GEORGE- THE cold, windy and wet George, Western Cape was the venue for the launch of both Tank 500 and P500 respectively, as the Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors continue making strides in SA.
The TANK hybrid (HEV) pairs a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine (180kW and 380Nm) with an electric motor (78kW and 268Nm) for combined outputs of 255kW and 648Nm.
GWM claims combined fuel consumption figure of 9.8 litres per 100km and diesel is more efficient, at 8.6 l/100km.
Both were tested along routes connecting George (having landed at airport), Knysna better known as ‘Garden Route’ that includes Mossel Bay, that leads you to either Cape Town or Port Elizabeth.
With roads under construction and at times using one lane, the map opted us to take off-roads of which came in handy for the test. As for the tapestry associated with the coast, it was refreshing hitting the hills.
One could tell this first fully-fledged hybrid bakkie on the market, is considered to be a mild hybrid.
Both drivetrains pair with a nine-speed automatic gearbox, and the P500 is equipped with a four-wheel drive system featuring selectable low-range gearing, and the Super and Ultra Luxury models feature electronically controlled front and rear diff locks.
The P500 comes with utility features, such as a 60:40 split tailgate (popular amongst media corps at the launch), from Super Luxury trim upwards, that can open horizontally like a barn door or drop down vertically in the conventional manner. The loadbox is also equipped with 28 anchor points and a lamp.
Luxury base model is fitted with a 12.3-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, 360-degree Panoramic View Monitor and a swathe of high end driver assist features such as Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Turning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist, Auto Emergency Braking and Trailer Sway Mitigation to name just a few.
The P500 Super Lux, had additional indulgences such as a panoramic sunroof, faux suede roof lining and Nappa leather seats, with heating (since it was cold had to warm our seats with my co-ordinator Mr Maharaj making sure I was taken care of, as I had to focus on the hairbend turns, trucks and animals on the road), ventilation, massage function and power adjustment for the front occupants.
Also on the list is an upgraded 14.6-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, soundproof glass, anti-glare rear view mirror, electric rear sliding window and 220V (120W) power outlet.
On Ultra Luxury, you will be spoiled with the hybrid drive, you can expect a 10-speaker Harman Infinity sound system, Head-Up Display, heated steering wheel and Fully Automated Parking Assist, while rear seat passengers can look forward to ventilated, heated and power adjustable seats as well as a rear wireless phone charger.
Yes, it’s a bakkie folks, we’re making reference to!
The after-sales deal consists of a service plan that’s valid for five years or 75,000km and a warranty good for seven years or 200,000km.
Further to that the hybrid version has a “High Voltage Warranty” of eight years or 150,000km and a roadside assistance has you covered for seven years, regardless of mileage.
Talk of after-sales, Conrad Groenewald- GWM CEO says they’ve gone out to make sure their clients do not worry about parts and services as they have invested enough resources to deal with such.
On the bakkie, he boasted it is fitted with auto parking, amongst other features.
GWM P500 Pricing
- P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Luxury – R799,900,
- P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 Super Luxury – R889,900
- P500 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4X4 Ultra Luxury – R999,900
Image SLM (The P500 Super Luxury features a horizontally-opening split tailgate, as per GWM’s Lunga Ntsendwana affirmation).
The Tank 500 is a large SUV that offers seating for seven in the cabin, hence its labelled a ‘moving castle’.
It epitomises exceptional build quality, luxury and innovation.
Tank 500 boast 14,6 inch multimedia touchscreen interface and is connected to an Infinity audio system.
The seats are Nappa-leather accented and feature heating and ventilation for both front passengers. In addition there is an eight-point massage feature. Both seats have electronic adjustment. Second-row passengers have reclining seat backs, two-way adjustable headrests, separate climate control, seat cooling, and charging points.
A 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine powers the Tank 500. In addition the ICE has an electrical component that lifts power to 255kW. The hybrid powerplant has 648Nm of torque.
A nine-speed automatic transmissions sends power to all four wheels.
There are 11 all-terrain driving modes, these include Sports, Snow, Sand, Rock, and Expert.
Price R1,222,900
During his presentation Kevin Le, GWM SA managing director, said the brand is number 1 in China, and has been exporting for 26 years’.
He also indicated it has sold over 600 000 globally in over 50 countries.
In keeping with the ambience, we were booked at the luxurious Pezula Nature Hotel & Spa, upon the drive, though yours truly landed late due to flight delay, wine chocolates, dinner and top brand wines were offered, as we retired to our ‘king-beds’.
Yes, I slept with my gigantic glass door unlocked, of which my only concern were baboons that are popular at the hotel.
