GWM recently launched a new limited edition version of its popular P-Series dubbed the LTD, which is positioned as the flagship of the line-up with a local starting price of R694,950.
This puts it in the same ballpark as the best-selling bakkie in South Africa, the Toyota Hilux, and its highly-capable Raider variant where the comparable model retails from R704,300.
Given how popular the Hilux is in South Africa, it’s worth taking the time to see whether GWM’s new double cad has what it takes to stand out in this fiercely-competitive market.
Performance
The GWM is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which generates 120kW and 400Nm.
Fuel consumption is pegged at 9.4l/100km and gear changes are handled by an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Unlike the other P-Series units, the LTD also has a brand-new selectable four-wheel-drive system with front and rear differential locks.
There are driving modes for Mud, Snow, and Sand, and the bakkie is fitted with off-road cruise control, hill-descent control, and Trail Turn Assist – the latter of which is able to reduce the turning circle by three metres.
The Chinese bakkie can also tow 1,200kg and carry 650kg in the rear bin, and it offers a ground clearance of 232mm, approach angle of 27 degrees, break-over angle of 21.1 degrees, and departure angle of 25 degrees.
Looking at the Toyota, it comes with the brand’s 2.4-litre, turbo-diesel powertrain which produces 110kW and 400Nm – 10kW less than the GWM.
It does have a much better fuel consumption of 7.7l/100km, though, and the automatic version uses a six-speed setup to send power down to the part-time 4WD layout.
The Hilux has one diff lock at the rear and can tow a much heavier 2,750kg. Likewise, it can store 865kg in the back and has a higher ground clearance of 286mm.
Features
Both vehicles come standard with alloy wheels, automatic headlights, a multifunction steering wheel, USB ports, a 12V socket, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth, and an infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Items unique to the Toyota include halogen headlights, 17-inch alloys, LED foglamps, fabric upholstery, manual air conditioning, cruise control, four speakers, an 8-inch media screen, front parking sensors, and a reverse camera.
The limited-edition P-Series, meanwhile, has a much larger spec sheet consisting of LED headlights, daytime-running lights, 18-inch black alloy rims, a snorkel, a leather steering wheel, keyless start, a wireless phone charger, voice commands, electronically adjustable and heated front seats, leather upholstery, a 7-inch digital driver display, a larger 9-inch media unit, six speakers, dual-zone climate control, and a front-mounted winch that can pull up to 4.2 tonnes.
Furthermore, the LTD is fitted with a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Pricing
The GWM P-Series 2.0TD double cab LTD 4×4 has a South African starting price of R694,950.
Each purchase comes with a 5-year/100,000km warranty and service plan, and 5-year/unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance.
The Toyota Hilux 2.4GD-6 double cab 4×4 Raider auto has a local starting price of R704,300.
This includes a 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 9-service/90,000km service plan.
GWM P-Series LTD
Toyota Hilux Raider
Keyword: New GWM P-Series LTD vs Toyota Hilux Raider – Which offers better value for money