Privately owned importer GWM South Africa is coming along nicely, thank you very much, and the company has just taken its next step forward by asking CAR magazine for inputs and critique on a product that they are thinking of introducing to SA.
First impressions are very positive. Although based on the fairly popular Florid, the C10 is bound to appeal to a far greater audience. Firstly it looks good, while the oversized grille sets it apart from absolutely everything else. Some will think it’s over-the-top but it has been done on other marques. Think Audi and Peugeot to name just two. I think it works and the headlamp design is quite tasteful (and I really don’t like oversized, overdesigned headlamps).
The full mechanical details are not yet known but the C10 uses the Florid’s 1,5-litre engine and five-speed gearbox but with different ECU mapping. Also different is the gear lever action. While the Florid has a long throw, the C10’s is short and very positive, making cog-swapping fun. We expect power and torque outputs to be pretty close to 77 kW and 138 N.m.
Power steering is electrically assisted but felt fine on the short drive around Gordon’s Bay. The suspension did a good job of coping with tight corners and speed bumps and there was enough oomph for a small engine. braking, too felt strong and the car was well insulated from mechanical and wind noise.
The instrumentation is conventional (unlike the Florid) with twin dial and digital fuel and temperature gauges. USB and aux ports are provided and all the luxuries are there. Controls are symmetrically arranged with the exception of the audio volume knob that is offset to the driver’s side. Take note, some other manufacturers that install the knob as for left-hand drive cars. Steering wheel audio controls are also supplied. Dual airbags and ABS will be standard equipment as well as rear parking sensors and neat alloy wheels (discs all round as well).
Seating felt cosy enough in cloth and the rear seats are adjustable both for reach and rake – very much appreciated features. Moving the rear seats forwards gives you added boot space but the boot design could be improved. A space saver spare is fitted but there is a space above that is a bit of a waste under the boot board. This reminds us of some Toyotas. Still, there is space to hide goods inside the spare wheel rim.
CAR magazine will carry out a full test of the C10 soon.