Can the Great Wall Pao be Converted into a Passenger Vehicle?
3 Answers
Great Wall Pao cannot be converted into a passenger vehicle. Taking the 2020 Great Wall Pao as an example, its body dimensions are: length 5437mm, width 1958mm, height 1893mm, wheelbase 3230mm, minimum ground clearance 228mm, and fuel tank capacity 80l. The 2020 Great Wall Pao features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link solid axle non-independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 190PS, maximum torque of 360Nm, and maximum power of 140kW, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I've always had some insights into pickup truck modifications. From a technical perspective, the Great Wall Pao can indeed be converted into a passenger vehicle - essentially by adding a hardtop cover and modifying the interior. I once helped a friend modify one by removing the cargo bed and replacing it with an enclosed compartment, then adding some cushioned seats and an AC system to make it drive more like an SUV. However, this alters the chassis structure and can easily affect handling stability, especially during high-speed turns where it may feel unstable. The costs aren't small either - just modifying the top cover can cost tens of thousands, not including interior upgrades. Actually, Great Wall officially offers a passenger version called the Pao Commercial, which would be more hassle-free and safer since it meets factory design compliance. Overall, conversion is possible but carries high modification risks and costs - upgrading to the official passenger version is more cost-effective and practical.
I frequently deal with automotive compliance issues, and the topic of converting the Great Wall Pao into a passenger vehicle requires careful consideration of regulatory aspects. In our country, modifying the vehicle chassis is considered illegal alteration, and driving without certification can result in fines and vehicle impoundment. In my consulting cases, I've seen instances where individuals forcibly modified pickup trucks, leading to failed annual inspections and even accidents. The original design of the Great Wall Pao is based on a truck chassis, which lacks the stability of a unibody passenger vehicle. Forcibly adding a soft top or hard shell can compromise safety performance. If you genuinely want a family vehicle, I recommend opting for the passenger version of the Pao or switching to a standard SUV. Legal modifications require filing with professional institutions, but the process is cumbersome with a low success rate. It's more practical to save that money for maintaining the original vehicle.
