Great Wall Motors is back in the UK with vengeance. Some of you may recall the Steed pick-up sold in the UK between 2014 and 2016, or thereabouts. It was a rare sight though was popular with those who required a simple working truck.

GWM now offer cars here in the UK under their Ora and Haval monikers, but they are now back in the pick-up truck market with the introduction of their new Poer300 double-cab model. I should mention that it is pronounced ‘Power 300’. I’m sure it makes sense to someone.

What we have is a straightforward diesel-powered truck, with no electric version at this stage. I wouldn’t be surprised to see one coming though.

There are three trims available, with my test vehicle resplendent in top-spec ‘Vanta’ guise:
• Lux - £31,495
• Ultra - £34,860
• Vanta - £36,830

Competitive pricing, with VAT of course to be added to the above figures. The cheapest double cab Isuzu D-Max is £36,755 and KGM’s Musso prices start at £32,965. And let’s not forget the Toyota Hilux (from £36.765). Should the new GMW truck be the one on your driveway though?

Fast Facts
• 2.4-litre 4-cylinder diesel engine
• 9-speed automatic gearbox
• 183.5 PS
• 480Nm torque
• 0-62mph in 11 seconds
• 32.7mpg (combined cycle)
• Payload – 1,000kg
• Brakes towing capacity – 3,500kg

I enjoyed a week behind the wheel of the Poer300 and a busy one it was too, with launches in far flung corners of the land. I was pleased to find the engine was nicely muted, only make its presence felt when exploring the upper reaches of the rev range, rarely required due to the ample torque and smooth changing gearbox, with many ratios.

Long motorway journeys were not the ordeal that I had expected, the truck cruising happily at the legal speed limit, and with road and wind noise reasonably well contained.

Away from the cruise, light and accurate steering allowed me to tackle some favourite B-roads with plenty of gusto. Body roll was well contained. However, as is so often the way with an empty pick-up truck, the ride was rather jiggly on some of the poorly surfaced sections of roads I travelled. Others now manage these conditions rather better.

With time short, I didn’t manage to tackle the plethora of green lanes that crisscross the Yorkshire Dales, but I did manage one quite challenging track. There’s a torque on demand 4x4 system with a low range, hill descent control and an electronically locking rear differential. I had no need of the latter as the all-terrain tyres offered excellent traction even on some of the trickier sections. Farmers and those who regularly venture offroad will find much to like here.

My loan truck had a practical rear canopy fitted and unlike some, this seemed to be completely weatherproof. Ultra and Vanta models benefit from an ingenious fold-out step to help you climb into the load bed. What an excellent idea as even though I am reasonably tall, clambering up is usually a rather undignified affair.

I travelled over 600 miles during my test period, which meant long stints behind the wheel. The seats proved to be supportive, with no aching limbs at journey’s end. Cabin materials are better than you might expect, though durability was clearly to the fore in the designer’s mind.

Equipment count is high and my Vanta model boasted heated and ventilated seats, wireless phone charging pad and plenty of sporty black exterior trim. All models get LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3” touchscreen infotainment system, a 7” driver information display and a park assist function.

I expected the GWM Poer300 to be a little crude in operation, with memories of the Steed still floating around in my head. Other than the ride, nothing could be further from the truth. The engine proved to be powerful, yet refined, the gearbox smooth and the cabin comfortable and fairly hushed. And I gather the major components have been tried and tested elsewhere so should prove to be reliable. Any problems then the 5-year/125,000 miles warranty will come to your aid.

The mid-spec Ultra model looks to be the pick of the range and with winter not far away, maybe a comfortable and capable 4x4 pick-up truck is just what you need.