Comfortable: The GWM P-series has a no-nonsense design and aggressive front end.
There is no doubt bakkies rule the roost in South Africa. Whether they are used on the farm, by businesses or for leisure and off-road enjoyment, sales show our love for the vehicles is strong.
With increased interest in Chinese cars, due to their sharp looks, impressive tech and competitive pricing, it is not surprising to see the P-Series making its mark on sales charts. From the first glance, its straightforward design and aggressive front end fulfil the criteria for an attractive bakkie.
The LTD, the top-of-the-range P-Series, comes with all the bells and whistles. Its off-road-focused extras paint an impressive picture, featuring a front-mounted 4.2-tonne winch, a dedicated off-road bumper, a snorkel and all-terrain tyres that cover the 18-inch, gloss-black sports alloy wheels.
Driving a P-series LTD puts you in a great spot, perched high above other road users, and gives you the reassurance of having a large steel bumper in front of you. The on-road feel is satisfactory, with a smooth ride on the highway and little road noise, despite the add-ons.
Unfortunately, the snorkel produced measurable wind noise at highway speeds, which pierced the cabin but, ultimately, the decision about whether to live with it is yours since it’s an optional extra.
The P-Series is powered by a 2.0‑litre turbodiesel engine that delivers a healthy 120kW, with 400Nm of torque, paired to a trusty 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox.
It’s a pleasant unit with enough power for stress-free overtaking and a predictable gearbox, despite the occasional unwarranted downshift.
The load capacity is also a strong suit of the P-series, with a deeper bed than most comparable pick-ups. It has a retractable folding step fitted in the tailgate for easy loading.
The main issue with the P-Series became apparent when hitting the trails. Ground clearance was the primary concern as various components hang beneath the undercarriage, decreasing the bakkie’s ability to tackle rockier and more articulated obstacles.
The interior features generous tech, including a 9-inch infotainment screen.
At least it has plenty of off-road assistance systems, including 2-High, 4-High, sand, mud and snow modes and 4-Low.
The low-range gearbox, although practical, was reluctant to change when left to its own devices and battled to engage predictably when a slow approach was needed.
The off-road hiccups are a relatively minor issue, since the typical bakkie driver seldom tackles truck-breaking trails. The LTD is more tailored to gravel roads, workhorse needs and road trips. I wouldn’t be surprised if the snorkel and winch are seldom used.
When considering a leisure bakkie, the interior is essential. On this front, the P-Series impressed me.
The diamond stitching on the door panels and seats provides a luxurious feel and a comfortable place to sit.
The leg room is good, able to fit taller individuals in the second row without a problem, and there is adequate headroom too.
GWM ensured generous tech, with the LTD featuring a 9-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, alongside the traditional Bluetooth and radio options.
Wireless charging is also available, and you have an aesthetically pleasing 7-inch digital information cluster for the driver.
I liked the climate control unit’s functionality. Unlike most other Chinese models, it is user-friendly, offering dials to make heating and cooling the cabin on the fly a breeze.
Workhorse: The GWM P-series LTD doesn’t have the best ground clearance, meaning it struggles with very rough terrain, but you’ll get your money’s worth out of it.
The price is a significant selling point for most Chinese cars, and this holds true for the P-Series LTD. Coming in at R695 950 with all the gadgets, it squares off against the Peugeot Landtrek at R669 900.
Despite feeling similar on the road, and having similar ground-clearance concerns, the abundance of extras fitted to the P-Series makes it a more enticing proposition. I also found the cabin environment of the P-Series more appealing than the Landtrek’s.
The attention to detail, such as the diamond-stitched door panels, and clean, pleasant look, gives the JRun a more sophisticated interior.
Considering South Africa’s traditional preference for Toyotas and Fords, the price of the GWM P-Series raises questions about which alternatives could offer a similar experience for less.
The P-series is a good leisure bakkie, however, it’s unrealistic to expect similar capabilities to the Hilux, Ranger or even the Amarok from a vehicle that costs significantly less.
You will get your money’s worth with this bakkie. It will tackle some rough roads, and if you need the services of the load bed, it has you covered. Just don’t expect to keep up with the Jeep Wranglers at your local 4×4 trail.