New GWM bakkie on par with best
GWM South Africa is going places and their newly launched Steed bakkie proves some Chinese vehicles are good value for money and the build quality is on a par with the best.
GWM has already established itself as a significant player in the South African single and double-cab pick-up segments. Now, with the introduction of a restructured Steed lineup even more in tune with South African requirements, the company is bullish about its growth prospects in what are two of South Africa’s largest-volume market segments.
“The realigned Steed lineup is the result of close cooperation between GWM South Africa and Great Wall Motors in China,” Hannes Oosthuizen, brand manager of GWM SA said.
“South Africa loves bakkies, and GWM is already well established in that regard, but with this new lineup we will offer a model range that not only stretches wider than most, but is made up of variants that have been carefully specified and positioned to comply with South African consumer trends and requirements,” he said.
“From the fitment of a rear differential lock as standard on some models, to the development of a new, more affordable turbodiesel engine for the local market, the revised lineup shows GWM South Africa listens to its customers.”
The new lineup consists of three individual models: the trusty Steed 5, already a favourite among South Africans, and which continues in single and double-cab forms; the Steed 5E, offered as a double-cab only; and the flagship Steed 6 leisure double-cab.
These three individual models target different buyers.
The Steed 5 is priced from R154 900 to about R230 000. Steed 5 single-cabs primarily target those looking for a working vehicle, while the double-cab derivative offers a measure of lifestyle appeal at an attractive price.
The Steed 5E is priced from just under R230 000 to about R280 000.
The 5E is based on the Steed 5, but significant changes to its interior and in the area of NVH control (noise, vibration, harshness) make it a more refined option that will also appeal as a family do-all.
The Steed 6, priced from just below R300 000 to about R350 000, targets buyers for whom an upmarket double-cab is a leisure tool and status symbol, and who demand the latest safety features.
Both Steed 6 derivatives are powered by the brand’s proven 2.0-litre VGT engine that delivers 105kW and 305Nm of torque through a six-speed manual transmission. The line-up will be further expanded in 2015 with the addition of 4x4 derivatives.
The Steed 6 2.0VGT SX is priced at R294 900, while its stablemate the Steed 6 2.0VGT Xscape is priced at R319 900.