Great Wall Motors (GWM) is readying itself for a mighty 2020 when its new P Series double cab will arrive in South Africa in the coming months.
In 2019, GWM revealed its new P Series. For the first time, China produced a bakkie that looks to be on par with the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Everyone was excited because it’s almost certain that you’d get all the bells and whistles the market leaders have to offer, at a considerably lower cost.
In September, the first P Series rolled off the production line, and by December, the 10 000th unit was produced.
And yes, we (South Africa) are earmarked to receive the bakkie within the next few months.
Do you think the GWM P Series will make an impression on the South African market? Email us.
2020 GWM P Series. Image: QuickPic
Fighting perception
GWM and its SUV division, Haval, have a new and fresh battle on hand. GWM has been around for a good number of years and did their utmost to convince consumers to invest in them. While sales figures weren’t significant, they still managed to get the job done.
In 2017, Haval arrived locally and quickly found favour among local buyers. In 2019, the brand hit serious high notes, often selling more than 1000 units per month (more than the likes of Honda and Mazda). Haval got it right to truly convince our people of the value its brand holds.
The arrival of the P Series in a time when consumer confidence is down might just be a blessing in disguise. For GWM, they have the chance to show that their new bakkie has what it takes to be a reckoned contender. The P Series, like its cousins from Haval, might just prove (again) that vehicles from China are not what we expect them to be.
2020 GWM P Series. Image: QuickPic
Is the bakkie any good?
Whether or not the bakkie is any good remains to be seen. As it stands, the P Series does have several strong traits in its arsenal to make it a reckoned contender in our market. It’s doubtful, however, that it’ll give the Ranger and Hilux any sleepless nights when the sales figures are tallied.
Regardless, the P Series will be powered by one engine: a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol unit that develops 140kW and 360Nm. Power will be sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.
One of the bakkie’s party tricks is that it’s fitted with three differential locks. Those who know can attest that this should, in theory, give the P Series immense off-road capabilities. Perhaps this will be one of the areas where the new Chinese bakkie might have the upper hand over its rivals.
The P Series’ interior also looks to be a place of wonders. The perceived impression is that the cabin will be decked in leather and other solid-to-the-touch materials. It reminds strongly of the Haval H9’s interior, which should bode well for customers looking to tap into the leisure bakkie market.
Will a well-appointed cabin and three diff-locks be enough to convince consumers that the P Series means business? Only time will tell.
2020 GWM P Series. Image: QuickPic