When it went on display in this year’s Manila International Auto Show, the Great Wall Wingle became the talk of the automotive industry and since then, Statemotor Corporation, the importer and distributor of Great Wall Cars in the Philippines, has been getting inquiries.

The Wingle, which is a combination of “wind” and “eagle,” is the latest pickup from Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd. (GW), China’s first privately-owned automaker listed in the Hong Kong stock market. For the last 11 years, GW’s Pickup series have consistently topped sales in the Chinese market, while its SUVs such as the Hover have proven to be bestsellers for six successive years. In terms of the international market, Great Wall has been the top exporter for nine consecutive years.

Measuring at 5,040 mm x 1,800 mm x 1,700 mm (L x W x H), the Wingle is easy to handle in crowded parking lots in the city or when maneuvering around trees and trails in the jungle, where its 3,050-mm wheelbase, 194-mm ground clearance and 235/70R16 tires mounted on 16” alloy wheels give it surefootedness.

Inside the Wingle, one will find plenty of space for five people. Ease of operation and convenience have also been taken care of by standard features such as keyless entry, power windows, power steering, power side mirrors, power door locks, reading lamp and air conditioner. A single-CD player with FM/AM stereo connected to twin speakers provides the onboard entertainment.

Under the hood of the Wingle resides a 16-valve, four-inline GW2.8TC CRDi engine that delivers 95 hp of maximum power at 3,600 rpm and maximum torque of 225 Nm at 1800 to 2000 rpm.

It is available with a five-speed manual transmission and choice of either a 4x2 or 4x4 drivetrain.