GWM Steed 6 this year’s big winner

THE GWM Steed 6 has barely been introduced in South Africa and is already being showered with praise.

The new flagship, leisure-oriented double-cab has just been announced as Bakkie of the Year 2015 by local publication Bakkie & Truck, in the magazine’s February 2015 issue.

The annual award, which has been running for more than a decade, saw the Steed 6 2,0VGT Xscape compete against a strong line-up of six competitors, including entrants from Ford, Toyota, JMC, Nissan and Foton.

“The best-specced bakkie driven comes at a price that will have its traditional rivals’ eyes watering,” the magazine’s editorial panel concluded when awarding the prized title to the Steed 6.

“The new GWM Steed 6 revolutionises what one expects from a top double-cab bakkie, especially at the price,” Bakkie & Truck magazine editor Michele Lupini pointed out.

“The Steed 6 Xscape flagship blends bakkie convenience with the level of specification and class normally expected of an executive car, backed up by GWM’s high level of service and support to stand head and shoulders above the rest and score a comprehensive 2015 Bakkie of the Year win.”

The GWM Steed 6 is currently offered in South Africa in two specification levels, SX and Xscape.

The award-winning Steed 6 Xscape comes with features such as:

• Six airbags;

• Bosch Electronic Stability Control (ESC);

• Electric driver seat adjustment;

• Full leather upholstery;

• Radio/CD with Bluetooth/USB/Aux support;

• Cruise control; and

• Auto lights and wipers and rear park sensors.

Priced at R319 900 it offers unbeatable value, a statement that gains extra credence following the prestigious Bakkie & Truck award.

With its bold, louvred grille and accentuated wheel arches, it stands its ground by displaying a forceful presence that’s not for the faint-hearted.

Adding to the visual appeal are neatly integrated LED strips, high-intensity projector-style headlamps and a finely sculpted lower air dam that incorporates a SUV-like skid plate.

The Steed 6 is one of the biggest bakkies on the local market, but its generous dimensions are not only there for show. Courtesy of an especially long wheelbase, the Steed 6 offers stretch-out rear legroom.

All Steed 6 models boast comprehensive colour coding, 16-inch alloy wheels and front and rear fog lamps.

Flagship Xscape variants further add factory fit side steps, roof rails and a rear roll bar. The Steed 6 offers the most comprehensive safety package that has ever been offered on a GWM product in South Africa.

To make sure your pride and joy doesn’t find a new owner without your consent, central locking and an immobiliser are standard fitment.

The Steed 6 is powered by GWM’s 2,0-litre VGT engine that has received widespread acclaim. This direct-injection, variable geometry turbo engine delivers 105kW and a meaty 305Nm of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is fitted. This engine uses 8,8 litre per 100km in the combined fuel cycle.

All SX-badged derivatives feature a rear differential lock.

The flagship Xscape variants offer a full-house package that includes:

• Leather upholstery;

• Electric driver seat adjustment;

• Cruise control; and

• Auto lights and wipers.

All Steed 6 models are backed by GWM’s comprehensive five-years or 100 000km warranty, a 10-year corrosion warranty and two-years or 24-hour roadside assistance. An optional five-years or 60 000km service plan is also available.