GWM Cannon Alpha has been discontinued — this model is no longer sold new in South Africa. All specifications, variants and pricing shown below are for historical reference. See current GWM models still on sale.
Pickup Diesel Automatic 4WD 5-seat

GWM Cannon Alpha

Historical South African specifications and last-listed pricing

Generation First generation, derived from GWM's premium pickup platform launched in China in 2023. Local specification leans toward higher equipment loading and softer suspension calibration versus the Chinese-domestic version, with adjustments for South African fuel quality and aftersales support requirements. Version introduced 2024
The Cannon Alpha is GWM's premium bakkie flagship — a 2.4-litre diesel double-cab 4x4 with full-time AWD and equipment that targets the Hilux Legend and Ranger Wildtrak crowd at substantially lower money.
ZAR 829,900 · last listed
Last listed price ZAR 829,900
Engine:2378cc (2.4L) Torque:480Nm (354 lb-ft) Ground Clearance:220mm (8.7″) Power:135kW (181 bhp)

Hover or tap any pill for a plain-English explanation. Bracketed values show common equivalents (bhp, lb-ft, inches, cu ft).

Fuel Economy km/l · US mpg equivalent
Combined 10.2 km/l (24 mpg)
City 7.8 km/l (18 mpg)
Highway 11.8 km/l (28 mpg)

Historical pricing is retained for reference, not as a current dealer offer. Verify the exact used vehicle's condition, equipment and build date before purchase.

View Current GWM Models Model Range PDF

Source-backed vehicle data • Verified by the Hagalu team

GWM Cannon Alpha

The Cannon Alpha is GWM's premium bakkie flagship — a 2.4-litre diesel double-cab 4x4 with full-time AWD and equipment that targets the Hilux Legend and Ranger Wildtrak crowd at substantially lower money.

The Cannon Alpha is GWM's most expensive bakkie sold in South Africa, sitting at the top of the company's pickup hierarchy and competing directly with the Hilux Legend, Ranger Wildtrak and Volkswagen Amarok PanAmericana for the lifestyle bakkie flagship pound. Priced from R699,900 for the Double Cab LS 4x4 to R829,900 for the Double Cab LX 4x4 flagship, it sits R100,000 above the regular Cannon and brings a different powertrain, a more sophisticated chassis and equipment levels that would normally require six-figure premiums on European rivals. The headline change versus the Cannon is the engine. The Alpha runs GWM's 2.4-litre GW4D24 turbocharged diesel, producing 135 kW and 480 Nm of torque. That's a 25 kW and 80 Nm increase over the Cannon's 2.0-litre, and brings the Alpha into the same horsepower territory as the Hilux 2.8 GD-6 (150 kW / 500 Nm) and the Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo (154 kW / 500 Nm). Real-world performance feels markedly stronger than the Cannon — 0-100 km/h takes around 11.5 seconds versus 13.0 for the Cannon, and overtaking response from 80–120 km/h is noticeably more urgent. The transmission is a 9-speed torque-converter automatic — one ratio more than the Cannon and tuned for closer-spaced shifts that keep the larger engine in its torque sweet spot. Drive type is full-time 4WD with selectable low-range, a substantial step up from the part-time 4x4 on the Cannon LX. The full-time AWD system means the Alpha can be driven on tar in 4x4 mode without binding the drivetrain, which makes it more usable for the South African lifestyle bakkie buyer who occasionally hits gravel without wanting to manually engage 4x4 each time. Chassis-wise the Alpha shares its body-on-frame ladder construction with the Cannon and P Series, but with revised suspension. Independent double-wishbone up front, multi-link coil-sprung live axle at the rear — the coil-sprung rear is the same architecture used on the Ranger Wildtrak and the Amarok, and it delivers a noticeably smoother ride than the leaf-sprung Cannon. Payload drops to 900 kg as a result (versus 930 kg on Cannon), but for the lifestyle buyer this is irrelevant. Towing capacity remains 3,500 kg. Off-road capability is where the Alpha justifies its premium pricing. Approach angle of 32 degrees, departure 28 degrees, ramp-over 26 degrees. Ground clearance of 224 mm. Wading depth of 850 mm. Front and rear locking differentials (Hilux Legend has only rear; Ranger Wildtrak has rear plus locking centre). Five terrain modes including a dedicated rock-crawl mode that locks both differentials and adjusts throttle response. On a comparison test against the Hilux Legend and Ranger Wildtrak at a 4x4 facility outside Johannesburg, the Alpha's off-road capability is genuinely competitive with the established Japanese and American rivals. Cabin equipment is where the Alpha turns the segment value equation on its head. The LX flagship at R829,900 includes a 14.6-inch infotainment screen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, a full digital instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated front and rear seats, massage function on the driver's seat, head-up display, ambient lighting with 64 colour options, 12-speaker premium audio, and a refrigerated cool box in the centre console. The Ranger Wildtrak at R1,070,000 doesn't have the cool box, doesn't have rear-seat heating, and has a smaller 12-inch screen. The Hilux Legend at R935,900 has none of these features. Safety equipment is comprehensive — eight airbags standard (versus six on Cannon and P Series), full driver-assistance suite including adaptive cruise control with stop-go, traffic-sign recognition, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, AEB with pedestrian and cyclist detection, and 360-degree camera with transparent under-body view that shows what's beneath the vehicle on technical off-road obstacles. The Cannon Alpha has been on sale in South Africa since 2024 and is currently the volume-leading premium Chinese bakkie in the market. Owner feedback to date has been broadly positive — the powertrain is praised for its refinement, the cabin for its equipment level, and the off-road capability for its real-world ability. The most consistent criticism is fuel economy, which sits around 10.5 L/100 km in real-world mixed driving compared to 9.8 for the Cannon. The larger engine demands more diesel, and the kerb weight of 2,125 kg is up 90 kg over the Cannon. Residual values for the Alpha are still developing as the model is recent, but indications from the broader Chinese bakkie market suggest the Alpha will track the same residual pattern as the Cannon and P Series — approximately R100,000–R130,000 less recovery at 5 years versus a Hilux Legend or Ranger Wildtrak. For the buyer specifying the Alpha LX at R829,900 versus a Hilux Legend at R935,900, that R106,000 up-front saving currently more than covers the eventual residual gap for ownership cycles of 4 years or more. For the South African buyer comparing the Cannon Alpha against the Ranger Wildtrak, the Hilux Legend and the Amarok PanAmericana, the Alpha is the most equipment-rich choice at the lowest price point. Whether it represents the best long-term ownership value depends on how long you keep your bakkies and how much you value the established residual safety of the Japanese alternatives. As with every Chinese bakkie purchase in South Africa, the buyer is choosing between paying more up-front for reliability certainty (Hilux/Ranger) or paying less up-front for substantially more equipment with some residual uncertainty (Cannon Alpha).

GWM Cannon Alpha — Quick Facts

GWM Cannon Alpha Variants & Prices

Pick up to 3 variants, hit Compare Variants and you'll get a proper side-by-side spec breakdown.

Maximum 3 variants reached
Uncheck one of the selected variants below before choosing another.
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Transmission Price
2.4T Double Cab LS 4x4 Discontinued Base Diesel Automatic ZAR 699,900last listed
2.4T Double Cab LT 4x4 Discontinued Top Diesel Automatic ZAR 759,900last listed
2.4T Double Cab LX 4x4 Discontinued Flagship Diesel Automatic ZAR 829,900last listed
Cmp Variant Trim Fuel Transmission Price
2.4T Double Cab LS 4x4 Discontinued Base Diesel Automatic ZAR 699,900last listed
2.4T Double Cab LT 4x4 Discontinued Top Diesel Automatic ZAR 759,900last listed
2.4T Double Cab LX 4x4 Discontinued Flagship Diesel Automatic ZAR 829,900last listed
2 variants selected

GWM Cannon Alpha Specifications

Length
5410 mm
Width
1935 mm
Height
1865 mm
Wheelbase
3220 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
220 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
80 l
Kerb Weight
2125 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3000 kg
Payload Capacity
900 kg
Towing Capacity
3500 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
Doors
4 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
13.6 m
Front Headroom
1020 mm
Rear Headroom
975 mm
Front Legroom
1070 mm
Rear Legroom
880 mm
Driving fit

Where the GWM Cannon Alpha Fits Best

A practical view of the buyer and roads this model is best suited to.

Who buys this

Lifestyle bakkie flagship buyers in South Africa who want premium equipment and off-road capability without paying European-bakkie money. The Alpha targets the same buyer who would otherwise consider a Hilux Legend, Ranger Wildtrak or Amarok PanAmericana — typically established professionals, business owners and outdoor enthusiasts in metropolitan SA.

City
In urban duty, the Alpha is the most comfortable bakkie GWM sells. The coil-sprung rear suspension absorbs Joburg potholes more compliantly than the leaf-sprung Cannon, the cabin noise levels are very low at city speeds, and the head-up display on LT and LX makes urban speed monitoring effortless. The 360-camera with transparent under-body view is genuinely useful in tight parking.
Highway
On highway cruising, the larger 2.4 diesel pulls strongly with relaxed engine speeds — typically 1,800 rpm at 120 km/h in 9th gear. Real-world fuel consumption sits at 8.5–9.5 L/100 km on long-distance runs. Wind and tyre noise are well-suppressed; the cabin is genuinely premium-quiet. Adaptive cruise with stop-go capability handles traffic transitions smoothly.
Off-Road
The Alpha is GWM's most capable off-roader. Full-time 4WD, low range, front and rear locking differentials, 224 mm ground clearance, 850 mm wading depth, five terrain modes including dedicated rock-crawl. On serious off-road terrain — Sani Pass at its worst, Lesotho high country, deep-mud Botswana tracks — the Alpha performs at the level of a Hilux Legend or Ranger Wildtrak. Body articulation is competitive and the front diff lock genuinely earns its keep on rutted descents.

GWM Cannon Alpha — Should You Buy It?

The most equipment-rich premium bakkie in South Africa at the price — the Cannon Alpha makes the Hilux Legend and Ranger Wildtrak look expensive at their respective price points.

The Cannon Alpha is GWM's strongest value pitch yet in South Africa's bakkie market. The 2.4 diesel is genuinely competitive with established rivals, the coil-sprung rear suspension delivers superior on-road comfort, and the equipment level at the LX flagship is in another league relative to Hilux Legend and Ranger Wildtrak pricing. The unresolved residual question is the same one every Chinese bakkie buyer in SA faces — but the Alpha's R100,000–R130,000 up-front saving currently buys you enough margin to cover the residual gap for buyers with ownership horizons beyond 4 years.

What's Good
  • ✓2.4L turbodiesel produces 135 kW / 480 Nm — competitive with Hilux 2.8 and Ranger 2.0 Bi-Turbo
  • ✓Coil-sprung multi-link rear suspension delivers premium on-road ride versus leaf-sprung rivals
  • ✓Full-time 4WD with low range, front and rear locking differentials — comprehensive off-road kit
  • ✓14.6-inch infotainment with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto standard across all three variants
  • ✓8 airbags, full advanced driver-assistance suite, 360-camera with transparent under-body view
  • ✓Equipment list at the LX flagship is unmatched at the price — rear heating, massage seats, cool box
  • ✓5-year/100,000 km warranty and 5-year/75,000 km service plan included as standard
  • ✓Approach/departure angles and 850 mm wading depth match or exceed Hilux Legend and Ranger Wildtrak
  • ✓Substantial price advantage over established premium rivals — R88,000 below Hilux Legend RS
Watch Out For
  • ✕Real-world fuel consumption around 0.8 l/100km L/100 km worse than Cannon due to larger engine and higher weight
  • ✕Residual values projected to lag Hilux Legend and Ranger Wildtrak by R100,000+ over 5-year horizon
  • ✕Limited service history makes long-term reliability assessment harder versus established rivals
  • ✕9-speed automatic occasionally hunts between gears on undulating motorway gradients
  • ✕Some controls including drive-mode selection are buried in touchscreen menus rather than physical buttons

GWM Cannon Alpha FAQs

The retained historical listing for the GWM Cannon Alpha shows R699,900 to R829,900, depending on the derivative. These are reference prices from its period on sale, not current new-vehicle offers.

Lifestyle bakkie flagship buyers in South Africa who want premium equipment and off-road capability without paying European-bakkie money. The Alpha targets the same buyer who would otherwise consider a Hilux Legend, Ranger Wildtrak or Amarok PanAmericana — typically established professionals, business owners and outdoor enthusiasts in metropolitan SA.

In urban duty, the Alpha is the most comfortable bakkie GWM sells. The coil-sprung rear suspension absorbs Joburg potholes more compliantly than the leaf-sprung Cannon, the cabin noise levels are very low at city speeds, and the head-up display on LT and LX makes urban speed monitoring effortless. The 360-camera with transparent under-body view is genuinely useful in tight parking.

On highway cruising, the larger 2.4 diesel pulls strongly with relaxed engine speeds — typically 1,800 rpm at 120 km/h in 9th gear. Real-world fuel consumption sits at 8.5–9.5 L/100 km on long-distance runs. Wind and tyre noise are well-suppressed; the cabin is genuinely premium-quiet. Adaptive cruise with stop-go capability handles traffic transitions smoothly.

Buyers researching the GWM Cannon Alpha often compare it with rivals such as Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab , Changan Hunter K50 REEV , Ford Ranger Wildtrak , LDV Terron 9 , RIDDARA RD6 . Comparing them side by side is the quickest way to see where your money goes — performance, fuel use, price and running costs can differ substantially.

Compare GWM Cannon Alpha with Similar Pickups

Tap any card to see a full head-to-head — specs, scores and a clear verdict on which one's worth your money.

GWM Cannon Alpha
VS
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab
Cannon Alpha vs Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab
Diesel Pickup 2 Variants
Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Double Cab from ZAR 801,000
See full specs & who wins →
GWM Cannon Alpha
VS
Changan Hunter K50 REEV
Cannon Alpha vs Hunter K50 REEV
plug-in hybrid Pickup 1 Variant
Changan Hunter K50 REEV from ZAR 799,900
See full specs & who wins →
GWM Cannon Alpha
VS
Ford Ranger Wildtrak
Cannon Alpha vs Ranger Wildtrak
Diesel Pickup 3 Variants
Ford Ranger Wildtrak from ZAR 865,000
See full specs & who wins →
GWM Cannon Alpha
VS
LDV Terron 9
Cannon Alpha vs Terron 9
Diesel Pickup 2 Variants
LDV Terron 9 from ZAR 779,900
See full specs & who wins →
GWM Cannon Alpha
VS
RIDDARA RD6
Cannon Alpha vs RD6
Electric Pickup 3 Variants
RIDDARA RD6 from ZAR 747,500
See full specs & who wins →

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Archive

Discontinued & Earlier GWM Models

Historical model pages remain available without competing with vehicles currently on sale.

Full GWM range
GWM Cannon discontinued model reference in South Africa Cannon Discontinued Pickup GWM H1 discontinued model reference in South Africa H1 Discontinued SUV GWM H2 discontinued model reference in South Africa H2 Discontinued SUV GWM Jolion GT discontinued model reference in South Africa Jolion GT Discontinued SUV GWM Ora Good Cat discontinued model reference in South Africa Ora Good Cat Discontinued Hatchback GWM P Series discontinued model reference in South Africa P Series Discontinued Pickup GWM Steed 5 discontinued model reference in South Africa Steed 5 Discontinued Pickup GWM Steed 6 discontinued model reference in South Africa Steed 6 Discontinued Pickup

Data verified against: GWM Official South Africa Website

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