The first alternative-powered ute tested and rated by ANCAP has scored five stars in crash testing. GWM’s Cannon Alpha, available with hybrid and diesel powertrains, underwent the full suite of local crash and on-track performance tests. It adds to the list of five-star options in the popular ute segment.
The GWM Cannon Alpha displayed similar levels of performance to other dual cab utes tested against the latest criteria. In the four key areas, it achieved scores of 81 to 93 per cent.
The Cannon Alpha managed full points for protection of the driver in the side impact test, and front passenger in the frontal offset (MPDB) test. Overall performance in the frontal offset test was tempered by its risk to occupants of a struck vehicle.
For Child Occupant Protection (COP), the GWM Cannon Alpha equalled the top score recorded against current assessment criteria. It matched the GWM Tank 500’s performance, with a score of 93 per cent.
Full points were awarded for both child dummies in the frontal offset (head-on) and side impact (T-bone) crash tests.
The Cannon Alpha also scored well in technology related to its child detection system. This provides the driver with audible and text-based notifications if a child is left inside the vehicle.
The Cannon Alpha’s active collision avoidance capability, the ability to detect and avoid pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles, also scored well. Overall performance in emergency lane-keeping and braking intervention scenarios tested by ANCAP was determined “good”.
“This rating marks a significant step for the popular utility segment with the GWM Cannon Alpha being the first hybrid ute to achieve a five-star ANCAP safety rating,” said ANCAP 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,” Ms Hoorweg added.
The safety rating for the GWM Cannon Alpha applies to the 2.0 litre petrol hybrid and 2.4 litre diesel variants.
