GWM South Africa’s value-for-money drive gathers further momentum with the addition of a new entry-level variant of the brand’s popular H5 SUV.
Dubbed the H5 City and priced at an extremely competitive R244 900, this new H5 offers a full-size SUV experience at compact-crossover pricing.
Boasting the same handsome and rugged looks as its pricier siblings, the H5 City features 17-inch alloy wheels, comprehensive colour coding, integrated indicators in the side mirrors and a tailgate spoiler.
As is the case with all H5 derivatives, this model rides on a rugged ladder-frame chassis and offers a near 200mm ground clearance, making it significantly more suitable to use on poor road surfaces than more road-biased vehicles generally offered at the same price.
Powering the H5 City is GWM’s well-proven 2,4-litre, four-cylinder 4G69 petrol engine that delivers 100kW at 5 200rpm and 200Nm of torque at 4 000rpm. A five-speed manual transmission sends the drive to the rear wheels. A fuel consumption figure of 10,3 l per 100km is claimed for this model.
The H5 City boasts revised facia design that endows it with a more upmarket ambience than the vehicle’s entry level positioning may lead to expect.
Piano-black plastic trim is used on the centre section and door pulls, while the use of silver accenting throughout the cabin further boosts visual appeal.
A new centre console features integrated twin drink holders. The controls for the audio and climate systems have also been modernised.
Given the H5 City’s aggressive pricing, the standard features list is very comprehensive and includes:
• Climate control;
• Radio and CD with USB and Aux support;
• Front and rear fog lamps;
• Rain-sensing wipers;
• Automatic headlights;
• Dual front airbags;
• ABS with EBD;
• Isofix rear child seat anchor points;
• Electric windows all-round;
• Electrically adjustable side mirrors;
• Rake-adjustable steering wheel, and
• remote central locking.
Boasting a wheelbase of 2 700mm that contributes to the generous rear legroom, as well as a large boot and a full-size spare-wheel (under the vehicle), the H5 City is perfectly geared for those long-distance adventures.
The rear seats can also fold or tumble to allow for the transportation of bigger items.
Warranty:
• Like all GWM passenger vehicles, the H5 City is backed by a five-year or 100 000km warranty and comes standard with two-year or 24-hour AA roadside assistance.
• A five-year or 60 000km service plan is available at any of GWM’s more than 65 dealerships.
