ZIMOCO cannot wait to share with you some exciting new! The GWM P500 is the South African (SA) Bakkie of the Year for 2024!
On September 14, this important event took place at the NAMPO Cape show in Bredasdorp, which is the biggest farming centre in the greater Agulhas area.
Zimoco is Zimbabwe's exclusive distributor of GWM vehicles.
South Africans love their bakkies. They know more about bakkies than most people in the world.
Last year, the crown went to the tough VW Amarok. The GWM P500 is now in excellent company. Most importantly, this means that cars made in China are now doing well in Africa.
They have now achieved a level of excellence that surpasses even that of traditional automotive companies. This is possible because China's cars are now stronger, better, more luxurious, and cheaper.
Participants
THIS year's competition invited Ford (Ranger Tremor, Platinum, and Raptor), Foton (Tunland G7), GWM (P500 2,4 and HEV), INEOS (Grenadier Quartermaster), Isuzu (D-MAX 1.9 X-Rider), JAC (T9), Jeep (Gladiator facelift), LDV (T60 Pro and Max Luxe), RAM (1500 and 2500), and Toyota (Hilux 48V, Hilux GR-S III, and Land Cruiser 79) to participate.
The GWM P500 Series beat out the other great bakkies on this list.
Some companies declined the offer, including JAC, INEOS, LDV, and Toyota.
INEOS wanted to enter the Grenadier Quartermaster diesel model but could not get it in time, while LDV entered but withdrew at the last minute due to changes in their T60 range's specs.
Significance of victory
This win is important for two reasons: It is the first time a hybrid car has won this prestigious award, and it is also the first win for a Chinese company in this very competitive market.
The GWM P500 HEV has set a new standard for bakkies, beating out a number of well-known and popular names during the testing process.
The P500 HEV was incredibly impressive in a number of different areas, which really pleased the judges.
The 4X4 drive and power tests showed that it was very good, but it also did very well off-road and with towing. How well it handles and how luxurious it is set it apart.
The P500 HEV did not just win in the 161–200 kW group; it also won the race as a whole, showing how excellent it is in every way.
The GWM P500 2.4T 9AT 4X4 also won first place in the 126–160 kW category, adding to the company's status as a strong player in the bakkie market.
All dynamic tests, including speed and stop tests, were done one after the other on the same road and recorded with VBOX technology.
The results were interesting because they showed that this year's competition had the three fastest-accelerating production bakkies in the country.
Not surprisingly, the Ranger Raptor was the fastest car.
Surprisingly, the GWM P500 HEV, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 7,3 seconds, managed to outperform the RAM 1500 Rebel, a large and heavy vehicle.
Measurements
All measurements, including unloaded weight and wheel articulation, as well as approach, departure, and breakover angles, were taken, and here the Jeep shone, as can be expected of a bakkie developed for off-road purposes.
However, its long length made it challenging to navigate through highly angled obstacles.
The RAM 1500 Rebel, on the other hand, had big standard tires that made it simple to get over any obstacle.
Interestingly, all of the contenders did very well off-road. The two GWM P500 models and the RAM 1500 Rebel stood out for their excellent ride quality.
The judges hooked up a fully equipped Mobi Lodge Continental off-road caravan with a base weight of about 1,5 tonnes to the towbar and conducted tests in rough and windy conditions.
The huge RAM 2500 Laramie (it is more of a truck than a bakkie) with its big 6,7-litre diesel engine did very well in these conditions. Despite this, bakkies with smaller displacement engines, like the Isuzu and Foton, managed to maintain their competitiveness, successfully towing the 1,5 T caravan even on steep slopes.
In the standard double-lane and slalom tests, the Ranger Tremor stood out for its dynamic handling. On the other hand, the newly released GWM P500 models and the RAM 1500 Rebel impressed with their high levels of equipment both inside and out, as well as their smooth ride quality on all types of terrain. Every possible feature and part that a bakkie owner would look at was considered for the review.
The test has over 150 questions and covers more than just basic features and conveniences. It also considers things like ownership costs.
Overall winner
This year, the GWM P500 emerged victorious. Even the roughest terrain is no match for the brand-new P500.
It comes with a high-tech Borg Warner 4x4 system, rear differential lock, and 4WD low range. With its cutting-edge hybrid engine and tough features, the GWM P500 changes what a double-cab bakkie can do. This vehicle is made to handle any environment. It comes with either a 2,4-litre turbo diesel engine with 135 kW of power and 480 Nm of torque or a modern 2,0-litre turbo fuel hybrid system with 255 kW of power and 648 Nm of torque.
Both versions of the P500 have a clever all-wheel drive system and a 9-speed automatic engine. This makes it simple to drive on both city streets and rough off-road trails. The P500 is both powerful and useful, with a braked pulling capacity of 3 500 kg.
Invitation
To truly appreciate the exceptional capabilities of the GWM P500, Zimoco invites you to visit their dealership in Borrowdale for a test drive. Experience firsthand what makes this bakkie a game-changer in the market!
- andrew@muzamhindo.com.