By Sala Masindane

It’s always unbelievable to know that GWM has been in the country for 18 years. Since 2007, they have been bringing the Steed, a workhorse that has stood the test of time. Over the years, the reliable Steed was joined by the all-round P-Series. The range has grown bigger, and now there’s a P500, which is more of an adventure and luxury bakkie. Below it is the P300, which replaces the P-Series and will be the new workhorse. The former seems to be aimed at those who still require a bakkie that does both work and leisure with ease. We recently spent time with the P300 in the diesel iteration to see if it can replace the P-Series.

What has changed?

The updated GWM P300 gets a number of exterior updates, including redesigned front grille surrounds finished in a dark grey coating, replacing the old chrome. These cosmetic updates make the bakkie look modern and sporty.

Inside

Hopping aboard the P300, you are greeted by a completely redesigned interior with a number of new technologies. Highlights include a redesigned dashboard, a multifunctional steering wheel, a new 7-inch digital instrument cluster, and a user-friendly 12.3-inch infotainment display with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, to mention a few. The P300 is still as comfortable as its predecessor. The heated leather seats, sunroof, and new intuitive infotainment system make the bakkie a strong offering at this price point.

Performance and Drive

Powering the P300 is a larger, more powerful 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine developing 135 kW and 480 Nm. It’s paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. After spending more than 1,500 km behind the wheel of the facelifted P300, we were thoroughly impressed by its new 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine. The acceleration is smooth on the open road and it handles well across most terrains.

Its uprated power and torque figures make a big difference in performance, and it works in perfect unison with its automatic gearbox and well-spaced gear ratios. GWM also heeded the call for improved throttle calibration; however, it’s still a bit jerky in bumper-to-bumper traffic. GWM claims a fuel consumption of 8.2 L/100 km, and our time with the P300 returned a respectable 8.6 L/100 km. The P300 is priced from R599,900.