The 2015 Great Wall Steed

China’s Great Wall is one of the world’s largest automotive companies, but is almost unknown in Western Europe.

However, as I wouldn’t bet on that situation staying this way: as with Korean and Japanese manufacturers in the past, I’m confident the Chinese will soon get the measure of western automotive markets.

In Great Wall’s case, the company launched its Steed pick-up in the UK in 2012, trading on its price — it was (and remains) by far the cheapest full-size pick-up on the market, with on-the-road prices starting from just £14,998 for the 2015 model year.

The original model was well specified in a cheap and cheerful way — reminiscent of early Kia models — but next year’s update looks set to raise the bar.

The Steed’s looks have been subtly updated, and the firm says that the 2015 Steed will be built in a newer factory, which boasts high levels of automation and should deliver ‘improved quality levels throughout the vehicle’, according to the firm.

Specification wise, the Steed remains impressive. Standard spec includes alloy wheels, full leather, air conditioning, full electrics and heated seats, parking sensors and much more — plus the firm’s impressive six-year, 125,000 mile warranty.

Although the Steed has a healthy 2.5 tonne braked towing capacity, the only power plant is a 139hp, 2.0-litre engine, so performance is unlikely to be sparkling, and fuel economy isn’t exceptional either, with the company claiming 32.8mpg for the combined cycle. Other improvements that most European buyers will take for granted are a switch to rear disc brakes, instead of drums, and