Who better to review this new GWM turbo-diesel double cab bakkie than our resident lady journo, who’s also our leading expert in the 2.4L TD drive train…
How much time did you spend with this GWM P300 2.4 Turbo-diesel double cab pick-up?
I got to drive it for a week!
You recently drove the new GWM Tank 300 2.4TD, and now the bakkie/pick-up version. Besides the body, did you discover any major differences?
Yes absolutely! I found the bakkie to be more responsive on the throttle – it performed better driving wise than the Tank, especially noticeable was a significantly reduced turbo lag. Obviously the ride was a little harder as the bakkie had leaf springs but all in all, I really enjoyed this one.
Did you enjoy the safety and convenience features?
Safety features wise, I was fortunate not to have to test the airbag or ABS systems 😉 Lane guidance I tend to turn off as I detest it – especially when we so often have to drive over lines at short notice to avoid obstacles in the road in SA. The rear-camera was useful – especially when navigating tricky parking areas.
Were there any stand-out features or deal-breakers during your test-drive?
I can’t think of any particular deal-breakers or stand-out features during my test drives. I really just enjoyed this bakkie and found it a solid contender for being a decent and practical vehicle for my lifestyle (school pick-up pavement hopping, equestrian paraphernalia loads, dirt-road driving, etc). It was also spunky enough on dual-carriageways and highways for longer distance travel – and again, I enjoyed the much more refined throttle response.
Describe the way it drives, handles/rides, responds, turns, parks?
It’s a bakkie – so it’s big, but steering is light, it was peppy for highway driving and merging onto and off the highway at speed. It had enough “go” to manage the local neighbourhood hills and valleys. Parking is a bit of a mission but is made a tad easier by rear-view cameras and sensors. I loved the better throttle / gearbox response – it wasn’t as lazy and lagging as the Tank. So this definitely got a thumbs up from me.
Considering its price of around R700,000, do you think it’s good value?
It’s a solid contender against many other brands like a Toyota Hilux Raider, Ford Ranger XLT, Nissan Navara or Isuzu D-Max. It offers superior technology and safety features for the price and the 2.4-litre diesel has a higher output than, say, an equivalent 2.4-litre option but less than a 2.8l. The only question really is: will it offer the same longevity as a Toyota or Isuzu?
Do you think it’s a good addition to our crowded luxury double-cab market?
It certainly holds appeal for those who value modern convenience and features over longevity, or for those wanting good looks and comfort at a lower price. This is a tough question, really, as shopping for a double cab these days would place any buyer into an agony of indecision with so many options out there.
Do we need another luxury double cab? Not really. Is it a good contender though in the market? Yes, I think it is.
