As I took it for a refill at the nearby filling-station, a Dentist whom I know, walked towards me and politely asked, if he could just glance the interior. After a mini-indulgence came ‘what is the engine capacity?’
So, my big Sir, this monster of a Chinese ‘descendant’ is powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine, mated to either manual or automatic. I had the experience to test drive the latter.
Despite my body posture, I did justice, especially with my parking, considering the P-Series double cab boast wheel articulation and the 232mm ground clearance and has approach and departure angles of 27- and 25-degrees, respectively.
Yes, its humungous…
The Commercial range has different headlights as opposed to the Passenger lineup, while the grille is different for each application, as well.
Across the range, the GWM P-Series is available with a turbocharged 2.0-litre diesel engine that offers torque 120kW and 400Nm. On the Commercial range, a choice of a six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions are on offer.
So, one could imagine traversing between Gauteng and North West, it was seamless on the road and well thought on gravel. ‘Chiefs’ and ‘Queens’ adored its physical presence, so did locals and the young-ones. They could not help but stare and admire.
The cool interior is equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, park distance control, and keyless entry and a tyre pressure monitor system, leather seats, (no sunroof), a reverse camera with guidelines, and a 9-inch touchscreen that’s Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible.
Thanks to off-road one could see below that there’s 2000rpm, a little life in the engine and does build engine speed for power to be channelled to the wheels. P-Series boasts impressive features like all-round cameras and easy-to-use off-road systems (diff-lock, 4Low, hill descent control (HDC).
My assertion: the P-Series will have its work cut out if it wants to establish itself as a reckoned contender in the South African bakkie market, price wise.
It is sold with a five-year or 100 000km service plan, five-year or 100 000km warranty, and five-year or unlimited km roadside assistance.
It retails from R 457 900 to R 477 900
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Diesel 1-10 (6)
Image SLM (The dusty P- Series, a serious contender in the bakkie segment in SA)
