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SADDLE UP: Gone is the differentiated look of the Steed, replaced by a more traditional bakkie face.
The honeymoon period is over for Chinese brands in South Africa.
After most Chinese automobile distributors have gone bust in the last two years, only a few core Chinese brands remain.
One of these is GWM, which has one of the most diverse product portfolios of all Chinese brands retailing locally. The company’s latest product offering is its facelifted Steed bakkie - featuring less controversial styling, a new engine and upgraded equipment levels.
The Steed gains a new front styling treatment thanks to designers having affixed a more traditionally shaped grille. Behind this new grille a smaller diesel engine option is now available.
The 2.8-litre turbodiesel is replaced by a 2.5-litre oil-burner, producing 80kW and 300Nm – tallying outputs 5kW weaker yet 15Nm stronger than the 2.8-litre it replaces.
GWM’s rather weak 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is carried over though, with its numbers of 100kW and 200Nm unchanged.
Apart from the styling and mechanical upgrades GWM is keen to draw attention to its new Steed’s value offering. With a cabin featuring air-conditioning, electric windows, satellite controls for the CD/MP3 enabled sound system and central-locking it is quite decently equipped.
Safety features include anti-lock brake modulation on all four wheels (with electronic brake-force distribution) and dual airbags.
GWM’s facelifted range of Steed double-cab bakkies all feature a three-year/100 000km warranty and two-year 24-hour roadside assistance service.
Pricing:
2.4 4x2 Luxury R184 990
2.4 4x4 Luxury R199 990
2.5 TCI 4x2 Luxury R199 990
2.5 TCI 4x4 Luxury R217 990
After most Chinese automobile distributors have gone bust in the last two years, only a few core Chinese brands remain.
One of these is GWM, which has one of the most diverse product portfolios of all Chinese brands retailing locally. The company’s latest product offering is its facelifted Steed bakkie - featuring less controversial styling, a new engine and upgraded equipment levels.
The Steed gains a new front styling treatment thanks to designers having affixed a more traditionally shaped grille. Behind this new grille a smaller diesel engine option is now available.
The 2.8-litre turbodiesel is replaced by a 2.5-litre oil-burner, producing 80kW and 300Nm – tallying outputs 5kW weaker yet 15Nm stronger than the 2.8-litre it replaces.
GWM’s rather weak 2.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine is carried over though, with its numbers of 100kW and 200Nm unchanged.
Apart from the styling and mechanical upgrades GWM is keen to draw attention to its new Steed’s value offering. With a cabin featuring air-conditioning, electric windows, satellite controls for the CD/MP3 enabled sound system and central-locking it is quite decently equipped.
Safety features include anti-lock brake modulation on all four wheels (with electronic brake-force distribution) and dual airbags.
GWM’s facelifted range of Steed double-cab bakkies all feature a three-year/100 000km warranty and two-year 24-hour roadside assistance service.
Pricing:
2.4 4x2 Luxury R184 990
2.4 4x4 Luxury R199 990
2.5 TCI 4x2 Luxury R199 990
2.5 TCI 4x4 Luxury R217 990
