Great Wall Motor launches X240 SUV in Australia

Shanghai, October 28 (Gasgoo.com) Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motor (GWM) announced today that its X240 SUV is now available in the Australian market, with the retail price starting from AU$23,990 (US$21,990), local media reported.

The GWM X240, a 'badge engineered' right-hand-drive version of the Chinese-market Hover crossover, joins the carmaker's V240 and SA220 medium-duty commercial vehicles. It is powered by a 2.4-liter petrol engine that produces 100 kW (5,250 rpm) and 200 Nm of torque (2,500-3,000 rpm) mated to a five-speed manual gearbox.

For safety, the X240 offers dual front airbags, ABS brakes, electronic brake-force distribution and rear parking sensors. The electronic stability control will likely be added in time for the Australian Federal Government's mandated ESC requirements in 2011, said the Motor Report.

Air conditioning, electric driver's seat, leather-trimmed seats, power steering, central locking and an eight-speaker CD/MP3 sound system figure among the X240's standard features.

Like all other Great Wall Motor vehicles, a three year/100,000km warranty is standard. Colors available are white, black, silver and red. A sunroof is an optional extra for AU$1000.

As the first model of GWM's passenger car offerings in Australia, the X240 is set to be joined by a version of the Chinese-market five-door small car by the end of this year.