At the end of 2020, GWM released their first true contender to the long-reigning bakkie king of South Africa, the Hilux.
The GWM P-Series is the newest vehicle from this Chinese brand, and aims to compete in the premium bakkie segment in the country.
It can be had in both single or double cab, and offers an ostensibly valuable package at any price.
Modern features
The P-Series is fitted with an impressive list of features at the top end of the range.
It has leather seats, door inserts, and steering wheel; a large infotainment display, Bluetooth, and wireless charging pads; and automatic air-conditioning, automatic LED headlights, and a 360-degree camera.
These are already features that most people will be happy with, but it is not all that the P-Series has to offer.
The front seats are further improved by adding heating and 6-way electronically adjustable functionalities.
The 9-inch infotainment display supports voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and plays sounds through a six-speaker system.
A 7-inch digital instrument cluster then replaces analogue dials, while a push-button start concludes the electronic additions.
When it comes to capabilities, the P-Series continues its impressive show.
A drive mode selector within the cabin can adjust the characteristics of the vehicle according to four configurations, and steering sensitivity can be adjusted to your liking.
Furthermore, the bakkie has lane departure and lane keep assist, hill start and descent control, as well as forward collision warning with autonomous emergency braking.
This feature uses sensors hidden in the front fascia to detect moving objects in front of the P-Series.
It will brake the vehicle autonomously in the event of an emergency, or assist the driver in applying sufficient braking power through brake assist.
More safety systems then come in the form of ABS, airbags, rear cross traffic alert, blind spot warning, traffic sign recognition, traction control, roll-over mitigation, and an engine immobilizer.
Performance
The new P-Series range is powered by a 2.0-litre, turbo-diesel engine that produces 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
The top-end model sports an 8-speed “ZF” automatic transmission, which works to give the P-Series a combined fuel consumption figure of 9.4l/100km.
Power is sent to all four wheels, and delivered to the ground through 18-inch alloy wheels.
The P-Series also rivals the nation’s big players in payload capacity – at a maximum of 650kg – as well as braked towing capacity – at 2,250kg.
Practicality is further improved through a 232mm ground clearance, as well as an entry angle of 27 degrees, exit angle of 25 degrees, and a torque-on-delivery system featuring high and low driving modes.
The drop-in plastic bedliner is not the greatest brag, but an easy-lift tailgate with an optional integrated ladder makes up for this.
Price
The GWM P-Series 2.0TD Double Cab LT 4×4 is the range-topping model detailed above, and has a South African price of R544,900.
Along with this you will get a 5-year/100,000km warranty and a 3-year/40,000km service plan.
GWM P-Series – Photos
Keyword: Top-spec GWM P-Series double-cab – A very tempting package