GWM P-Series Triumphs in the Inaugural SA Bakkie of the Year Awards

Johannesburg, South Africa – The South African motoring scene has recently witnessed the emergence of a true champion, as the GWM P-Series 2.0TD LTD 4×4 AT double cab took top honors in the inaugural South African Bakkie of the Year (SABOTY) competition. This win solidifies the P-Series’ reputation for delivering power, precision, and practicality that few can match.

The SABOTY competition put the luxury-laden GWM P-Series LTD through its paces, subjecting it to rigorous testing across various categories, including off-road capabilities, advanced 4×4 performance, and on- and off-road towing prowess. The GWM P-Series LTD emerged as the victor in the 100-120 kW category, prevailing over strong contenders like the Peugeot Landtrek 4Action Africa Edition 4×4 6AT and the Mahindra Pik Up 2.2 S11 Karoo Storm.

The SABOTY competition, consisting of a panel of esteemed motoring journalists and industry experts, meticulously evaluated each vehicle using a specially crafted questionnaire. Their verdict was unanimous: the GWM P-Series LTD showcased excellence in every aspect.

Two industry specialists, the renowned rally champion and off-road expert Sarel van der Merwe, along with 4×4 towing guru Gerhard Groenewald from Klipbokkop Off-Road Academy, designed the comprehensive evaluation procedures, ensuring the utmost professionalism and accuracy.

The GWM P-Series LTD impressed the judges with its extensive list of advanced features, intelligent technologies, and standard equipment, all contributing to remarkable value for money in the competitive leisure bakkie segment.

The P-Series LTD’s exceptional towing capabilities can be attributed to its robust 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine, delivering 120 kW of power at 3,600 rpm and a peak torque of 400 Nm between 1,500 rpm and 2,500 rpm. The smooth ZF eight-speed automatic transmission complements its performance, and its fully selectable 4×4 system, including Cross-Country Expert Mode and Drive Mode Memory, is bolstered by front and rear differential locks.

The jury was also impressed with the P-Series LTD’s innovative Trail Turn assist system, reducing the turning circle by 3 meters for enhanced 4×4 maneuverability. The interior layout, high-quality materials, and cabin design garnered further praise, highlighting the P-Series LTD’s well-thought-out design.

Bianca van Staden, Head of Marketing, Brand, and Public Relations for HAVAL Motors South Africa (HMSA), expressed her pride in the P-Series LTD’s recognition. She emphasized that the P-Series has contributed significantly to GWM’s presence in the competitive automotive landscape and has even placed HMSA among the top ten manufacturers on the monthly vehicle sales charts.

The accolade highlights the P-Series LTD’s unique approach of offering additional functional and practical features while maintaining affordability. These features include a black roof rail, snorkel, front winch with a 4.2-tonne pulling capacity, accessory connectors, 18-inch Gloss Black sports alloy rims, All-Terrain tires, assertive wheel arches, body color-coded door handles and mirrors, a black sport bar, and off-road steel front and rear bumpers.

Notably, it’s GWM’s newly developed four-wheel-drive system that sets the P-Series LTD apart from its competitors. Standard features on the P-Series LTD include Hill Descent Control, a 360-degree camera, a tire pressure monitoring system, dual front airbags with side, curtain, and front central airbags, and ISOFIX mountings. For security, the LTD boasts an engine immobilizer system, while in-car entertainment and connectivity are covered with a 7-inch LCD virtual instrument cluster and a 9-inch multimedia touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth capability, and wireless phone charging.

Safety features include an Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brake Distribution, Traction Control, Rollover Mitigation, and the Brake Assist System. The award-winning double cab bakkie is available at all GWM dealers nationwide from only R644,950 (including VAT) with R50,000 deal assist included, along with a standard 5-year/100,000 km warranty and service plan, and 5-year unlimited mileage roadside assistance.

The SABOTY recognition of the GWM P-Series LTD underscores its excellence and innovation, making it a compelling choice for South African drivers seeking a high-quality, feature-rich, and affordable pickup. With over 500,000 P-Series pickups sold globally and a growing local presence, GWM is poised to make an even bigger mark in the South African automotive landscape.

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