Believe us when we say, milk doesn’t come in 3.0 litres, but a P500 does.
Nothing wrong with your 2.0-litre milk cartons — oops, we mean engines — but you know, 3 is better than 2.
So, what do you need to know?
Engine?
GWM has launched its 4-cylinder, 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 170 kW of power and 620 Nm of torque, and it has 9 — not 5 or 6, but 9 cogs.
To the untrained petrolhead, that means a 9-speed automatic transmission.
Remember we said it produces 170 kW of power and 620 Nm of torque? Well, 385 Nm of that torque is available from just 1,000 rpm.
Basically, the minute you idle the car, it has torque.
It’s quiet — okay, quieter than your normal oil burner. This is because this 3.0-litre powertrain takes a different approach, incorporating six vibration and noise-reduction measures aimed at suppressing the characteristic harshness associated with diesel combustion.
The result is an idle noise level of no more than 68 dB, with the claimed NVH — noise, vibration and harshness — performance comparable with that of a premium petrol engine.
So, no more “kata! kata! kata! kata!” vibrations and noise in the cabin.
Is it made to be reliable?
GWM decided to put the 3.0T through extensive durability development, including million-kilometre test-bench testing and full-vehicle validation.
Such testing is intended to verify the powertrain under sustained and demanding operating conditions before it reaches customers.
Combined with its high torque output, low-speed response and refined operation, the testing programme points to an engine designed not merely to impress on a specification sheet, but to deliver consistent performance over the long haul.
What does that mean? They did a million kilometres and it lived. Toyota, worry much?
And the cabin?
As per usual, it’s filled with all the tech and gizmos. But that won’t be enough — you want to know what it actually has.
So grab a coffee, sit back, and let’s try and get through this list today…
At its heart is a technology-focused cockpit featuring a 14.6-inch touchscreen powered by GWM’s in-house Coffee Operating System 3.0, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a Head-Up Display.
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep drivers seamlessly connected on the move.
The P500 also places a strong emphasis on comfort, with premium leather seats offering massage, heating, ventilation, power adjustment and memory functionality.
Enhanced sound insulation, high-density sound-absorbing materials and a dual rear-seal design further improve cabin refinement by reducing unwanted road and wind noise.
Safety?
Like its tech, it has a host of active and passive safety technologies designed to provide occupants with greater confidence on every journey.
The P500 features Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), incorporating technologies such as Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC), Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB).
These systems work together to support the driver and enhance situational awareness in a wide range of driving conditions.
Adding further visibility and confidence, the 360° HD Surround View with Transparent Chassis function provides a comprehensive view around the vehicle.
Price
This is where it shines the most.
- P500 D-Cab 3.0TD 9AT 4×2 Super Luxury – R724 900
- P500 D-Cab 3.0TD 9AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury – R799 900
Think about it: an equivalent VW Amarok 3.0-litre V6 TDI in South Africa has a recommended retail starting price of R1 083 000, while the Hilux 2.8 GD-6 Raider 4×4 AT starts from R892 900.
Verdict
Why not?
I mean, it has the power, the refinement, the tech and the beauty. What’s not to like?
I would take the additional R300 000 and pay the kids’ school fees or pay off the House?
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BY: Thatcar.co.za
