Since the latter is being discontinued in SA- we shall shelve it and focus on the GWM’s P SERIES.
Manufactured at only 65 mm longer, meaning tall and wider- it was a mission to fit in my spacious parking, as it also measures 5410 x 1934 x 1886 mm.
Now that’s a real deal- until you step into it.
We tested the automatic Double Cab 4×4 Commercial that boast outputs to 120 kilowatts and 400 Newton-metres for a notable increase in pulling power, that was felt as we took it to my home province for a treat.
It comes loaded, yes loaded with 8-inch alloys; electric power steering; electric windows with one-touch all around; ventilated rear disc brakes; gently-down tailgate; seven-inch instrument cluster; nine-inch touchscreen; adjustable steering sensitivity; plastic bin liner; choice of driving modes; rearview camera with guidelines; electric parking brake; torque-on-demand awd with difflock and low range; adaptive cruise control; lane keeping aids; forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, high-definition 360-degree camera is a useful feature and a first in this segment and leather seats with electric adjusters in front.
As we approached offroad and made worse by sloppy and tough mud thanks to rains in the North West, we realised it features 7 –airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution, roll-over mitigation, descent control, tyre pressure monitoring, keyless entry and starting, automatic LED headlights, front fog lamps with cornering mode, powered and folding mirrors, and automatic aircon with rear vents.
Yes, all and sundry agreed that its competitors such as the Nissan Navara and X Class were in for a ride, best superlative I could come up, if you catch my drift….
Even my Niece insisted I drop her at private Sannieshof High School just to show off, tjrr kids of today! If not why not, as she used built-in step in tailgate access to load her luggage, aha…
The 2.0TD double cab LT 4×4 is spacious for six-foot riders, but knowing my size it did not matter, and there are climb-in handles and panic grips for all passengers.
Turn off: powerless and lacks torque.
From Ventersdorp to Sannieshof, without traffic in the evening, we did 0 to 100km/h 10.5 seconds thanks to its 11.4 l/100km diesel ranging at 78 liters.
P SERIES stands at 232-194 ground clearance hence the mud and offroad was as they say in isiZulu “ubalo” – easy stuff.
It is 5 years/100 000km warranty; with 5 years and 5 years service plan 100 000km.
This long base that carried anything from grass to whatever you may think of, retails for R R544 900.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Fuel 1-10 (6)
Image (The P SERIES- tested the one on your left- is making inroads in the SA bakkie market).
