Great Wall Motors says its new P Series bakkie will “compete head-on” with the likes of the Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger.

We first saw the Chinese firm’s new bakkie at Auto Shanghai 2019 in April. But now GWM has confirmed the newcomer will wear the “P Series” badge, as we suspected.

The automaker wants the new P Series, which it bills as the “first global pick-up offered by GWM”, be ranked among the top three bakkies in its segment.

“Great Wall’s new P Series pick-up will compete head-on with Toyota, Ford and other international mainstream pick-up brands in the global market,” the company said.

GWM claims the new bakkie successfully blends the “comfort of a sedan, the off-road ability of an SUV, the recreational nature of a station wagon and the loading capability of a light truck”.

As we’ve already pointed out, the new P Series runs on the P71 platform, with the body measuring 5 425 mm long, 1 972 mm wide and 1 893 mm high. The wheelbase, meanwhile, stretches some 3 230 mm.

From what we understand, a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbodiesel will be offered (with transmission options likely to include a six-speed manual and an eight-speed ZF automatic) along with a turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol unit.

Interesting features offered in Chinese-spec models include a rear-view camera, lane-departure warning, adaptive cruise control, six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (with heating) and dual-zone air-conditioning.

GWM earlier told CARmag.co.za the new bakkie range was scheduled to arrive in South Africa before the end of 2020.

Original article from Car