GWM P-Series PV 2.0TD LT 4X4 Auto D/C P/U (2024) Review

Introduction

Right, so here’s the real story: the GWM P-Series PV 2.0TD LT 4X4 Auto D/C P/U is for buyers who actually care about what they get for their money, not just what their neighbours might think. The badge isn’t German or Japanese, but the spec list is serious, the warranty’s long, and - now that the P300 has rolled off the boat - this first-gen P-Series is drifting into “clever used buy” territory. On paper at least, you’re getting plenty of bakkie, but don’t expect a silk-lined experience. Let’s unpack where the P-Series nails it - and where it still comes up short for South Africans, especially with the GWM P-Series price in South Africa creeping up and the P300 hogging new-car attention.

Key takeaway: The LT 4X4 Auto delivers the most kit for the cash. Right now, it makes the most sense as a lightly-used buy - especially with the P300 stealing the new-car limelight.

Design & Exterior

If you miss this thing in the parking lot, you’re probably not paying attention. That massive chrome grille, slim LED headlights, and chunky, colour-coded arches make a statement - subtle isn’t in the P-Series vocabulary. I parked one next to a Hilux outside Builders Express and, honestly, the GWM looks even bigger - more “here I am”, if that’s your thing.

Proportions and stance

Stand next to it, and you’ll see the P-Series is wider than both the Hilux and Ranger - think Amarok levels of presence in your lane. Those 18-inch alloys? They get a bit lost in the cavernous arches. It’s a clear signal that this is a value play, not a premium-priced bruiser.

Position in the segment

The formula’s simple: double cab, four doors, 2.0-litre turbodiesel, 8-speed auto, selectable 4WD. That’s right on the money for leisure bakkies in SA. Against a Ranger XLT or Hilux Raider, the GWM P-Series review is clear - you get more toys for less cash. Stack it up against a JAC T9 or LDV T60 and GWM’s dealer footprint is a trump card - 95+ outlets now, so this isn’t only for Joburg or Cape Town. If you’re in Bloem or Polokwane, that matters.

Cabin & Practicality

Inside, you get a pleasant surprise: a 9-inch touchscreen, a digital cluster, leather, proper dual-zone climate, heated front seats, and a 360-degree camera. For a bakkie that’s not even the flagship, that’s a proper haul. On a recent run from Joburg to Harrismith, the wireless phone charger kept my phone alive with Waze blaring, and the oversized armrest swallowed my flask. Small wins, but real ones.

Material quality after three years

Here’s the rub: the silver trim around the gear lever gets scratchy and tired after a few years, and while the dash is plush up top, there’s plenty of harder, cheaper plastics lower down. It was a big step up when the P-Series landed, but now, next to the new Ranger or Hilux interiors, it’s starting to show its age. If you’re cross-shopping at a GWM dealer or one of the big used chains, you’ll spot the difference.

Space and storage

Rear legroom? Genuinely good - one of the best in class. The back bench lifts up to reveal clever storage for your compressor or jumper cables, which is something you don’t get in every double cab. The front door bins are deep enough for a 1.5-litre bottle and a pad, and the load bin is wide and flat - definitely up there with the best. Braked towing: 3 500 kg, as you’d expect. If you pack smart, space isn’t a worry at all.

• Standard kit: 9-inch touchscreen (wireless CarPlay/Android Auto), 7 airbags, 360-degree camera, hill descent, leather, heated seats, dual-zone climate, wireless charging
• Off-road bits: Low range and rear diff lock, standard on the LT 4X4

On the Road

The 2.0-litre diesel puts out 120 kW and 400 Nm, channelled through all four wheels with an 8-speed ZF automatic. Not a powerhouse, but the gearbox is the ace up its sleeve - shifts are smooth and, heading up Van Reenen’s Pass, it holds the right ratio without fuss or hunting. No drama, just gets on with the job.

Turbo lag: living with it

Turbo lag is a thing. Off the lights, or when darting into a gap in traffic, there’s a definite pause before the power comes on. Once you’re above 1 800 rpm, it settles and pulls fine, but you do need to plan your throttle in Joburg stop-start. I gave it extra beans on the M1 onramp and it still needed a moment to catch up. You get used to it, but if you’re doing a lot of city driving, it’s something to consider.

Ride and gravel comfort

On tar, the ride is better than you’d expect. I ran the N3 north of Mooi River at 120 km/h - wind noise is controlled, though not Amarok-quiet. Move onto Sani Pass-type gravel, and the empty rear gets a bit jittery; it’ll skip over bumps, especially if you’re pushing. Put 200 kg of sandbags in the back or a couple of bikes, and it calms down. If you tow or haul, the behaviour improves. That’s worth knowing for anyone running tools or weekend gear.

4x4 system

You get torque-on-demand AWD, low range, and a rear diff lock. There’s no old-school mechanical lever - everything’s electronic. It works for dirt roads, farm gates, and launching a boat at Sodwana, but if your plans involve serious cross-desert tracks, spend a weekend getting to know the system before you trust it with your family deep in the Kalahari.

Data & Comparison

Here’s what we measured for the GWM P-Series PV 2.0TD LT 4X4 Auto D/C P/U (2024):

How it compares to local rivals

Quick reality check: Hilux Raider, Ranger XLT, Isuzu D-Max - everyone knows the names. The GWM P-Series gives up some badge appeal and a bit of engine grunt, but it’s got more features for less money, and that’s the point. Here’s the segment at a glance:

Real-world fuel use

Expect 10 to 11.8 L/100 km in real conditions - mix of tar, gravel, and some stop-go. That’s well over the claimed 9.4, so if you’re counting cents at the pumps, don’t ignore it. On a week of mostly highway, I averaged 10.5 L/100 km with only light loads. Not disastrous, but not class-leading either.

• Observed economy: 10–11.8 L/100 km mixed
• Estimated 5-year TCO: R230 000
• Warranty and service plan: 5-year/100 000 km (the newer P300 stretches to 7 years)

Segment context (2025, rolling 6-months)

Double cabs still dominate the light commercial space - interest scores are 62 to 66 points, while single cabs drop off into the 40s. The P-Series was always priced to pull in value-hunters. Now, with P300 here, pre-owned P-Series units are even sharper - if you know what to look for.

Parts, accessories and the dealer reality

Parts and support matter in SA. Here’s the good news: GWM P-Series parts in South Africa are easy enough to source for regular stuff, with that growing dealer network (now over 95). Odd bits still take longer than Toyota or Ford, but most bakkie drivers won’t notice. GWM P-Series accessories in South Africa are widely available - canopies, drawers, nudge bars, and roof racks - either at the dealer or your local fitment centre. The service plan is solid: 5 years/100 000 km for the original P-Series, and the P300 raises that to 7 years, which helps with peace of mind if you plan to hang onto it.

People Also Ask

What are the GWM P-Series common problems?

Turbo lag is the main complaint, especially from a stop. Lane-keep assist can’t be fully switched off and tugs the wheel when you hit a pothole, which gets old fast. The ride is firm on gravel if the rear is empty. None are fatal, but do a proper test drive before you sign, especially if you’re trading out of a Hilux or Ranger.

Cabin issues: What’s the catch?

The silver trim around the gear lever looks tired quickly, and the digital cluster doesn’t offer much in the way of customisation. Sound insulation isn’t up there with the best - after 400 km on the N3, you’ll know it. That ZF 8-speed auto? So far, no big issues have been reported in South Africa.

GWM P-Series PV 2.0TD LT 4X4 Auto D/C P/U price South Africa - where does it land now?

Launch pricing was under R550 000, but now, with the P300 taking the spotlight, used P-Series deals are sharper than ever. Check with your nearest GWM dealer or a big used retailer - these move quickly and bargains don’t last.

What’s the real-world fuel use for the GWM P-Series 2.0TD?

Bank on 10 to 11.8 L/100 km in mixed South African driving. That’s about 25% more than the brochure says. On a gentle highway run, you might sneak under 10, but with gravel or towing, expect 12. Budget for 11 and you’ll be close to reality.

Is the GWM P-Series boot space and load bin actually competitive?

Yes. The load bin is a genuine highlight - wider than a Hilux, so you’ve got a broad, flat floor. Braked towing? 3 500 kg, so you’re not losing out there. The under-seat storage in the rear is a neat touch, especially for tools or valuables.

What does the GWM P-Series service plan South Africa actually cover?

Original model gives you a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and service plan - strong for this part of the market. The latest P300 ups that to 7 years. Always check how much is left on a used P-Series and whether it’s transferable - it can save you a fair chunk over time.

Verdict

Here’s the bottom line: the GWM P-Series LT 4X4 auto is a value-loaded, well-specced double cab that’s found real traction in South Africa. No, it won’t out-drive a Ranger, and it can’t match the Hilux for resale. But with the P300 now here and used P-Series prices looking sharp, it’s a solid bet for anyone who wants more kit, a long warranty, and isn’t fussed about badge snobbery. If you’re searching for a GWM P-Series review south africa, that’s the honest answer.

Buy this if

• You want maximum features and warranty for your rand
• Your driving is mostly tar, with a bit of gravel
• You’re shopping used and can score one with a live service plan
• There’s a GWM dealer not far from you

Skip this if

• Your weekends are all dirt roads and you want a proper mechanical 4H
• Resale is your number-one concern
• You can’t live with turbo lag and don’t want to adapt

Rating: 7.0/10. That’s for big value, a feature list that keeps you happy, and a gearbox that just works - balanced against turbo lag, a cabin that’s starting to feel last-gen, and those lingering resale questions. It’s what the old Steed should have been from the start, and that’s the point. The P300 moves things forward, but for the right buyer at the right price, the P-Series still adds up…