MBABANE – The newly updated GWM P300 bakkie is proving hard to ignore for Eswatini motorists shopping for a double cab that balances performance, price, and luxury.
Tested earlier this month by The Citizen motoring team, the 2.4-litre turbodiesel GWM P300 4×4 not only impressed in a straight-line sprint, clocking 0–100km/h in 10.85 seconds, but also outpaced rivals like the Ford Ranger Wildtrak X, Nissan Navara Pro-4X, and Toyota Hilux GR-S – at least up to highway speeds.
With a competitive price tag of E699,900 (ZAR equivalent), the Chinese-built bakkie is now rivalling the dominance of established nameplates among Swazi buyers who want a stylish yet functional leisure vehicle.
The model on test was the range-topping P300 2.4TD LTD DC 4×4, powered by an all-new 2.4-litre engine delivering 135kW and 480Nm of torque. Despite being outgunned on paper by Toyota’s 165kW GR-S Hilux or Ford’s 2.0-litre bi-turbo, it delivers surprising road performance thanks to a smooth nine-speed automatic transmission and a lighter body.
The bakkie also carries serious off-road credentials with electronic diff locks, crawl control, an intelligent 4WD system, and a front winch—features that could prove useful in rural terrains or recreational use within Eswatini.
Inside, the P300 comes well-equipped with features such as leather ventilated seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging, a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 7-inch digital driver display. On the safety front, it offers automatic emergency braking, lane keep assist, cruise assistance, and multiple collision avoidance systems.
Tested in 6°C conditions with a load mass of 2,160kg, the bakkie posted strong mid-range times, completing 80-120km/h in 8.39 seconds and achieving a top speed of 160km/h. Average fuel consumption came in at 9.8 litres per 100km, with a claimed range of 976km from its 80-litre tank.
Locally, the GWM P300 is expected to appeal to private buyers looking for a premium work-and-play vehicle without stretching the budget too far. With a seven-year/200,000km warranty and an equally long service plan, it offers an attractive ownership proposition for those considering alternatives to the Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux, and Isuzu D-Max.
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