GWM mean business. The Chinese manufacturer has brought an onslaught of vehicles to the 2013 Johannesburg International Motor Show, most of which are set to launch within the next few months.
M4
GWM showcased its M4 compact crossover. Under the bonnet is GWM’s 1,5-litre, four-cylinder VVT unit that has a maximum output of 77 kW and 138 N.m of torque. Standard features include 16-inch alloy wheels, air-conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, power steering, rear PDC, Bluetooth connectivity and an MP3 and USB-compatible audio system. Safety is taken care of in the form of dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and rear-mounted Isofix child seat anchorages. The company claims that it will come it at a starting price of “well under R200 000”.
C50
The upcoming C50 sedan is a new C-segment contender for the Chinese marque and will introduce a new GWM engine to the local market. The GW4G15T 1,5-litre turbocharged unit delivers 98 kW at 5 600 r/min and 188 N.m between 2 000 and 4 500 r/min.
GWM claims that with a wheelbase of 2 700 r/min, the C50 boasts “passenger space that rivals that on offer from the segment leaders” as well as ample rear legroom and generous boot space. Two trim levels will be offered locally, but standard features across the range include air-conditioning, power steering, electric windows and mirrors and entertainment systems.
C30
This B-segment sedan makes use of the same 77 kW 1,5-litre engine that does duty in the aforementioned M4. GWM claims a fuel consumption figure of 6,4 litres/100 km and a top speed of 170 km/h.
With a wheelbase of 2 610 mm, the C30 offers C-segment-rivalling space and a large boot of 510 dm3. This vehicle comes equipped with air-conditioning, power steering, electric windows all-round, electric mirror adjustment, radio/CD/MP3 player with USB and auxiliary support and a rake-adjustable steering wheel. For peace of mind, there are dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and Isofix child-seat mountings.
Steed 6 Concept
When it becomes a production version, the Steed 6 will be aimed at upmarket, leisure-oriented shoppers in the double-cab market. With measurements of 5 430 mm in length, 1 800 mm in width and 1 755 mm in height, the Steed 6 is GWM’s biggest bakkie. Standard features include a touch-screen info-tainment system, climate control, one-button start-up and six airbags. This concept vehicles makes use of a 2,0-litre VGT powerplant that delivers 110 kW and 310 Nm of torque.
H6
The H6 will feature two new GWM engines – a 2,0-litre VGT turbodiesel that will arrive first and a 1,5-litre turbopetrol following soon after. The former engine develops 110 kW at 4 000 r/min and a 310 N.m of torque from 1 800 to 2 800 r/min. The 1,5-litre unit has maximum outputs of 110 kW and 210 N.m of torque.
Standard features include a full-colour touch-screen system, a radio/CD/DVD/MP3 audio system with a mini-SD slot and USB and auxiliary ports, Bluetooth connectivity, a rear-mounted camera, climate control, power steering, electric windows all-round, electric mirror adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights with manual levelling.
The H6 will launch in SA in 2014.
