Great Wall Motors has officially taken the wraps off its new double-cab bakkie line-up at Auto Shanghai 2019, confirming plans for a launch in South Africa in 2020 to target the likes of the big-selling Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

The reveal comes after earlier images of the new bakkie (and its interior) – badged in China as the “Pao” but possibly set to wear the “P Series” nameplate in other markets – were revealed online.

Speaking to CARmag.co.za’s Marius Boonzaier at the show in China, GWM officials said the new bakkie range was scheduled to arrive in South Africa before the end of 2020 (obviously bearing a sticker price slightly higher than that of the current Steed 6).

Three versions (all running on the new P71 platform also set to underpin the next-generation Haval H9) are expected to be offered: commercial, passenger and off-road. The former will employ leaf springs at the rear, while the latter two are expected to run on multilink rear set-ups.

The double-cab bakkie measures 5 425 mm long, 1 972 mm wide and 1 893 mm high, while a wheelbase stretching 3 230 mm. The off-road version runs on 18-inch alloys wrapped in 265/65 all-terrain rubber.

And engine options? Well, while final figures have yet to be released, we do know a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel will be offered, churning out between 380 and 400 N.m (no word yet on peak power). Expect transmission options to include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic (the latter from the folks over at ZF).

There will also be a turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit worth 120 kW and 360 N.m. GWM furthermore says a larger capacity diesel, offering up to 500 N.m, is on the cards, along with an all-electric powertrain.

Original article from Car