WHAT IS IT?
Lance Branquinho, a friend and fellow motoring journalist whose work I admire, recently pointed out that if you added up the sales of Chery’s brands (Chery, Jetour, Omoda and Jaecoo), they’d be the third-biggest vehicle brand in South Africa. Bigger than VW, Ford, Hyundai, and others. GWM would be seventh. That boggles the mind. Then you drive one and it all makes sense.
One way that Chinese vehicles have changed is that they’re no longer just imitations of market leaders – the P300 has its own identity apart from being a Hilux/Ranger rival, and it’s a strong one at a great price.
WHY THIS?
You know why – South Africa is a bakkie nation, and you’re as likely to see a Hilux in a corporate parking lot as outside Afgri. That means bakkies need to be able to do everything: tow; haul a load; be fuel efficient but fast, comfortable commuters; and look flash. The P300 exists because not everyone wants to pay north of R800 000 for a well-specced double cab.
OUTSIDE
The P300 has a bold, upright stance with a large grille that dominates the nose, flanked by angular headlamps and strong horizontal detailing. It’s a design that favours presence over subtlety, opting to be solid and contemporary, which is exactly what most buyers want.
INSIDE
Step inside and the P300 reveals one of its strongest arguments. The cabin feels modern, with a 12.3-inch central infotainment screen and a digital instrument cluster as well as an excellent reversing camera with 360-degree view. Materials are a mix of hard-wearing plastics and softer-touch surfaces where it counts.
There’s ample space for five adults, and rear legroom is competitive for the class. Storage is practical, with useful door bins and a decent centre console.
Depending on trim, features include leather upholstery, climate control, and a full suite of driver assistance systems. Most importantly, the cabin is comfortable and quiet enough never to feel like a compromise. One little touch I loved was the step that pops out of the tailgate, making it easier to climb up.
THE DRIVE
The 2.4-litre turbodiesel delivers 135kW and a healthy 480Nm, and that torque is what defines the P300. It pulls cleanly from low down, which is exactly what you want in a working double cab, and the vehicle is rated to tow 3.5 tonnes – a big deal in SA.
The nine-speed automatic is smooth and delivers imperceptible changes, while the steering is light enough to make this big car feel smaller around town. Around town the P300 gets going quickly and on the highway it settles into a relaxed cruise without excessive noise. It’s not the most refined diesel in the segment, but it’s more polished than earlier GWM efforts and some current rivals.
FINAL WORD
The GWM P300 is not trying to dethrone the segment leaders through badge appeal. Instead, it makes a case on specification, pricing and a growing reputation. Those seeking ultimate brand prestige or class-leading refinement may still look elsewhere, but for many South Africans the P300 offers a practical, well-equipped and financially sensible alternative.
GO GET IT
The GWM P300 double cab is priced from R599 900 and you can have a 4x4 version for R649 900. It comes standard with a seven-year/200 000km warranty with roadside assistance and a seven-year/75 000km service plan. Visit www.gwm.co.za for more information.
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