Driven: 2020 GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab
It has been a busy P-Series month for the team of AutoAdvisor and truth be told, we are loving it. For those who are not too familiar with P-Series, well it is kind of a dream bakkie but for an affordable price. See GWM are on a mission and that is to take the bakkie market by storm, taking on titans like Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger. But the question remains, does the Chinese have what it takes to on some South Africa’s beloved bakkies? The answer is yes. After spending time with both the single and Passenger derivative, we have grown accustomed to this larger-than-life bakkie.
Smooth on the road
Now GWM have been around for over 36 years but this does not mean that they have to some extension perfected their craft in building quality engines. The Commercial Double Cab sports a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces a neat 120Kw of power and 400 Nm of torque. This amount proves to be quite comfortable on the road. The biggest critique however must be its turbo lag, see while most bakkies take on, the P-Series lags slightly. Besides this, everything about the P-Series is enjoyable. Its size leaves you confident on the road and its smooth six-speed manual gearbox proves to be very gentle.
It has got the looks
When after a bakkie, one always considers how durable it will be but given how young the P-Series making that call is too soon. But if you someone who is after a bakkie that boasts more looks than your standard bakkie then the P-Series has you covered. Seriously, you may get more stares than you bargained for and truth is, we are not complaining. The outside comes standard with a well-designed black grille that features a mesh pattern. In terms of wheels, it gets around on 17-inch alloy wheels. Now the Commercial Double Cab does look good but if you need a bit more style and flair then the Passenger grade might be your cup of tea. In terms of size, the P-Series proves to be all the might you need as it is larger than both the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Comfortable cabin
The P-Series still shocks us every time, as its price tag is lower than most competitors but proves to hosts premium features. Yes, the quality may not be the finest, but when you get everything that it offers, you may find yourself choosing quantity over quality. Its sleek black cabin comes featured with partial leather seats and a multi-functional steering wheel. Although there is much to love about it, it must be the cabin’s 3.5 Inch colour instrument cluster that steals the show. Coming equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the P-Series certainly feels a step out of its asking price. This, including its ample space, the P-Series makes a hard bargain for anyone to ignore.
Verdict
There is so much to like about the P-Series and our journey with all its derivatives have been nothing but enjoyable. The Commercial Double has all the tools to take on the rest of bakkie titans. Whether it will be crowned the king of bakkies in Mzanzi, might be a stretch but this does not mean that it is not an excellent bakkie. If you after a bakkie that provides both value for money and looks, then we highly encourage you to consider the P-Series. Not only is it a certified looker but given how spacious and comfortable it is, we cannot help but feel a sense of confidence behind the wheel.
Pricing
Commercial 2.0TD Single Cab
SX 4X2 6MT R339 900
SX 4X4 6MT R384 900
DLX 4X2 6MT R359 900
DLX 4X4 6MT R404 900
The P-Series range will come with a 5-year/100 000km warranty, as well as a 5-year/100 000km service plan.
Also worth a look: the GWM P500 and the Driven: The GWM TANK 300 HEV — Power Meets Eco-Conscious Off.
FAQ
Q: What does the 2020 GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab cost in South Africa?
The 2020 GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab retails from around R389,900 in South Africa, making it one of the more affordable options in the premium bakkie segment compared to rivals like the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.
Q: Is the GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab worth buying?
The GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab is definitely worth considering if you want a stylish, well-equipped bakkie without breaking the bank, though the slight turbo lag and unproven long-term reliability mean it's better suited for buyers who prioritise value and looks over established track records.
Q: What engine does the GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab have?
The GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine that produces 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Q: How does the GWM P-Series compare to Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger?
The GWM P-Series offers similar size and presence to the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger but at a significantly lower price point, though it lacks their proven reliability record and suffers from noticeable turbo lag that most established bakkies have eliminated.
Q: What are the main problems with the GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab?
The main issues with the GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab are the noticeable turbo lag compared to competitors and the unknown long-term reliability since it's still a relatively new model in the South African market.
Should You Buy It?
The best value-for-money bakkie under R400,000 in SA is definitely the 2020 GWM P-Series Commercial Double Cab at R389,900. If you're after a bakkie that turns heads, offers decent power with 120kW and 400Nm, and won't leave your wallet crying, then yes, you should absolutely buy it. The P-Series delivers premium looks and size without the premium price tag of a Hilux or Ranger. However, if you're the type who needs proven reliability for heavy commercial use or can't stand a bit of turbo lag, then maybe wait a few years for GWM to iron out the kinks or stick with the tried-and-tested Germans and Japanese. For most South African buyers wanting a stylish daily driver that can handle weekend adventures, the P-Series Commercial Double Cab is a solid yes at this price point.
