Recently, The Scottish Farmer had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the all-new Great Wall Motors (GWM) Poer300, courtesy of AF Noble and Son, Penicuik.
As specialist in Subaru and Isuzu vehicles and now GWM, AF Noble has welcomed this latest addition to its lineup, offering farmers and small business owners a fresh option in the competitive pickup market.
The Poer – pronounced ‘power’ – represents GWM’s push into the UK pickup scene, providing a high-value alternative to established rivals. With the UK pickup market dominated by familiar names such as Ford, Isuzu, Volkswagen, and Maxus, the Poer300 aims to stand out by combining practical utility with affordability and thoughtful features.
Is it value for money?
One of the Poer300’s most compelling selling points is its pricing. The entry-level Lux starts from £31,095 (excluding VAT and RFL), placing it well below many mainstream pickups while remaining competitive against popular models like the Ford Ranger and KGM Musso. This makes it particularly appealing to farmers, contractors and rural business owners who need a reliable vehicle without breaking the bank.
Even at its price point, the Poer300 delivers the comfort and kit expected from higher-priced pickups. AF Noble is also offering 0% finance deals, making the Poer300 even more accessible for farmers and contractors managing upfront costs.
How does it preform?
While most new Chinese launches focus on electric vehicles, the Poer300 keeps a traditional diesel setup. It’s powered by a 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine with 181bhp and 354lb ft of torque, linked to a nine-speed automatic. Four-wheel drive with low range and a locking rear differential keeps it sure-footed on rough or muddy ground.
Official figures rate the Poer300 at 32.7mpg, though we saw 27.8mpg on a short test route, reflecting typical rural driving. It accelerates from 0-62mph in 11 seconds, which is respectable for its class, though the torque converter can feel a bit slow off the line.
On tarmac, the Poer300 has light, intuitive steering, and the firmer suspension gives confident handling on corners, though it can feel a bit firm on longer journeys. Ride is acceptable on motorways but can feel fidgety on B-roads with potholes or uneven surfaces.
Off-road capability is one of the Poer300’s key strengths. With a 27-degree approach angle, 25-degree departure angle, and 230mm ground clearance, it is well suited to tackling trenches, rutted tracks and wet fields. Farmers will also appreciate its 3500kg towing capacity, making it capable of handling demanding agricultural tasks with ease.
What trims are available?
The Poer300 comes only as a double cab, giving plenty of space for passengers while staying practical for work. It’s slightly larger than the average pickup, providing extra cabin and load-bed space, and the tailgate features a built-in step that makes loading and unloading easier which is particularly useful for farm and commercial use. Three trims are available: Lux (£31,095+), Ultra (£34,430+), and Vanta (£37,030+), with a generous level of equipment across all models:
- 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone mirroring
- 7-inch digital driver display
- Wireless phone charging
- Keyless entry
- Faux leather seats
- 18-inch alloy wheels
The higher-spec Ultra adds features such as a heated steering wheel, heated and ventilated front leather seats, power-adjustable front seats, ambient and footwell lighting, auto-dimming rearview mirror, privacy glass, front parking sensors, a tailgate step, a sunroof, and a 360-degree camera.
The Vanta focuses on styling upgrades, with blacked-out wheels, mirror covers, door handles, grille, wheel arches, fixed sidesteps, and a sports bar. These upgrades give the Vanta a more premium feel for its price, showing GWM’s aim to suit both work and leisure. Colour options include red, white, blue, silver, and black, letting buyers personalise their vehicle, while the Vanta’s extra rims add a sporty, eye-catching touch.
Inside, the cabin mixes durability with comfort. Leather covers the seats, dashboard, centre console, and steering wheel, while textured trim and brushed metal add a quality feel. The cabin is quiet and sturdy, giving a solid, well-built impression. A graphic ‘pickup’ LED on the passenger dash, a built-in cool box, and a sunroof help make the cabin feel modern, bright and airy.
Connectivity is good, with USB-A and USB-C ports at the front and rear, plus three 12V switched circuits for easily adding extra lights or accessories. Climate, drive mode and utility controls are clearly marked and easy to reach, keeping daily use straightforward. Rear headroom is good, though taller passengers may feel a bit cramped over rough ground.
What’s the verdict?
In summary, the GWM Poer 300 brings a fresh choice for UK farmers and rural business owners – a pickup that is tough, practical, well-equipped, and priced to appeal to those who need a reliable workhorse.
The entry-level Lux is very competitively priced, the Ultra balances value and comfort, and the Vanta adds extra features and style. A five-year, 125,000-mile warranty matches what many established brands offer.
Running costs are reasonable thanks to robust engineering, dependable performance and a strong list of standard equipment.
While it may not have the polish of some rivals and the ride can feel a little firm, its combination of capability, value and thoughtful features makes it a serious contender in the UK pickup market.
Share