THE LONE contender from China in the UK pick-up market has been given a serious makeover for this year, which includes the use of better quality materials and higher specification.

The three models in the UK line-up are now all Euro 5 compliant for engine emissions and they come with a customer-grabbing six-year or 125,000-mile warranty. With prices starting at just £14,998 before VAT, this latest generation of the 4x4 double-cab looks to be quite a deal for farmers.

Made by one of China's most successful car manufacturers, Great Wall has produced the best-selling pick-up in China each year since 1998 while globally the brand has sold nearly 1m vehicles.

The start price is for the Steed S model - making it the lowest price for any double-cab 4x4 pick-up in the UK - increasing to £16,998 for the top-of-the-range SE. These prices are £1000 greater than the old model, but, says the importer, the standard features and spec' sheets have moved up a gear in response.

There's a slightly sleeker body profile, with the side indicators incorporated into the door mirrors instead of the front wing. Inside is where you can really see improvement. Higher quality materials, such as that used on the seat facings and a sharper, more contemporary design of instrument cluster, creates a better 'feel' to the cabin.

New gizmos include a multi-function rear view mirror with automatic dimming and an outside temperature display and a tyre pressure monitoring system for each tyre.

The Steed is now certified in the UK to tow 2.5 tonnes with a 'braked' trailer - a half tonne improvement - and for 2015, rear disc brakes replace the old drum units.

Great Wall Motor dealer list for Scotland and the Borders - Auto Services, Perth; Autoecosse, Angus; DS Dalgleish and Son (Coldstream), Scottish Borders; Leask Motors, Isle of Shetland; S and S Services, Ayrshire; Seafield Motors, Inverness.