This follows the recent introduction of the latest Landwind 5 SUV MT LUX from the Chinese JMC Group. And yes, the Chinese automotive contingent continues to grow in the country.
As a result of the above relations, we test driven the latest 4×2 manual. Later in the year the automatic variant will be made available to the SA market.
The improvements on the Landwind 5 SUV, is courtesy of Prodrive in the suspension department, Delphi the electronics and Getrag, the gearbox.
And it responded well as Limpopo (using the infamous and notorious Moloto Rd) was calling for us. The only snag was its balance as heavy trucks made that impulsive passes.
But its torque of 250Nm at between 2 800r/min and 4 400r/min driving the front wheels through a six-speed all-synchromesh gearbox is perfect.
It features four-cylinder that once powered the Mitsubishi Evolution model and uses a Borg Warner turbocharger for figures of 140kW/250Nm.
It claimed a performance of 0-100km/h time of around 11 seconds while consuming fuel at a rate of 8.5 litres/100km.
Dual airbag, park distance control, child safety rear door locks, and anti theft security system, are some of the features included when talking security.
The Landwind is powered by the 4G63S4T petrol engine and it’s a transversely mounted, two-litre, four-cylinder inline, water-cooled, four-stroke power plant with an electronic control unit and turbocharger.
Fitted with vacuum-boosted, double-line hydraulic disk brakes with ABS + EBD on all four aluminium alloy wheels, the Landwind stops safely and easily. We had to negotiate our way thanks to life threatening potholes (a well if I may) and untarred roads.
Designed for both work and leisure, I would give it a try and test the manual variant.
With a bargaining price of R249 880 why not?
It comes in Tornado White, Desert Brown, SunSet Red and Lightening Silver colour ranges.
The Landwind SUV 5 comes packed with a 3year/100 000km warranty and a 5 year /100 000 km service plan.
Verdict
1-10 Performance (5)
1-10 Petrol (5)
