Just when you thought the humble pick-up truck was going all green and futuristic, along comes something refreshingly old school. Meet the GWM Poer300 — pronounced “Power,” naturally — a big, bold, diesel-driven statement from China that’s out to shake up the UK’s tough truck market.
While Ford’s chasing hybrids and Isuzu’s gone all-electric, GWM’s decided to keep things simple: a solid 2.4-litre four-cylinder diesel engine paired with a smooth nine-speed automatic gearbox and selectable four-wheel drive with low-range gearing. It’s unapologetically traditional — and for many, that’s exactly what makes it appealing.
The Poer300 lands as a double-cab only, with more than a hint of last-gen Ford Ranger in its stance. Prices kick off at a seriously tempting £31,495 (excluding VAT), making it one of the most affordable double-cabs in Britain. Even the fully-loaded Vanta version, the one we’ve been driving, stays just under £35,000 before VAT — remarkable value given the kit on offer.
GWM clearly has its sights set on the likes of the KGM Musso, Maxus T60 Max, and yes, even the mighty Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max. And the spec sheet reads like it means business: LED headlights, a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless smartphone connectivity, faux leather upholstery, rear parking sensors, and a full suite of safety systems — all standard. Not bad for a “budget” contender.
Step up to the Ultra model and things get more luxurious: heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, and clever tech like 360-degree cameras. The Vanta trim — essentially a £2,000 black styling pack on top of the Ultra — adds darkened trim, black alloys, and an undeniably stealthy road presence. Oh, and that nifty tailgate step built into the edge? Genius for climbing into the bed.
Speaking of beds — not that kind — the Poer300’s load space is impressively square and deep, offering proper carrying potential. It’s big, boxy, and built for work, but GWM has clearly put thought into making it usable too.
Inside, it’s a mixed bag but generally solid. There’s loads of room up front and decent space in the rear, though taller passengers might find their heads brushing the roof — unless they make use of the handy headlining recesses. Material quality is reasonable, even if the steering wheel feels a touch plasticky and the touchscreen could do with a smarter layout. A small niggle: when you’re using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, it takes over the entire screen, leaving you no access to climate controls. There are some shortcut buttons below, but not full control.
That aside, it feels well screwed together. No squeaks, no rattles — just a cabin that’s functional, modern, and far from cheap-looking.
On the move, the Poer300’s diesel heart is a touch vocal but delivers strong, confident pull. It’s not quite as punchy as the most powerful rivals, but performance is perfectly adequate for both work and weekend runs. The nine-speed auto is slick and smooth — quick to kick down when needed but never jerky. Brakes are progressive and easy to modulate, while the steering is light enough for town use and precise enough for country lanes.
Where things get a little less refined is in the ride. Like all pick-ups, the Poer300 has to carry a one-tonne payload, and that means it’s firm at low speeds — the front end jiggles and skips a little when unladen. You’ll feel it through the seats on bumpy roads, but add a bit of weight in the back and it smooths out nicely. At motorway speeds, it settles down completely, delivering a calm, stable cruise.
And when the going gets tough? The auto 4WD system is clever enough to engage only when slip is detected, helping fuel economy on the tarmac. There’s also low-range gearing and a rear diff lock at the touch of a button — proper off-road credibility baked right in.
Efficiency is another feather in its cap. GWM’s new diesel setup actually outperforms key rivals on fuel economy, emissions, and even warranty coverage — an impressive five years or 125,000 miles, as standard. Compare that with some competitors still stuck on three-year warranties, and suddenly the Poer300 looks like a smart long-term bet.
In day-to-day use, it’s surprisingly easy to live with. Visibility is excellent, the turning circle isn’t too intimidating, and the cabin feels genuinely roomy. The Poer’s boxy, upright design isn’t just for show — it makes it easier to judge the edges when parking or threading through narrow lanes.
For under £35k (before VAT), you’re getting a pick-up that looks the part, does the job, and comes loaded with kit you’d expect on something far pricier. And while other brands are busy electrifying or hybridising everything, GWM’s sticking to diesel for now — and honestly, in this case, it works.
The Poer300 is powerful, practical, and, crucially, proper value for money. Expect to see a lot more of them on British roads — muddy, dented, and probably wearing a proud layer of worksite dust.
Because really, that’s what a pick-up’s meant for, isn’t it?
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊