People can be rather judgmental. When I tell them what my new long-term car is − a GWM C20R − they immediately feel sorry for me, asking what I did wrong that I walked away with the keys to this car. The truth is, this car really isn’t that bad at all. In fact, I think it’s GWM’s best vehicle to date.
For one, I like the looks of it with its chunky and funky styling. It has a good-looking front end, with a smart, but almost smiley-faced, grille and airdam treatment along with integrated foglamps and an SUV-style scuff plate. The profile is given a more purposeful look thanks to the increased ride height (a total of 172 mm), roof rails and black wheel arches that house 16-inch alloy wheels.
Inside, it’s clean and simple. I can find everything that I need and the buttons are big and well laid out. The chrome-look accents lift the ambience, while the burgundy inserts on the seats add a pop of colour to an otherwise dark cabin. Currently the only gripes I have with the interior is that there are a few clicks and noises that kick in when using various functions of the vehicle; like when I use the wipers or air-con. Also, the plastic buttons for the audio system pick up the oil from fingertips. But these are small issues. And, admittedly, the only reason I probably notice them is because I’m used to driving more expensive and more refined vehicles.
The engine, I have to admit, lacks some grunt. It’s a 1,5-litre VVT unit that delivers 77 kW at 6 000 r/min and torque of 138 N/m at 4 200 r/min. You have to make good use of the rev range to get the car going. The steering feel is on the heavy side for this type of vehicle and when tackling (I use this term very lightly) corners, there’s some body roll.
I’ve made good use of the standard features on this vehicle so far. This list includes air-conditioning, an MP3-compatible audio system with auxiliary and USB inputs, electric windows all-around, rake adjustment on the steering column, front and rear foglamps, park distance sensors at the rear and steering wheel-mounted audio controls.
For now, it’s so far so good when it comes to my “ownership” experience of the C20R. Whenever someone tries to feel sorry for me, I defend this little car with all I’ve got. It doesn’t deserve the flack just because a lot of other Chinese vehicles have been a bit of a let down. I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the year will bring and how the C20R will handle long-road trips.
Mileage on arrival (km): 2 239
Mileage now (km): 2 502
Fuel consumption (litres/100 km): 7,7
We like: Chunky styling, lengthy list of standard features
We don’t like: Slight noises when using some vehicle features