GWM

Smaller than P500 and the better bakkie for local buyers. P300 launched to local acclaim in 2020 and has since established its reputation as the defining Chinese double cab bakkie to own.

Cabin design, equipment levels, and assembly quality easily rival those of Hilux. P300’s steel frame and loadbed are built to withstand the worst South African conditions. It feels inherently robust, without feeling utilitarian.

All versions feature adaptive cruise control and 360-surround view cameras. And standard tyre pressure monitoring, which is such an underappreciated feature in South Africa, where slow punctures can turn into dangerous blowouts.

P300’s 2.4 turbodiesel engine doesn’t make class-leading numbers (135kW/480Nm), but it’s powerful and economical enough. GWM’s new in-house-developed 9-speed automatic isn't quite as smooth as the ZF 8-speed automatic that the P300 originally launched with in 2020.

Excellent value, and the P300 LTD is a terrific stealth all-terrain touring hero. It features everything you’d fit aftermarket, to create an African exploration double cab, as a factory package.

P300 LTD has front and rear axle lockers. That’s noteworthy because few other double cab 4x4s offer a front locker. P300 LTD also adds a snorkel, all-terrain tyres, and steel bumpers. It’s a terrific hardcore double cab 4x4 at a bargain price.

Bigger than the market-leading Hilux and Ranger. With cabin design and equipment levels that shame legacy double cabs.

Driver assists features aside, it’s still a very big bakkie. Making P500 a chore to manoeuvre in any parking garage.

P500’s 2550kg kerb weight blunts the performance of GWM’s 2.4 turbodiesel engine option. And the 255kW petrol-hybrid version offers immense overtaking performance and smoothness in slow-speed traffic. But it’s wildly heavy on fuel.

Long wheelbase and average ground clearance make P500 vulnerable to straddle angle snagging on off-road trails.

Split tailgate is clever. But it could become a source of noise and maintenance issues after thousands of kilometres on corrugated South African dirt roads.

Be aware that P500’s payload is much lower than you’d guess. The P500 HEV only carries 685kg and the 2.4 diesel 760kg. Towing ability is formidable, though, at 3500kg.

P500’s performance-to-fuel-economy ratio and sheer size make it an outlier in the local double cab market. But if you want an ‘American-sized’ double cab, this Chinese model is, ironically, the closest thing to a full-size ‘pickup’ on sale in SA.

Round headlights are a mark of distinction for the most regarded off-road vehicles. Think Land Cruiser 70. Jeep Wrangler. Geländewagen. And now: Tank 300.

Tank 300 is graded for conquering the most severe off-road trails. Features a body-on-frame platform. Sway-bar disconnect. Front and rear axle lockers. Off-road ability rivals Land Cruiser Prado and is superior to Fortuner.

Luxurious cabin with slick UX and excellent quality. But the payload capacity is about a third less than most rivals'.

The turbopetrol versions offer outstanding cruising performance. But they are terribly heavy on fuel. And the tow rating is 500kg less than the class-leading 3500kg ratings on Prado and Everest.

Best buy is the Tank 300 2.4 diesel. Insider’s tip? If you want a very safe family vehicle for surviving the worst road conditions in South Africa, but don’t need 4x4 traction, the 2.4 D 4x2 is a very clever buy.

Bold design. Spacious 7-seater cabin. And a balance of features and build quality that shame most German SUVs.

With its body-on-frame construction, Tank 500 is tough enough to conquer the most demanding gravel road routes. And if you fit all-terrain tyres, it has real exploration-grade 4x4 ability thanks to a solid rear axle, with diff locks front and rear.

The 2-litre turbopetrol hybridised powertrain is incredibly smooth and powerful. But it is wildly heavy on fuel when the battery is depleted.

Low-speed brake calibration is not ideal for such a large, heavy car, with too much pedal travel before the bite point. Makes navigating busy parking areas an exercise in awareness and anticipation.

Interior comfort and quality will make quality-control personnel at German car companies worry about their jobs. Superior in many ways to Land Cruiser Prado, but for the lack of a diesel engine option. And Tank 500’s tow rating, which is 1000kg lower than Prado.