IN today’s bakkie bragging rights go toGreat Wall Motors’ updated P300 2.4TD LTD 4×4, that now wears a GWM P300 badge.
And without wasting no time, I took it down to the coast in Durban, to cover the annual horserace, and inspect how it fares on the road, verdict: glaringly SUPER FAST!
The all-new 2.4-litre turbodiesel has completely transformed this GWM P300 over the old 2.0 liter P-Series turbodiesel.
Along the busy route from Jozi going down to Harrismith and the resting place Montrose, proved too hot to handle with the likes of Nissan Navara Pro-4X or Mitsubishi Triton DI 4×4 drivers, in admiration, thanks to its 0-100 km/h packed with 135kW and 480Nm, respectively.
Believe it or not, this Chinese bakkie made, offer better value than its competitors mentioned above, and pleasant to drive, especially when faced with cross-winds, numerous trucks and hills and mountains associated with going down to the coast.
Having decided to travel with a friend, who is a brother to former Kaizer Chief’s midfield genius, Jabu Pule-Mahlangu, the P300 is packed with intelligent 4WD System that is equipped with Electronic Differential Locks, Off-Road Expert Mode, a Front Winch, and Crawl Control, added is a smooth shifting nine-speed automatic transmission for everyday convenience, that claimed 10.89 seconds- meaning its way too quicker despite the hills.
The interior boast, quality and specs, leather seats that are heated and ventilated up front, a heated leather steering wheel, and ambient lighting do duty.
In front there is 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 7-inch digital instrument cluster that feeds you all the key driving info.
Push-button start, wireless charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto complete the package. Yes, we’re still talking a bakkie here- folks!
On the safety front P300 is fitted with Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keeping Assist & Lane Departure Warning, right down to Intelligent Cruise Assistance and various other Collision Avoidance Systems, that really came in handy because at times, those truck drivers can be intimidating due to fatigue and long hours they endure.
As brash is it, the P300 had to be provided with its own double parking bay upon arrival at the lodge in the clean and safely secured Dbn CBD- thanks to cracking whip of Lt-General KZN Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi, who is hogging headlines for all right reasons.
Since it was only two of us, we did not use the back of the P300, instead we put all luggage just behind the passenger seats, thanks to its opulent space and enough leg-room to accommodate the likes of the winning Boks team.
Recently, GWM South Africa secured Gold Status in the Passenger segment of the prestigious 2025 National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) Survey, alongside being named Most Improved in the Passenger/LCV category.
These awards underscore GWM’s growing reputation for dealer support, product quality and alignment with local market needs.
Now in its 29th year, the NADA DSI Survey is a cornerstone of South Africa’s automotive retail landscape, offering critical insights into the health of dealer-manufacturer relationships.
It is organised by the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA), a respected division of the Retail Motor Industry organisation (RMI), and serves as a strategic benchmark for manufacturers operating in South Africa.
The 2025 survey drew responses from 1 397 franchised passenger and light commercial vehicle dealerships, with dealers rating manufacturers on factors such as dealer, investment and customer friendliness.
NADA’s research methods were benchmarked this year against global peers including NADA USA, AADA in Australia, and the UK’s NFDA, cementing its standing as a globally competitive index.
Speaking on the achievement, Desmond Els, Sales Director at GWM South Africa, said, “We’re honoured to see our efforts recognised in this year’s DSI Survey. It reflects how far we’ve come in strengthening partnerships with our dealers and how seriously we take local feedback.
Our goal is always to deliver more – better support, better products, and a brand experience South Africans can rely on.”
The 2.4TD LTD DC 4×4 retails for R669 900, and comes with warranties.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Fuel 1-10 (6)
All images SLM ( Took the latest P300 down to the coast in Durban, to cover the annual horserace, and inspect how it fares on the gruelling hills and mountains. Verdict: glaringly SUPER FAST).
