GWM expands passenger range

The newcomer is also one of GWM’s most sophisticated passenger vehicles to date and boasts the brand’s new 1,5-litre turbopetrol engine. The C50 looks set to further expand GWM’s presence in the SA passenger car market, following the recent successful introduction of the C20R crossover hatchback.

“The C50 is a very exciting product for us,” says GWM COO Warren Olsen, “not only because it takes us into a crucial segment for the first time, but also because we believe it is a car that can change a lot of perceptions of what a Chinese-made car can be. I have no doubt that those who take it for a test drive will be very pleasantly surprised.”

With its distinctive face, chrome detailing, smart multi-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome-tipped twin exhaust outlets, the C50 is a striking newcomer, featuring a fairly long wheelbase (2 700mm) and wide front and rear tracks, lending it not only a purposeful stance, but also elegantly stretched proportions.

The C50 is offered in South Africa in Luxury and Elite trim levels and in a choice of five colours: Succint White, Elegant Silver, Modern Grey, Jazzy Red and Classical Black.

If a key aspect of occupant comfort is spaciousness, then the C50 immediately has an impressive advantage in its segment. The long wheelbase translates into stretch-out rear legroom, without sacrificing boot space.

In fact, measuring in at 530 litres the boot rates as one of the most voluminous of all. The rear seats (split 60:40) can be tumbled forward by using two levers mounted in the boot.

These are conveniently accessible when standing behind the car and when the bootlid is open. The boot’s size is even more impressive given the fitment of a full-size spare wheel beneath its floor – not always a given in this segment.

GWM’s designers have paid particular attention to provide ample in-cabin storage solutions, with the C50 boasting wide door pockets, a fold-out rear armrest with twin cupholders, a large storage box between the front seats, a spacious glove compartment and even a fold-down overhead sunglasses case for the driver.

The C50’s feature-laden interior is finished in stylish black, with silver and piano black lacquer detailing to further add to its upmarket ambience. The steering wheel is adjustable for rake and reach, and the Elite model benefits further from the standard fitment of a height-adjustable driver’s seat.

Both C50 derivatives feature elegant and durable black cloth upholstery, and the flagship Elite model can be visually distinguised from the Luxury by its leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote audio and cruise controls and stainless steel thresholds.

From behind the steering wheel the C50’s innovative two-tier instrumentation, which conveniently places the most important driving information closer to the driver’s line of sight, grabs the attention.

Both C50 models are backed by GWM’s comprehensive 5 year/100 000km warranty and comes with two-year AA roadside assistance.