Actually and figuratively, GMW’s P500 goals to make a giant assertion within the SA bakkie phase.
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GWM P500 2.0T HEV 4×4 Extremely Luxurious AT Quick Information
- Worth: R999 900
- Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol + electrical motor
- Transmission: nine-speed computerized
- Energy: 255 kW @ 5 500-6 000 r/min
- Torque: 648 N.m @ 1 700-4 000 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: n/a
- High velocity: n/a
- Gasoline consumption: 9.8 L/100 km*
- CO2 emissions: 225 g/km
- Rivals: Ford Ranger Wildtrak/Platinum; Toyota Hilux Legend RS; Volkswagen Amarok Aventura
Within the booming native bakkie phase, is larger actually higher? And we’re not simply speaking about sheer measurement right here. Certainly, having more and more adopted the position of a household automobile (versus the workhorse functions of outdated), bakkies are actually extra targeted on consolation and know-how than ever; blurring the as soon as distinct line between double cabs SUVs.
In a comparatively quick time, GWM has proved itself a worthy participant among the many greater manufacturers within the South African bakkie market. Nonetheless, with the introduction of its P500 collection of double cabs, the Chinese language firm is aiming to make a giant assertion and additional unsettle a phase dominated by the likes of Toyota, Ford and Isuzu. The P500 appears to have all of the stipulations to take care of the provisos its maker has set out for it — massive, not solely in measurement, however within the consolation and tech stakes as properly.
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The P500 examined right here is supplied with the identical HEV energy unit discovered underneath the bonnets of the top-tier Tank 300, which featured in our July 2024 SUV Shootout problem, and the Tank 500. Due to the addition of an electrical motor, the hybrid setup’s 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbopetrol’s outputs of 180 kW and 380 N.m has been lifted to a wholesome 255 kW/648 N.m of torque, the latter out there from 1 700 r/min.
Though the electrical help contributes to will increase in energy and torque (the electrical motor, coupled with a 1.76 kWh lithium-ion battery pack including 78 kW and 268 N.m to the hybrid configuration) it doesn’t seem to convey forth any advantages on the gas effectivity entrance. GWM claims a mean gas consumption determine of 9.8 L/100 km. Nonetheless, on our real-world gas consumption check, the hybrid setup returned 12.37 L/100 km. Matching the latter determine permits for a variety of 646 km from the P500 HEV’s 80 litre gas tank.
If gas financial system is certainly one of your prime necessities when searching for a GWM bakkie, you’d be higher off taking a look at one of many diesel derivatives within the firm’s native P500 portfolio. Though down on energy in comparison with a few of their rivals (135 kW/480 N.m), the two.0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel, coupled with a 9-speed self-shifter, ought to show much less thirsty than the HEV. Right here, GWM claims a mean gas consumption determine of 8.6 L/100 km. We’d relish the chance to strap our check tools to a turbodiesel P500 sooner or later, despite the fact that the HEV-powered mannequin ought to show a extra keen performer within the efficiency stakes.
On our check strip, the second-most highly effective bakkie in SA (following the new-generation Ranger Raptor) sprinted to the three-figure marker from a standstill in 8.38 seconds. Within the overtaking-acceleration stakes, the two 578 kg P500 recorded in-gear acceleration instances of 1.84 and 6.81 seconds between the 60 to 80 km/h and 80 to 120 km/h increments, respectively.
Nonetheless, a number of members of the CAR group famous that the mapping of the P500’s computerized transmission may do with some enhancements, particularly when travelling up inclines on nationwide roads at velocity. Right here, the in any other case well-calibrated unit tended to hold on to increased gear ratios, which hampered the bakkie’s momentum on uphill sections.
In its commonplace setting, a number of group members famous that the steering setup felt a contact too mild. Nonetheless, the calibration thereof, as with most of the P500’s capabilities, will be adjusted to the driving force’s desired desire by way of one of many sub-menus within the infotainment system.
That includes an unbiased double-wishbone entrance and live-axle leaf-spring rear suspension association, the P500’s journey is supple and soaks up most street imperfections with aplomb. The setup additionally proved composed on corrugated gravel surfaces. As well as, due to the inside’s strong development, the cabin proved well-insulated towards street and tyre noise, with solely a touch of wind flutter permeating the cabin when travelling on the nationwide restrict.
Delivered to a halt by ventilated brake discs, sited behind 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 265/60-size Giti GitiXross rubber, the P500 check unit recorded a mean stopping time of three.13 seconds, over 45.91 metres, throughout our rigorous 10-stop emergency braking check. Thanks to those figures, the P500 HEV was awarded a ‘good’ score by our requirements.
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Solely out there in Extremely Luxurious trim stage, the P500 HEV’s record of ordinary specification is spectacular. Technological niceties embody digital instrumentation, a head-up show, a 14.6-inch, touchscreen infotainment system with wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 10-speaker Infinity sound system, entrance and rear wi-fi smartphone charging pads, and a 360-degree surround-view digicam setup supplemented by fore and aft park distance sensors.
Just like the electrically adjustable entrance pews, which provide massaging performance, the leather-upholstered, 50:50-split rear bench, which includes storage trays under the seats, is heated and ventilated. The electrically adjustable (for rake and attain) multifunction steering wheel additionally gives heating performance. Ambient lighting can also be included within the package deal.
The cabin’s spaciousness is value a point out. Though fitted with a panoramic sunroof, the top-spec P500 gives oodles of headroom for each the entrance and rear occupants (790-860 mm and 855 mm, respectively). As well as, passengers seated on the electrically adjustable (forwards and backwards) aft pews have between 580 and 630 mm of legroom.
A primary within the native bakkie phase, the P500’s 60:40-split tailgate gives fuss-free entry to the loading mattress, which is fitted with 28 anchor factors. Though the latter operate was appreciated, the sturdiness of the button used to open the tailgate was questioned by a number of members of the CAR group. As well as, it’s value noting that the P500’s payload is lower than that of its Match-up rivals.
After we topped our 2024 High 12 Finest Buys winners (November 2023), the Ford Ranger was awarded the highest spot within the Double-cab bakkies class; with its SA-built brethren, the Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max claiming second and third place, respectively. Nonetheless, we did observe that the GWM P-Collection is “value a point out”, with the Chinese language automaker’s bakkie having “shaken up the native institution” with its “spectacular construct high quality and worth for cash”.
With the P500, GWM has made yet one more spectacular stride within the double-cab phase. It’s considerably costlier than the range-topping 2.0TD LTD 4×4 P-Collection stablemate examined in August 2023, although. Nonetheless, contemplating the will increase in energy and torque provided by the two.4-litre turbodiesel and HEV powertrains, improved driving dynamics, general consolation, strong construct high quality and spectacular quantity of ordinary tech; for a lot of, the premium would possibly simply be value it. Though untested, we’d, nevertheless, argue that the R110 000-cheaper mid-spec turbodiesel is the P500 of selection.
Discover the total characteristic within the November problem of CAR Journal.
