How many car makers can you name that come to the West from China? And how many quality goods can you name that originate in China? Unless you're some kind of university professor of Far Eastern economics, your list of answers will be, at best, diminutive.And yet, when you look at the Steed, a new double cab pickup truck made by Great Wall, and now available in the UK, at least you have somewhere to start.It's a good-looking vehicle, powered by a four-cylinder, two-litre turbo diesel diesel engine that turns out 141bhp and 225lb/ft of torque, and the list of driving and comfort features is extensive.Deep breath. It has four-wheel drive, a low-ratio transfer box, six forward gears, seats for up to five people, a good-sized cargo bay with a robust liner and a quality glazed hardtop, leather-trimmed seats, parking sensors, heated front seats, remote central locking and a music system that will play radio, CD, and MP3 as well as handle a Bluetooth hands-free mobile phone connection.Add to that a six-year, 125,000-mile guarantee and a bargain basement price tag of £15,998 + VAT (which comes to around £19,200 for us unregistered mortals), a carrying capacity of a little over a tonne and the capability to tow a braked 2.5-tonne trailer, and the deal looks almost too good to be true.Even the most cursory glance at the Steed will show you this is a serious working vehicle, behind which the manufacturer and importer have put their faith, their marketing might and their money in an attempt to make a Chinese vehicle a strong, mainstream option. It's also nicely proportioned with clean lines, modern 16" alloy wheels, coloured glass and, on this version, a few well-placed bits of chrome protection bars and steps.I've had one for a few days in the wilds of Shetland and put in several hundred miles to find out what it's like to live with. Most of that time has been on a variety of town and country roads, with only a short foray into the grass to round up some sheep in a field.What I've found is that although it's a good-looking deal, this is not a solid alternative to mainstream 4x4 double cab pickups. It has pros and cons but as a working vehicle it has limitations.The engine is certainly powerful enough to haul the 1.8-tonne truck up most of the hill roads in Shetland without having to select anything lower than fifth gear. You do have to work the gearstick a bit to get the best out of it, but that's more because of the noise. It's a fine, healthy diesel sound when it's spinning quicker than 2000rpm, but the engine rattles like vibrator in an empty bean can between 1500 and 2000rpm.It sounds like it's struggling, but the figures say it's into its maximum torque range when it gets over 1800rpm. Mystery surrounds, as we journalists say.On the road the gearshift is clean and secure, the steering is light and the front disc and rear drum brakes are aided and abetted by a high-grade anti-lock brake system, so that's all good. The combination of leaf springs at the back and torsion bar suspension at the front make the going a bit choppy on the back roads and off-road - well, very choppy actually – but that's something that would settle with a bit of a load in the back.The upside of firm suspension is, of course, that you can corner more quickly and securely than a tall car like this should be able to.The off-road credentials look good on paper but limited when you see the Steed in the metal. It has push-button high and low-range gears and robust-looking Kumho tyres. Underneath you'll find all the important bits of engine and pipework are tucked behind substantial-looking bits of old-fashioned ladder chassis.Having said that, the ground clearance of about 7.5 inches is not good for a truck of this sort. Many road-orientated crossovers have better than this. And there are a few exposed cables hanging free and looking like they could snag on heather or brash.Other small niggles include a steering wheel that only adjusts for rake and not for reach, and the car's annoying propensity to lock all the doors automatically as soon as you turn on the ignition key. Your workmates or your partner are soon going to get pretty tired of tugging on a locked passenger door if you got in the car first.The bottom line is that the Steed SE is not for everyone, but when you consider the price and the length of the warranty, it's not something you can dismiss without a very close look. I'd suggest if you don't expect ever to drive in ruts or have to straddle sticks and stones, it's an attractive, well-appointed four-wheel drive load lugger.I don’t see it as an alternative to a road-going SUV because the official average fuel consumption of 34mpg isn’t going to challenge much else out there. But come the depths of winter, if the snows return this coming season, there aren't many 4x4s with this kind of bite for this kind of price. The deal maybe looks even better if you don't need the hardtop or side rails because a base model S is almost equally well-appointed but is £2000 cheaper. Engine 1998cc, 4 cylinders Power 141bhp Transmission 6-speed manual Fuel/CO2 34.0mpg / 220g/km Price £15,998 plus VAT Details correct at publication date
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