored well.

Overall emergency lane-keeping and braking intervention scenarios were rated as good.

“This rating marks a significant step for this popular segment with the GWM Cannon Alpha being the first hybrid ute to achieve five stars,” says ANCAP’s chief executive officer, Carla Hoorweg.

“GWM and its vehicle designs have improved markedly over the past decade, and this five-star result for the Cannon Alpha is evidence of this.”

The top rating applied to the two-litre petrol hybrid and 2.4-litre diesel variants.