Pickup trucks have long ceased to be the exclusive domain of farmers and builders, turning into full-fledged family vehicles with off-road potential. A prominent representative of this segment on the Russian market was Great Wall Poer King Kong, which offers an impressive balance between carrying capacity, comfort and value. Buyers are increasingly paying attention to this model, looking for an alternative to the usual Japanese and American brands, which are now either unavailable or unreasonably expensive.
In this article we will analyze in detail what this “Chinese giant” is, what versions are available to official dealers and how justified its price is in the current economic realities. You will learn about the nuances of equipment, technical characteristics of engines and transmissions, as well as what is hidden in the interior of this frame SUV. The information will help those considering purchasing a new pickup truck for work or recreational use make an informed decision.
Concept and positioning of the model on the market
Great Wall Poer King Kong is not just another modification of a popular pickup truck, but an attempt by the manufacturer to create a product that is maximally adapted to harsh operating conditions. The model is based on a proven platform, but has received significant improvements in appearance and interior decoration. The name “King Kong” is not accidental here: the car really has a massive appearance and impressive dimensions, which immediately make it stand out in the crowd.
The main goal of the engineers was to create a universal tool. On the one hand, it is a reliable workhorse with a frame structure and dependent rear suspension, ready to haul heavy trailers. On the other hand, this is a car with a level of comfort close to urban crossovers, which makes it suitable for daily trips to the office. Double cab allows you to comfortably seat five people, which is rare for utilitarian pickups.
⚠️ Attention: Despite the off-road appearance, the basic versions can only be equipped with rear-wheel drive. Before purchasing, be sure to check the drive type with your dealer, as the 4WD version is critical for serious off-roading.
The market greets the new product with interest, especially against the backdrop of a shortage of competitors. Potential buyers are attracted by modern optics, an aggressive bumper and the overall solidity of the body. These are no longer the simple “Chinese” cars that we were used to ten years ago, but technologically advanced cars that claim to be premium in their class.
Exterior design and dimensions
Visually Great Wall Poer looks very brutal. The front of the car is dominated by a huge chrome radiator grille, which harmoniously combines with LED optics. The design was developed taking into account aerodynamics, which has a positive effect on fuel consumption when driving on the highway. Massive wheel arches emphasize the off-road character of the car.
The dimensions of the car allow you to feel confident both on a city road and on a washed-out dirt road. The body length in the double cab version is more than 5 meters, which provides a spacious cargo compartment. Ground clearance of 232 millimeters allows you to overcome high curbs and rocky areas without the risk of damaging the underbody or engine crankcase.
- 🚙 Length: 5410 mm (provides a spacious interior and body).
- 📏 Width: 1934 mm (stability on the highway and wide track).
- ↕️ Height: 1886 mm (capacity and high center of gravity).
- ⚖️ Curb weight: about 2100 kg (depending on configuration).
The quality of painting and body assembly deserves special attention. The manufacturer uses double-sided galvanizing, which significantly increases corrosion resistance. This is an important point for those who plan to operate a car in regions with aggressive chemical treatment of roads in winter.
Interior: ergonomics and interior equipment
Walking inside Great Wall Poer King Kong, you immediately forget that you are in a pickup truck. The front panel is made of high-quality soft materials that are pleasant to the touch and do not make squeaks even with active shaking. The central part of the dashboard is occupied by a large touch screen of the multimedia system, which supports connecting smartphones via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The seats have pronounced lateral support and a wide range of adjustments. The driver's seat is often equipped with electrical adjustment, heating and even ventilation in top versions. The rear row is also not deprived of attention: there is an armrest with cup holders, climate control deflectors and USB ports for charging passengers’ gadgets.
⚠️ Attention: The multimedia system may have a partially Russified interface or menu in English, depending on the delivery batch. Ask your dealer in advance about the possibility of installing the Russian language through a software update.
Interior noise insulation is performed at a high level. Engineers used many layers of sound-absorbing materials in the door panels and floors. This allows you to talk in a low voice even when driving on the highway at high speeds, which is a rare achievement for frame cars.
Pay attention to the floor covering in the rear of the cabin - in some trim levels it is simple plastic, which is better to immediately replace with rubber mats with high sides to protect against dirt.
Technical characteristics and power units
With my heart Great Wall Poer features a modern 2.0 liter diesel engine. This unit is designed to be environmentally friendly and economical, but still delivers the massive torque needed for towing loads. The engine is mated to a proven ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, renowned for its reliability and smooth shifting.
The transmission offers several operating modes, including snow, mud and sand modes. All-wheel drive is connected automatically or forcibly through a selector washer, depending on the modification. The frame design and the presence of a locking rear differential (in some versions) make this vehicle a real off-road king.
| Parameter | Diesel 2.0D (AT) | Gasoline 2.0T (AT) |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 190 hp | 226 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 10.5 sec | 9.8 sec |
| Flow (mixed) | 9.5 l/100 km | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Ecological class | Euro 5 | Euro 5 |
It is worth noting that the diesel version is the most popular among buyers. Low fuel consumption and long engine life make it ideal for commercial use and long-distance travel. The petrol option is suitable for those who plan to use the car mainly in the city and prefer quieter engine operation.
Overview of configurations: from basic to luxury
Line of complete sets Great Wall Poer King Kong wide enough to satisfy the needs of different groups of buyers. The basic version, often called “Standard,” offers the minimum necessary for work: air conditioning, electrical accessories, a simple audio system and steel crankcase protection. This is a choice for those who buy a pickup truck solely as a work tool.
The middle configuration, or “Comfort”, is already more focused on the private owner. Alloy wheels, cruise control, multimedia with navigation, leather steering wheel and improved sound insulation appear here. It is this option that is most often found on the roads, as it offers the best value for money.
What is included in the maximum package?
The top version "Prestige" includes: 360-degree panoramic camera, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping system, power seats with memory, sunroof and premium audio system. Options such as an electric winch in the standard bumper are also available.
The top version “Prestige” or “Luxury” turns the pickup truck into a full-fledged executive car. It contains all available electronic assistants, safety systems and comfort elements. The presence of all-round cameras greatly simplifies parking of such a large vehicle in dense urban areas.
☑️ What to look for when choosing a package
Pricing policy and terms of purchase
The issue of price is one of the key ones when choosing Great Wall Poer. Currently, the cost of a car varies depending on exchange rates, logistics costs and specific equipment. Base versions start at a more affordable threshold, making the pickup competitive with used Japanese-made counterparts.
Dealers often offer a variety of financing programs, including small business loans and recycling programs. This allows you to significantly reduce your monthly payment. It is also worth considering the cost of service, which is traditionally lower for Chinese brands than for European or Japanese competitors.
Important: The final in-showroom price may differ from the recommended retail price (RRP) due to the installation of additional equipment or seasonal dealer promotions.The liquidity of a car on the secondary market is still in its infancy. However, the growing popularity of the Great Wall brand and the presence of official service centers throughout the country indicate that there should be no problems with sales in a few years. The investment in such a car seems reasonable, especially considering its versatility.
Purchasing from an authorized dealer guarantees the preservation of the factory warranty and access to original spare parts, which is critical for complex equipment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What is the real fuel consumption of the Great Wall Poer King Kong?
In the combined cycle, the actual consumption of the diesel version is about 10-11 liters per 100 km. During active driving around the city or towing heavy loads, consumption can increase to 13-14 liters. The petrol version consumes on average 2-3 liters more.
Are there any problems with spare parts for Great Wall in Russia?
The situation with spare parts has stabilized. Consumables (filters, pads) are available from official dealers and specialized stores. Body parts and complex electronics may take longer to order, but there is no shortage of critical components.
Is it possible to install LPG on a diesel Great Wall Poer?
In theory, installing a gas-diesel system is possible, but it requires complex setup and may affect the engine warranty. Most owners limit themselves to high-quality diesel fuel and additives, since the savings from LPG on diesel are less obvious than on gasoline.
How does an automatic transmission behave off-road?
The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission works correctly, but on difficult off-road conditions it is better to use manual mode or “L” mode to prevent frequent shifts. The box is prone to overheating during prolonged slipping, so it is important to take breaks.
What is the maximum towable trailer weight?
According to the technical documentation, the Great Wall Poer is capable of towing a trailer weighing up to 3000 kg (for versions with a diesel engine and all-wheel drive). For legal transportation, you must have a tow bar with the appropriate certificate and license category “E” in addition to “B”.