New GWM P Series bakkie coming to SA in 2020

The flagship GWM P Series Pickup will be arriving in South Africa towards the end of 2020, and we’ll be treated to the mid-spec model at the launch in April

The new P Series Pickup from Great Wall Motors (GWM) will compete head-on with Toyota, Ford and other international mainstream double-cab bakkie brands in the global market. With the comfort of a sedan, the off-road ability of an SUV, the recreational nature of a station wagon and the loading capability of a light truck, the new P Series can be used as four vehicles in one.

It’s a bold bakkie measuring 5,4 m nose-to-tail, 1,86 m wide and 1,93 m tall. It rides on the same P71 ladder-frame platform as the Haval H9 large SUV, which is familiar to South Africans.

Mechanically, the P Series is powered by a 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which drives all four wheels via an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The 2,0-litre, four-cylinder engine boosts 140 kW and 360 Nm. GWM has also equipped the P Series with three differential locks, which should theoretically give it unrivalled off-road ability.

The cabin structure and design are impressive, with a large touchscreen infotainment system and passenger vehicle-like ergonomics. It includes a six-way electronically powered driver’s seat with heating, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, over 100 sound insulation and absorption treatments and multi-link rear suspension.

The latest generation of V2X technology is adopted to realise functions including intelligent voice control and intelligent dynamic information services. Equipped with L2 automatic driving technology, ACC, lane keeping assist, intelligent driving assistance, as well as other advanced driver-assist functions, it may offer aided driving, environment awareness, programmed decision-making and other functions.

It features TOD intelligent four-wheel drive, a high-strength armoured body, the latest generation of Bosch version 9.3 ESP, 360 View, Rear View Camera, Lane Departure Warning, as well as intelligent forward view and all-round radars – 12 to be exact!

Thanks to the new P71 platform of Great Wall Motors, the new P Series is safer, more comfortable, lighter and more customisable – it may derive more than one hundred variants with different sizes, powertrains and driving form.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed.