Technology meets Bakkie, a brilliant match
Introduction: When Lawrence delivered the P300
to me a few weeks ago, I was so excited to take it away for the weekend to KZN’s
stunning Midlands in anticipation of my review for Autoworld. My gorgeous wife
and I had a very pleasant and comfortable drive up the hill from Durban, overtaking
the herd of trucks with ease thanks to the power of the new and awesome turbo
diesel engine found in this model. On route to our prebooked overnight Country
inn, we met up with great friends for lunch at an awesome restaurant that
serves Texas style smoked meat and barbeque sauce in the vicinity of Curry’s
post – a must visit if in the area. Whilst sitting at the lunch venue, I could
not help noticing the number of patrons having a look at the bakkie when
parking, which was affirmation that it was not just me, feeling impressed!
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The new diesel
version brings another dimension to the bakkie segment. With a 2.4-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 135kW and 480Nm of torque and paired
with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the P300 will definitely attract 4x4
buyers looking for tech and capable 4x4 prowess. GWM claim a fuel consumption
of 8 Liters per one hundred kilometres but after a week of town driving and
freeway cruising, I got 9.5 as an average and am happy to report that I manged
to get below the 9-liter mark for highway driving on a road trip to KZN’s
beautiful midlands. I felt that the P300 drove well through the winding roads,
accelerated well and swerved with confidence, whilst avoiding the many potholes
that sadly litter our provinces roads.
Features: With GWM, buyers are spoilt with an
array of features such as, but not limited to: Apple Carplay® and Android Auto,
18 cm Colour Cluster and Light Adjustment, 31 cm Colour Multi-Touch Screen, Bluetooth®,
6 Speakers, Speed Sensing Volume Control, Voice Recognition (2 Areas), Air Bag:
Dual, Front Side and Curtain, Dual, Front Side, Curtain and Front Centre, Anti-Lock
Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Traction
Control System (TCS), Roll Movement Intervention (RMI), Electronic Stability
Control (ESC), Brake Assistant System (BAS), Uphill and Downhill Assist, Dynamic
Steering Torque, Secondary Collision Mitigation (SCM), Trailer Sway Mitigation
(TSM)Adaptive Cruise Control, Intelligent Cruise Assist, Traffic Jam Assist and
Intelligent Turning, Rear Parking Sensor, Parking Distance Control (PDC), Rear
Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) and Rear Cross Brake System, Lane-Departure Warning,
Lane-Keeping and Smart Dodge, Lane-Departure Warning, Lane-Keeping, Emergency
Lane-Keeping and Smart Dodge, Lane-Change Assist, Driver Fatigue Monitor System,
Blind-Spot Detection, Auto Emergency Braking – Junction Assist, Front Collision
Warning, Auto Emergency Braking System, Pedestrian Safety Assist and Bicycle
Safety Assist, Rear Collision Warning, Door Open Warning, Emergency Signal
System, Traffic Sign Recognition, Overspeed Alarm and Intelligent Speed Assist,
Front Radar, 360° Panoramic View
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: With a stunning
interior, both from a look and feel perspective, and in the practical side of
this equation, this cabin aims to please even the fussiest of people. The
dashboard and displays are fantastic and ooze premium appeal. The exteriors
grille, side track rails, roof racks and 18-inch alloy wheels, make the P300
visually appealing and the wide 3.2-meter wheelbase gives the vehicle a solid
and sturdy look. The bin size is roughly 1.5 meters by 1.5meters and has a
depth of about 500 millimetres giving you plenty of space, with a load capacity
in the LT version of 1050 kilograms. With a healthy ground clearance of 224 millimetres,
you can be assured of not only going off the beaten track but also being able
to happily complete the Legendary and tough 4x4 Clifton Canyon course in
Hillcrest.
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: R649 900,
200 000 kms/ 7 years, 7 years unlimited mileage roadside assistance,
Services 75 000 kms/ 7 years, intervals 15 000 kms/ one-year
intervals.
In Summary: Would I spend my hard-earned money
on this vehicle? Yes, there is no doubt in my mind that this is a great
alternative to other competitors out there. In this strongly contested market
normally reserved for only a few players, it is very pleasing to see other
worthy adversaries joining the pack. Customers looking for a comfortable
bakkie, with all the bells and whistles, for a lot less spend than some other
premium rivals, look at the P300 4x4 diesel – you will not be disappointed.
*This article is written in my opinion only. For
detailed information on the specs, please contact GWM SA*
