As price is the most important “feature” with budget Chinese vehicles, we should first announce this. The petrol 4×2 H5 sells for R209 990 including the whole basket of taxes dumped on the motoring public. The engine remains the same as on the Hover, a 2,4-litre Mitsubishi unit delivering a round 100 kW at 5 200 r/min and 200N.m of torque at a highish 4 000 r/min. Later in the year will see the arrival of the new turbodiesel version (R239 990) with 110 kW and 310 N.m at 1 800 r/min. Although the current petrol model has rear-wheel drive, the 4x4s (R224 990/ R259 990 for petrol/diesel) are also on their way to our shores from mainland China. A five-speed gearbox is fitted to the manual with the diesel sporting a six-speed. Looks are spot-on and very well executed with bright lighting and a sporty appearance.
As far as features go, with this one what you see and read is what you get, not a long list of optional extras at inflated prices. Rear parking sensors and a camera, full-size alloy spare under the body, tool kit, 70 litre fuel tank, electric mirrors and windows and an electric driver’s seat, hydraulic power steering, Radio/CD/MP3 plus USB, steering wheel controls, auto lights and windscreen wipers, door pockets with water bottle holders and leather fronted seating. No cruise control or fuel consumption computer, though.
The test drive was short and on smooth roads, but was fuss-free. Our unit had a smooth enough engine and gearshift but with the torque peak at 4 000 r/min one has to change down fairly often for acceleration. There was slight shimmying from the ladder chassis but not at all serious on the tar and bumps were not a problem for the suspension and Kumho tyres. The seats were quite hard and the height adjustment only tilts the cushion angle, not the whole seat. Although on the light side, the steering had good feel. Space inside is excellent with rear legroom especially superior. With rear-wheel drive the vehicle should be able to do similar off-roading to a bakkie and ground clearance is quoted as 180 mm.
We were taken on a tour of the GWM parts distribution centre in Umhlanga where R120 m of spares are stored waiting to be dispatched on demand to the 60 dealers around the country. Present sales are about 500 per month and GWM’s aim is to increase this to triple this. Africa south of the equator is also serviced from South Africa.
Safety-wise you get dual airbags, ABS with EBD and the Aussies have crash tested the H5 resulting in a four-star ANCAP rating. A three-year/ 100 000 km warranty is included with two years roadside assistance.
