GWM H5 gets a makeover

With its spacious cabin, numerous luxury features and powerful, yet economical 2.0 litre turbodiesel engine, it’s no wonder the H5 has proven so popular with adventurous families. Now, boasting a number of refinements and upgrades for the new model year the H5 looks set to find even more homes in South Africa.

In its latest guise the H5 remains instantly recognisable courtesy of its trademark vertical tail lamps and sloping nose design. Visually the upgraded model can be easily identified by the chrome strip above the lower front airdam, redesigned rear LED lamps and new tailgate spoiler.

Still priced to compete against so-called soft-roaders, the H5 is in reality a rather different proposition altogether, offering more rugged underpinnings and a full-size SUV body.

With near 200mm of ground clearance and striking 17-inch alloy wheels as standard, the H5 is not only a pretty face, but a vehicle that boosts driver confidence when the going gets rough. The H5’s impressive approach and departure angles make it an easy vehicle to manoeuvre in extreme off-road conditions. For added peace of mind a full-size spare wheel is fitted to the vehicle.

When it comes to travelling with families, comfort levels are directly related to space. In this regard the H5 is without equal at the price, offering vast legroom and boot space as a result of its generous 2 700mm wheelbase.

The upgraded H5 features numerous interior enhancements, including revised trim (chrome and piano black accenting), a rev counter that indicates the optimal engine speed, more sophisticated indicator/wiper column stalks, frameless wiper blades and even a redesigned remote control key. The standard features list rivals many a German luxury saloon.

The H5 is offered with two engine options, a 2.4 litre naturally aspirated petrol (4G69) powerplant, and the company’s highly rated 2.0 litre VGT turbodiesel. The latter has been upgraded by the fitment of a Honeywell turbocharger (on automatic models), which improves overall driveability and responsiveness. GWM’s 2.0 litre VGT engine delivers a maximum power output of 110 kW at 4 000 rpm with maximum torque of 310 Nm available from 1 800 to 2 800 rpm.

The 2.4 litre 4G69 petrol engine reaches a maximum power output of 100 kW at 5 250 rpm and maximum torque of 200 Nm at 4 000 rpm.

The H5 petrol models (both 4×2 and 4×4) are equipped with the company’s five-speed manual transmission, while the diesel models make use of either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic.

For the more hardcore adventurers out there, there is further good news in that the flagship H5 2.0 VGT manual 4×4 model now also offers a low-range ratio to help tackle those serious obstacles.

Every H5 is backed by a comprehensive three-year/100 000 km warranty and two-year/24-hour roadside assistance.