GWM completely rejigs bakkie range

Published Nov 25, 2014

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By: IOL Motoring Staff

GWM has unleashed what it calls an “intensified attack” on South Africa's bakkie market and the end result comes in the form of three distinct line-ups.

The headline news is an all-new Steed 6 model to sit at the very top of GWM's bakkie pecking order, while the Steed 5E steps in to fill the middle ground. The 5E is essentially an upgraded version of the familiar Steed 5, which soldiers on at the budget end of the market.

Let's take a walk through the range, starting at the top.

STEED 6

2.0 VGT SX - R294 900

2.0 VGT Xscape - R319 900

Great Wall is pitching this as an “upmarket leisure vehicle” and believes that its bold styling, interior comforts and size will strike a chord with buyers in this neck of the woods. In fact, GWM is confident that it can “stand comparison with the best pick-up offerings from Germany and Japan.”

Power comes from a 105kW/305Nm 2-litre VGT turbodiesel that powers the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox. GWM promises to launch 4x4 versions next year.

Having driven it (unladen) at its local launch, Denis Droppa described the Steed6 as fairly quiet and refined for a diesel bakkie, while also offering acceptable gutso - although some downshifting was necessary on inclines.

Measuring 5345mm in length, the Steed 6 is one of the longest bakkies on the block and it also sets itself apart from previous GWM models with features like Bosch ESP stability control and six airbags fitted to the Xscape model, along with niceties like leather trim, electric driver seat adjustment, cruise control and automatic headlights and wipers.

The lower-specced Steed 6 SX still packs basics like air conditioning, climate control, audio system, Bluetooth connectivity, dual airbags, ABS, 16-inch alloys and a diff lock.

STEED 5E

2.4 SX - R229 900

2.4 Xscape - R244 900

2.0VGT SX - R259 900

2.0VGT Xscape - R274 900

This 'middle mannetjie' of the GWM bakkie line-up is an improved version of the familiar Steed 5 and the enhancements go way beyond the exterior styling, which sees the vehicle adopt a VW-like front end.

Engineers have put considerable effort into making the Steed 5E quieter and the cabin gains a new instrument panel along with a revised centre console and the rear seat cushions have been tinkered with to improve long-distance comfort.

Like its bigger brother the Steed 5E is only available as a double cab 4x2 (4x4 available soon) but in addition to the 105kW/305Nm 2-litre VGT turbodiesel engine option, the 5E also gives you a 93kW/200Nm 2.4-litre petrol option.

As for interior appointments, SX packs 16-incy alloys, climate control, CD/USB audio system, dual front airbags and ABS, while Xscape adds a touch-screen audio system with Bluetooth, leather seats and a diff lock, among other bits and bobs.

STEED 5

2.2 MPI single cab - R154 900

2.2 MPI double cab - R179 900

2.0 WGT single cab - R199 900

2.0 WGT SX double cab - R229 900

The Steed 5 soldiers on at the affordable end of the market in both single and double cab guises.

While the old-fashioned 78kW/190Nm 2.2-litre MPI petrol version continues as before, GWM has also introduced a new WGT 2-litre turbodiesel engine option, good for 78kW and 225Nm.

Features like air conditioning, power steering and an audio system are standard across the range, while the range-topping SX double cab also has dual airbags, ABS brakes, multi-function steering wheel and diff lock.

Now that’s what we call spoiled for choice.

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