At R249 990 the GWM H5 2,0 VGT 4×2 is one of the cheapest diesel-engined SUVs currently on the market, but at this price point do you get what you pay for?
We’ve spent plenty of time with the entry-level 2,4-litre petrol 4×2 model, posing as it did as a long-termer in CAR’s test fleet and undertaking everything from the daily commute to acting as a support vehicle for our 2012 Performance Shootout. Although that particular example gamely withstood everything thrown at it, there were some negatives surrounding the gearshift and a vociferous engine that lacked somewhat in terms of low-to-mid-range punch. Does the diesel equivalent fare any better?
Performance & dynamics
The 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel at the heart of this model serves up respectable outputs of 110 kW at 4 000 r/min and 310 N.m from 1 800 to 2 800 r/min. You’re never in any doubt that you’re driving a diesel when the engine is idling from cold, but it does smoothen out once you’ve reached your desired speed. Earlier examples of the 2,0 VGT were noted for a lack of low-end grunt at the Reef. Much to GWM SA’s credit, this situation appears to have been remedied by the recent phasing-in of an upgrade to the unit’s ECU and the H5 we sampled felt noticeably livelier at the lower end of the rev range than before. We managed a 0-100 km/h run of 13,2 seconds and a fuel route figure of 9,4L/100 km (compared with the 2,4 petrol’s 14,4L/100km) while the overall 100-0 km/h braking time of 3,4 seconds earned it an average rating. The gearing is fairly tall, so you have to remain in a higher gear than you’d initially think to keep things smooth and punchy, but otherwise it performs quite well.
Dynamically, the H5’s frame-on-chassis construction translates to noticeable body lean at higher speeds and an occasionally bouncy on rutted surfaces, but driven with this in mind; it rides comfortably and handles predictably.
With many Chinese vehicles, the gearbox is often the Achilles heel of the drivetrain setup and the H5’s six-speed manual unit does let the side down a bit. While there’s nothing fundamentally wrong with the gearshift’s long-throw action, it feels imprecise and the lack of a discernable divider such as a button or push-down between first and reverse means that it’s easy to engage reverse when going for first. The clutch also takes a little bit of getting used to – a swiftly lifting off can cause some baulking – but you acclimatize to it quickly enough and the H5 makes for a largely relaxing drive.
Packaging & interior
The H5 has garnered a good deal of positive press for its aesthetics, and in this example’s Rose Red it looks upmarket. In the short space of time since the H5’s introduction, GWM has already made a number of improvements to the interior that manifest themselves in the shapes of a revised binnacle, a new trip computer with instantaneous fuel consumption reading and a tyre pressure/temperature monitor with a read-out neatly integrated into the rearview mirror. Fore, aft and luggage space-wise, the H5 is well proportioned. The only criticism that can be levelled at the ergonomics is a driving position that’s a little bit high for larger folk.
Kit
Specification has always been the strongest part of H5’s arsenal. Among the standard features are (deep breath); alloy wheels, auto lights, auto wipers, front and rear foglamps, leather upholstery, power steering, ABS, front airbags, reversing camera and parking sensors and a touchscreen infotainment system with CD/MP3/aux/USB/Bluetooth.
In summary
Slotting a turbodiesel into the H5 may not have exorcised the transmission-related issues of before and refinement may not be its strong suit, but it has made the car punchier at the low end and a bit less thirsty than its petrol sibling. As ever, Chinese products tend to feel a touch behind offerings from more established Japanese and European rivals but in GWM’s case, as evidenced by the H5 diesel, they’re definitely heading in the right direction.
Specifications:
Model: GWM H5 2,0 VGT 4×2
Engine: 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel
Power: 110 kW at 4 000 r/min
Torque: 310 N.m at 1 800 – 2 800 r/min
0-100 km/h: 13,2 seconds
Price: R249 990
Service or Maintenance plan : optional
Service intervals: 10 000 km
Test results:
0-60 km/h: 4,9 seconds
0-100 km/h: 13,2 seconds
40-80 km/h: 8,7 seconds
100-120 km/h: 10,19 seconds
100-0 km/h: 3,34 seconds (average of 10 braking tests)
CAR fuel run: 9,4 L/100 km