Hard to beat what the Steeds can offer

With this firmly in mind they have rationalised their Steed bakkie line-up by adding a 5E double cab-only model that builds off the old 5 still available in single and double cab, added a new leisure double cab-only 6 model at the top end of the range along with a new entry-level WGT turbodiesel engine.

GWM Steed 5

The existing single and double cab 2.2 litre MPI continues as before, but is now joined by a more competitive turbodiesel offering. The new engine, designed and built specifically for South Africa, slots in below the more powerful VGT turbodiesel, but employs a simpler waste-gate turbo as well as a Bosch control system and delivers 78kW at 4 000rpm and 225Nm from 1 400 to 2 800rpm. It is mated with a five-speed manual transmission along with a claimed fuel consumption of 8.1 litres 100km.

This means you can get a single cab for as little as R199 900 and a Steed 5 Double Cab priced at just R229 900 that comes fitted with dual air bags, ABS/EBD, alloy wheels, air-conditioning, radio/CD system, a leather-wrapped, multifunction steering wheel and even a rear differential lock.

GWM Steed 5E

The enhanced Steed 5E takes things up a notch from styling right through to interior. The 5E receives a host of changes along with a significantly revised facia with a new instrumentation panel and modernised centre console layout with new audio and climate-control interfaces.

GWM is offering the Steed 5E in two trim levels, SX and Xscape. The SX offers such features as climate control, radio/CD with USB support, dual front air bags, ABS/EBD and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard, with the Xscape adding leather upholstery, a touch-screen media system with Bluetooth, rear diff-lock, side steps, roll bar and tyre pressure monitoring.

The engine line-up consists of the proven 2.4 litre petrol unit that develops 93kW and 200Nm of torque, and the 2.0 litre VGT turbodiesel that produces 105kW and 305Nm. A four-wheel drive version of the 20 litre VGT Xscape will join the local line-up shortly.

GWM Steed 6

The Steed 6 is in effect GWM’s new flagship and is positioned as a more upmarket leisure vehicle and I have to say, at the price – just as with all other Steed models – they make a whole lot of sense and offer plenty at the same time.

The Steed 6 is big, one of South Africa’s longest bakkies, and carries this theme forward with big chrome-type styling that’s hard to miss, along with high-intensity projector-style headlamps and segment-first LED strips above the fog lamps and integrated SUV-style skid plate.

The interior quality seemed right up there with anything else you’d find on the market today and includes a leather-wrapped, four-spoke multifunction steering wheel and piano-black trim on the facia.

Two trim levels are offered, with the SX derivatives boasting climate control, radio/CD with Bluetooth, height-adjustable driver’s seat, Eaton rear diff-lock, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual front air bags and ABS/EBD.

The flagship Xscape variants offer a full-house package that includes leather upholstery, electric driver seat adjustment, six air bags, cruise control, auto lights/wipers and, for the first time in a GWM product sold in South Africa, Bosch ESP (electronic stability) and hill-start assist.

The exterior package of Xscape models further benefits from the addition of factory-fit side steps, roll bar and roof rails.

Powering the Steed 6 is the brand’s proven 2.0 litre VGT engine that delivers 105kW and 305Nm of torque running through a six-speed manual transmission. The line-up will be further expanded in 2015 with the addition of 4×4 derivatives.

I have to say that after a brief drive in both the 5E and 6, the 6 is the model to go for if you can stretch your budget. It just felt that bit better on the road – and in terms of quality. But the 5E and old 5 still offer you plenty bakkie for your money and I wouldn’t skip pass a GWM dealer if I was shopping within a tight budget.