Latest Great Wall "Steed" gets improved quality, better spec and better value for money.

• Latest generation Steed offers better value and higher specification
• Improved quality throughout  
• Three models in UK line-up
• Euro 5 compliant
• Six year / 125,000 mile warranty
• On sale 1 October 2014, priced from £14,998 (CVOTR)

Two years after commencing volume vehicle sales in Britain with its value for money Steed pick-up, Great Wall Motors is launching the latest generation of the 4x4 double-cab onto the UK market, promising improved quality, a higher specification and even better value.

As before, the updated Steed blends style and practicality while retaining its position as the best value pick-up on the market.

One of China’s most successful car manufacturers and exporters, the company boasts impressive credentials in the production of pick-ups. Great Wall has manufactured the best-selling pick-up in China every year since 1998 while globally the Brand has sold nearly one million vehicles.

Prices for the new Great Wall Steed start at just £14,998 (CVOTR) for the generously-equipped Steed S model – the lowest price for any double-cab 4x4 pick-up in the UK – increasing to £16,998 for the top-of-the-range SE. Despite carrying a premium of only £1,000 over the old model, the 2015 Steed is packed with even more practical, standard features.

On sale from 1 October, the new Steed will be available through a carefully selected network of fifty dealers, many appointed in 2012 at the launch of the franchise in the UK. The dealers are mainly small, privately owned enterprises, hand-picked by Great Wall’s franchising team to reflect the brand’s values and philosophy and their ability to deliver the promised standards of customer service that will break new ground in the segment.

Typically Steed

The vehicle retains its chunky looks, amplified by muscular wheel-arches and high ground clearance, but now with a slightly sleeker profile with the side indicators incorporated into the door mirrors instead of the front wing. The Steed is available in Titanium White and three metallic colours (optional at extra cost) – Pearl Black, Sky Silver and Noble Grey. The Tracker special edition will be available in Titanium White and Noble Grey.

Inside the new Steed is where some of the more significant improvements are to be found. Higher quality materials, such as that used on the seat facings and a sharper, more contemporary design of instrument cluster, creates a more comfortable and ergonomic feel to the cabin. New technologies have been added to improve convenience and enhance the ownership experience, including a multi-function rear view mirror with automatic dimming and an outside temperature display. A tyre pressure monitoring system is also incorporated which will display the working pressure for each tyre.

Carrying capacity compares very well with established pick-up rivals as the cargo bed measures 1,380 mm x 1,460 mm x 480 mm (length, width, depth). The Steed has a maximum payload of 1,050 kg and is now certified in the UK to tow 2.5 tonnes with a ‘braked’ trailer. The increase in towing from 2.0 tonnes followed independent tests at the Millbrook Proving Ground in 2013 where it was put through stringent tests by an independent team of engineers and consultants, subsequently resulting in the Steed being fully validated by the Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA).

The Steed’s capabilities as a durable and versatile load-lugger, both on- and off-road, is impressive. Under the galvanised steel skin lies a separate, rust-proofed ladder-frame chassis, strengthened and braced by reinforced centre cross-members, an impact-resistant rear beam and a reinforced cargo bed.

The Steed is fitted with an ‘on-demand’ part-time, four-wheel-drive system that delivers numerous customer benefits. When slippery conditions are encountered on-road – or an all-terrain capability is required off-road – the driver can select all-wheel-drive simply by pressing a button on the dashboard, up to speeds of 12mph.

The advanced transmission system, manufactured for Great Wall by BorgWarner, is the dual-range type seen in other serious off-road vehicles. To further aid its usability, the Steed has selectable low-range ratio gears for when serious off-roading is encountered.

For 2015, the Steed is also equipped with rear disc brakes replacing the old drum units to increase stopping power and stability.

Engine

The 2015 Steed uses the same free-spinning 2.0 Litre diesel as the previous model, now certified to comply with Euro 5 emission regulations. The water-cooled 1,996 cc power plant is fitted with a CAC (charge air cooled) intercooler system, state-of-the-art glow plug technology and a variable-geometry turbocharger (VGT). The variable geometry turbocharger features turbine blades that alter their pitch according to engine speed – to provide the Steed with high levels of pulling power throughout the rev range, and maximum torque from as low as 1,800 rpm.

With a long-stroke design for optimum torque generation, the Steed engine features an 83.1 mm bore and a 92.0 mm stroke, with a rigid block structure and direct injection fuel system to reduce noise and vibration while on the move. The Steed engine produces maximum power of 139PS at 4,000 rpm with maximum torque of 305Nm spread over a rev range of 1800 to 2,800 rpm. 

Steed Equipment and ownership promise

The Steed will come with a host of standard features typically offered only as high-cost options on competitor models, including 16-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, remote central locking, a Thatcham-approved Category 1 alarm, electric windows all round, air-conditioning, heated front seats and for the 2015 model, the addition of a double-din Alpine CD/radio with USB/MP3 and Bluetooth connectivity and steering wheel mounted audio controls. An auto dimming rear view mirror is also now standard.

To make the Steed ownership proposition even more attractive, Great Wall Motor makes a highly-attractive, six-point promise to all its customers.

This comprehensive care package includes a six year / 125,000 mile mechanical warranty, a six-year anti-perforation warranty, three-year paint warranty and three years of roadside recovery and assistance. However, going over and above the industry expectations, it also includes inflation-proof fixed-price monthly service payments, and the policy of only invoicing for work previously agreed with the customer. 

Further promises ensure customer convenience: test drives at the location of the enquirer’s choice (if they live or work within 20 miles of a Great Wall dealer), and free service pick-up and drop-off for customers up to 20 miles away from the dealer.

Keeping ownership costs down yet further, the Steed boasts the lowest insurance ratings (from 7A for the S, and 8A for the SE models) of any vehicle in the pick-up segment.

State of the art manufacturer

Unlike its predecessor, the latest Steed is built and assembled at Great Wall’s newer manufacturing facility based at the head-office in Baoding City. Utilising the latest vehicle assembly robotics, sourced by Great Wall from around the globe and a new fully automated paint shop, it is anticipated that the Steed will have improved quality levels throughout the vehicle. The plant is capable of designing, developing and building SUV, passenger-car and pick-up model ranges.

Great Wall also has its own purpose-built test centres and laboratories to assesses and optimise the performance and capabilities of its vehicles – encompassing safety tests, emissions, and the management of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) – with all resulting prototype manufacture being conducted in-house.

Model line-up for the UK

Model	Price CVOTR	CO2 g/km	MPG Combined	Insurance Group
Steed S Steed SE Steed Tracker	£14,998 £16,998 £15,998	222 222 222	32.5 32.5 32.5	7A 8A 8A

Equipment

Steed standard equipment is as follows:

Exterior
16" x7J alloy wheels Body coloured bumpers Chrome door handles Chrome door mirrors	Electric door mirrors Integrated fuel filler cap Tinted glass (including windscreen)  Wing mirror mounted indicators

Seating / Trim

Leather upholstery

Leather gear knob and steering wheel

Individually heated front seats

Reclining front seats

Comfort / Convenience
Adjustable dashboard illumination Air conditioning  Air recirculation system    Accessory power point             Centre console with armrest & cup holder  Cigarette lighter Driver/passenger sun visors Delay courtesy light function Driver/passenger reading lights   Electric selection of 2WD/4WD - high/low	Electric windows front/rear Front seat back map pockets  Front door cup holders Height adjustable front/rear headrests Load liner Low fuel warning light Rear parking sensors Rev counter        Tilt adjustable steering wheel

Entertainment

Four speakers

Alpine double DIN CD/ USB/RDS radio

Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connectivity

MP3 connection

Steering wheel audio controls

Safety /Security
ABS                                                   EBD                                                  Daytime running lights                      Door open warning light     Driver and passenger airbags Electric window override switch       Height adjustable front seatbelts       High mounted rear brake light       Insurance approved immobiliser	Ignition key reminder warning Locking wheel nuts Lights on reminder warning Radio frequency remote central locking Rear door child proof locks Rear window demister          Security etched glass and components Three 3 point rear seat belts Thatcham approved category 1 alarm

Steed SE additional equipment is as follows:

Black roof rails

Body coloured hardtop canopy

Chrome rear lamp surrounds

Chrome side bars

Chrome trim to daytime running lights

Technical Specifications

Performance
Max output                            Max torque                            Max speed                            Acceleration (0-62mph)	139 ps @ 4,000 rpm 305 Nm @ 1,800-2,800 rpm 87mph 17 seconds

Fuel consumption
Urban                        Extra-urban               Combined	29.1 mpg / 9.7 l/100 km 35.8 mpg / 7.9 1/100 km 32.8 mpg / 8.6 1/100km

CO2 emissions
Urban                        Extra-urban               Combined	250 g/km 206 g/km 222 g/km

Dimensions & weight
Overall length    Overall width   Overall height                        Wheelbase                      Front track                            Rear track                            Minimum road clearance      Seating capacity                   Kerb weight	5,040 mm 1,800 mm 1,730 mm 3,050 mm 1,515 mm 1,525 mm 194mm 5 persons 1,835 kg

Transmission
1st High/Low                         2nd High/Low                        3rd High/Low                         4th High/Low                         5th High/Low                         6th High/Low                         Reverse 1st High/Low	4.179 / 10.363 2.330 / 5.778 1.436 / 3.561 1.000 / 2.480 0.838 / 2.078 0.696 / 1.726 4.220 / 10.471

Chassis
Steering                     Front suspension   Rear suspension       Front brakes      Rear brakes              Tyre / wheel size	Rack and pinion Torsion bar spring dual transverse arm independent suspension Plate spring non-independent suspension  Disc brakes Disc brakes     235/70 R16

Flagship Audi is further refined by a raft of technological advances and engine upgrades

• International debut at Frankfurt Motor Show (September 12-22)
• Even more power and greater fuel efficiency across entire model line-up
• Increased use of cylinder on demand technology
• Unique new MatrixBeam LED headlights improve safety
• UK arrival scheduled for January 2014

Unadulterated luxury is delivered with even more élan and even greater efficiency in the new generation Audi A8, which makes its debut at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show. The latest flagship combines revisions to its weight-optimised, predominantly aluminium body with a raft of technological advances including new MatrixBeam LED headlights and an upgraded line-up of EU6-compliant engines.

Built around the lightweight aluminium Audi Space Frame, the almost entirely aluminium body of the new generation A8 has been finessed by subtle resculpting of the bonnet, the single frame grille, the front bumper and the lower edge of the headlight units. At the rear, the design of the LED tail lamps has been revised and the bumper in all models bar the S8 now incorporates two rhomboid tail pipes. New chrome elements, new high gloss black window surrounds and five new colours also mark out the updated car.

The visual appeal, visibility and active safety of the new generation A8 can also now be enhanced by new optional headlights employing MatrixBeam Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology which sets new benchmarks.

The high-beam function in these unique headlights uses 25 individual LEDs per unit that can be switched on and off or dimmed individually depending on the situation. This enables the headlight system to react extremely precisely to other vehicles while always brightly illuminating the road. When the on-board camera detects other vehicles ahead, the Audi MatrixBeam LED headlights mask the relevant sections of the high-beam by dimming or shutting off individual diodes. Very bright illumination is preserved in the remaining zones.

The lighting system in the A8 uses predictive route data from the navigation system with MMI Touch to adjust the distribution of light in response to the current driving situation, and can recognise and act on route data, such as corners and road classifications.

New dynamic indicators boost safety

Additional features of the new headlights are the intelligent cornering lights, new-look daytime running lights and dynamic indicator lights. These indicators with a progressively expanding strip of light have the potential to significantly enhance traffic safety by making the fact that the vehicle is turning even clearer to other road users, even at long distances and in poor visibility.

Each of the indicator sections in the enhanced headlights contains 18 LEDs arranged in a strip that is subdivided into seven blocks. Each tail light indicator section contains 24 LEDs in eight blocks. When activated, the blocks are sequentially illuminated at 20 millisecond intervals, from the inside outwards in the desired turning direction. After 150 milliseconds, all segments are bright; for another 250 milliseconds they illuminate with full intensity. After very briefly extinguishing completely, they then repeat the sequence.

The length (5.14 metres), wheelbase (2.99 metres), width (1.95 metres) and height (1.46 metres) of the new generation A8 remain unchanged, and this also applies to the A8 L models with their additional 13 centimetres of wheelbase and body length added in the interest of rear passenger space.

The even sleeker new standard and long wheelbase bodies house a choice of seven petrol and TDI engines, the majority of which have been revised to improve performance and efficiency. The supercharged 3.0 TFSI petrol engine is boosted from 290PS to 310PS, the V8 twin-turbo 4.0 TFSI moves from 420PS to 435PS, the highly efficient 3.0 TDI clean diesel increases from 250PS to 258PS and the 4.2 TDI clean diesel gains 35PS, taking it to 385PS. Its already mighty torque output is also increased by 50Nm to a prodigious 850 Nm (626.93 lb-ft).

Paired with quattro all-wheel drive, the 4.0 TFSI now powers the A8 from 0 to 62 mph in 4.5 seconds, but under partial load the Audi cylinder on demand (COD) system deactivates four of its eight cylinders to give priority to fuel economy. The most efficient diesel engine is the 3.0 TDI, which returns up to 47.9 mpg, corresponding to 155 grams of CO2 per kilometre. All engines satisfy the Euro 6 standard, helped by friction-reducing measures which reduce fuel consumption by as much as 10 per cent.

Cylinder on demand now also for W12

The luxuriously equipped Audi A8 L W12 quattro occupies the top rung in the A8 line-up. The short and lightweight engine with its W layout displaces 6.3 litres and produces 500PS. It also boasts best-in-class combined fuel consumption of  24.1 mpg, corresponding to 270 grams CO2 per kilometre, thanks in part to a newly adopted version of the cylinder-on-demand system developed especially for this model. At low loads, it deactivates the fuel injection and ignition for six cylinders.

The 520PS S8 fulfils a different brief as the ultimate Audi sports saloon. Its 4.0 TFSI engine blasts it from 0 to 62 mph in 4.2 seconds, yet cylinder on demand technology also renders it capable of up to 28 mpg, corresponding to 235 grams CO2 per kilometre.

Active Noise Cancellation (ANC), a technology that is also employed in the A8 4.0 TFSI quattro, the A8 L W12 quattro and the A8 hybrid, ensures excellent acoustic comfort by using precise antiphase noise to combat intrusive noise in the cabin while cylinders are deactivated. Active engine mounts also dampen vibration.

At the other end of the spectrum, the overtly efficiency-focused A8 hybrid combines a 2.0 TFSI engine and electric motor to produce a system output of 245PS and system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The lithium-ion battery in the rear enables purely electric driving at up to 62 mph with a range of roughly 1.9 miles. The A8 hybrid returns up to 44.8mpg and emits 147 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

The new A8 is equipped as standard with a fast and smooth-shifting, eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission which transmits power to all four wheels via the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system in all six, eight and twelve-cylinder versions. A sport differential acting on the rear axle is fitted as standard to the A8 4.2 TDI quattro and the S8 and optional for all other versions bar the hybrids – it distributes power between the rear wheels as required for even greater handling adjustability.

The saloon owes its sporting character as much to its sophisticated chassis as to its responsive engines and its lightweight shell. The Audi drive select system, which adjusts the operating characteristics of various controls and functions, is standard. It also influences the standard adaptive air suspension, which is available with sport settings on request. The power steering uses an efficient electromechanical drive, and can be enhanced by a dynamic steering option which varies boost as a function of the speed driven. Carbon fibre ceramic brake discs are available for V8 models and the A8 L W12 quattro. These can also now be combined with new high-tech 20-inch alloy wheels with high-strength polymer spokes.

Hand-built character: The interior of the Audi A8

In the lavishly trimmed and very comprehensively equipped interior, customers can choose from a new range of upholstery and inlays in new colour schemes. Additions include the woods Fine grain poplar brown-silver and Fine grain ash brown-gold natural as well as the leather Unikat, which is particularly natural-looking, soft and breathable.

Particularly indulgent interior options include front seats with ventilation and massage settings, relaxation seats with powered footrests, electrically adjustable, individual rear seats, a continuous, leather-covered centre console (exclusively for A8 L models) and power-assisted door closure. The Audi exclusive personalisation range offers additional individualisation options for particularly discerning customers.

Advanced assistance systems

Improvements have also been made to the optional assistance systems. Audi active lane assist, which makes slight steering adjustments when necessary, is new to the A8, as is the park assist system with 360° display, which handles steering when parking, and the head-up display, which projects important data in the driver's field of vision on the windscreen. The night vision assistant can now also recognise larger animals in addition to pedestrians.

On the infotainment front, Audi connect is available as a supplement to MMI navigation plus. It uses an integrated UMTS module to connect the new A8 to the Internet. Passengers can surf and e-mail freely via a WLAN hotspot. For the driver, the system delivers the tailored online services from Audi connect, such as online traffic information, Google Earth, Google Street View and online news, to the car. The audio highlights are the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System and the Rear Seat Entertainment system which includes two displays, Bluetooth headphones and a DVD player.

The new Audi A8 is expected to reach its first UK customers in January 2014. Full pricing and UK specification information will be announced in due course.

More advanced LED lighting and TDi tech improves latest Audi A3

More powerful version of 2.0-litre TDI engine with lowest-in-class CO2 and optional quattro drive arrives in A3 alongside advanced LED lighting

• New 2.0 TDI 184PS engine now available in addition to original 150PS version in A3 and A3 Sportback models - Saloon to follow later
• Available in front-wheel-drive and quattro all-wheel-drive formats, and exclusively in conjunction with Sport or S line specification
• OTR prices from £24,375 to £30,055 – available to order now ahead of first deliveries in September
• A3 2.0 TDI 184PS six-speed manual – 0-62mph in 7.3 secs, top speed 145mph,combined MPG 68.9, CO2 108g/km

Even more effective and efficient LED headlights and black styling package now available at extra cost
Audi is widely regarded as an industry luminary where both lighting and TDI technologies are concerned, and the latest developments for the all-new A3 underscore this fact. The acclaimed compact now offers the option of advanced Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlights achieving daylight-like levels of illumination, and can also now be equipped with a new 2.0-litre TDI engine variant which is the most powerful ever to be offered by the Vorsprung durch Technik brand.

Renowned for using LED technology to spearhead the transformation of the once unassuming daytime running light into an elaborate design hallmark – a move which has since been mirrored by countless manufacturers – Audi is again leading the way by being the first to bring the benefits of LED headlamps to the premium compact class. The distinctive and highly efficient new alternatives to the more familiar xenon gas discharge headlamps, which will continue to be offered, are available for every A3 and S3 variant.

In SE and Sport models, they can be specified as part of a new LED lights package costing £2,000, which also includes LED rear lights, light and rain sensors and LED ambient interior lighting. In S line and S3 models they are available as a stand-alone option costing £795.

Nine high-performance LED chips in two free-form reflectors generate the low-beam light in the new headlights for the A3, while the high beam uses ten high-performance LEDs to emit light through an aluminium aperture. Static turning and all-weather lights are housed in a separate module, while the daytime running and parking lights and the indicators are formed by a light guide that wraps around the upper and inner headlights.

Multi-function lights

The static turning lights further expand the breadth of illumination when cornering and direct additional light to exactly where it is needed, while the all-weather light eliminates the need for conventional fog lights and reduces glare in poor visibility. Motorway lights which elongate the field of illumination at speeds of over 68mph, and junction lights which widen the beam at intersections to improve safety are also integrated, as is a travel mode which, when a navigation system is installed, uses GPS data to automatically adjust the headlamp beams for right-hand-drive countries to avoid blinding oncoming drivers.

With a colour temperature of around 5,500 Kelvin, the LED light resembles daylight, helping to reduce eye fatigue. The light-emitting diodes are maintenance-free, designed to last the life of the vehicle, and are exceptionally efficient. The low-beam light, for example, only consumes around 40 watts, which is five per cent less than xenon plus units.

Like many of the assets in the Audi technology portfolio, LED headlights have evolved with the help of endurance racing and its unique and extreme challenges. They made their debut in the R 15 TDI Le Mans sports prototype in 2010, and in 2011, further developed full-LED headlights were installed for the first time in the R18 TDI. With their combined lighting power of over 200 watts, the LEDs generate a light pattern with a range of over 0.6 miles. Their equivalent luminous intensity of over 1,000 lux is five to seven times greater than headlights in production cars.

The sophistication of Audi TDI technology has also been accelerated by its key role in Le Mans, and the benefits in terms of power, response and efficiency can now be enjoyed in a new upscale version of the 2.0-litre TDI that also joins the range to coincide with the new lighting option. Initially available for three-door A3 and five-door A3 Sportback models, but also due in the all-new A3 Saloon during 2014, the new unit delivers 184PS and a 380Nm torque peak between 1,750 and 3,250rpm, and supplements the 150PS version which has been available since launch. It is also notable as the first diesel unit in the UK line-up to be offered in conjunction with either front-wheel-drive or quattro all-wheel-drive.

Front-wheel-drive versions are equipped as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, and quattro variants with the six-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.

Compliant with 2014 EU6 emissions standards

The six-speed manual A3 2.0 TDI 184PS can complete the 0-62mph sprint in 7.3 seconds and continue to a 145mph top speed, while at the same time returning up to 68.9mpg in the combined cycle test, and emitting 108g/km of CO2, less than all comparable premium sector competitors. The fact that this advanced unit already complies with more stringent EU6 emissions regulations applicable from 2014 bears testament to its exemplary efficiency.

In quattro versions, a newly developed multi-plate clutch directs proceedings. The hydraulically actuated and electronically controlled component can send power from the front to the rear axle in just a few milliseconds and weighs significantly less than the previous unit.

In the interest of better axle load distribution, the clutch is located at the end of the prop shaft, in front of the rear differential. Inside it is a package of plates which rotate in an oil bath. During normal driving, the clutch sends most of the engine’s power to the front wheels, but if they start to break traction it can transfer torque in varying degrees to the rear axle almost instantaneously by pressing the sets of plates together under control.

Whether in Sport or S line guise, the new 184PS TDI models, like all A3 variants, are available with either comfort-oriented standard suspension, or sports suspension lowered by 15mm over standard and with a tauter, more handling-focused bias. S line models can also be equipped with S line sports suspension, the most overtly sporting set-up with a ride height lowered by 25mm over standard. All options are available at no cost.

Continuing on the options theme, a new black styling package also becomes available this week for all Sport and S line versions of the A3, and for all S3 variants, priced at £395. It brings a high gloss black treatment for the radiator grille surround and its struts, a matt black finish for the grille itself, for the side air intake grilles and for the number plate holder and a platinum grey look for the diffuser.