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GWM P300 REVIEW-THE BEAST THAT DARED TO ROAM

Nhlanhla Sechele

They say a bakkie says a lot about its owner. But what if your bakkie does more than just say something? What if it roars your presence, flexes your lifestyle, and turns every drive into an adventure? That’s the GWM P300  and trust us, this one doesn’t whisper, it commands.

A Bit of Bakkie History
The GWM P-Series (also known as the P300 in South Africa) is a proud product of Great Wall Motors, China’s largest manufacturer of SUVs and pickup trucks. This machine is not just a tick-box exercise in utility it’s a design evolution built to compete with the big boys in the lifestyle and workhorse segment.

Designed by a team of innovators led by global automotive experts from China, Germany, and even South Africa, the P300’s styling is inspired by a blend of muscular modernity and premium strength. It’s built on GWM’s P71 platform  also shared by Haval SUVs  making it tough yet refined.

And that logo? That unmistakable chrome oval symbol with a fortress-like shape in the center? That’s GWM’s badge of honour  representing Great Wall’s strength, protection, and reliability. It’s a literal homage to the Great Wall of China and symbolises the solid engineering foundation the brand prides itself on.

 Beauty Meets the Beast
Let’s be honest: the GWM P300 looks mean. It doesn’t just pull up it pulls attention.

Wrapped in a glistening Pearl White, the P300 is a head-turner in every setting. Whether parked at Loftus Stadium or rolling into a SPAR Women’s Race, its broad grille with chrome accents gives it a commanding front look. The LED daytime running lights slice through any weather like a boss, while the rugged 18-inch alloys and beefy tyres grip the road with authority.

There’s something about the bakkie’s height, bold wheel arches, and squared-off rear that scream “Don’t mess with me”. But don’t be mistaken this beast knows how to behave when it needs to.

Tech-Savvy Meets Comfort Junkie
Hop in and you’ll quickly realise this isn’t your father’s old bakkie. This is a premium ride.

The infotainment screen stretches across the dash like it’s ready to DJ your entire life. Seamlessly integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it makes every road trip sing. The torquemeter screen in front of the driver adds a sporty feel  especially when that 2.4-litre turbo diesel engine kicks in.

And oh, that engine. We’re talking 500Nm of torque and maximum power of 120kW. Whether it’s in Normal, Eco, Sport or 4L/4H mode  the P300 doesn’t just adapt, it dominates. Towing a trailer? Moving furniture? Cruising to a night out? The drive is smooth, responsive and confident.

The Adventures of Thee Sneak Preview x GWM P300
It all began with a mission: a quick stop at Fourways Mall to grab 3 books from the infamous R65 sale. But like the best adventures, things didn’t go according to plan we walked out with 7 books. No regrets. The P300 swallowed them whole, still leaving room for a whole picnic setup if we wanted.

Next stop? The SPAR Women’s Race in Centurion. Parking was war… but guess who got ushered into VIP Parking? Yup, the P300 stole the spotlight. If turning heads was a sport, we just won gold.

Then came a pit stop at Loftus Stadium, where the Bulls demolished the Sharks  sorry Durban! The P300 got more attention than the cheerleaders. We’re not saying it has magic powers, but it might just lift Blue Bulls’ spirits on dark days.

From there, it was time to hit the BASADI in Music Awards. If there was ever a moment to say “women belong in bakkies”, this was it. The P300 didn’t just get nods — it got double taps and compliments from stylish queens and music legends.

Then, off to Kyalami’s Good Food Show where all things fresh, fit, and fabulous were celebrated. Between healthy smoothies and masterclasses, the P300 felt right at home  a balance of brute power and clean lines.

And as for that one Sunday afternoon at Johannesburg Country Club for the golf championships? The bakkie didn’t just attend  it made an entrance. Finished the day with dinner and great company. Pure class.

Somewhere in between all this, people started asking if we could help them move houses — yup, it’s that big. And to top it off, we got more honks and thumbs up from taxi drivers than we ever expected. If that’s not street cred in SA, we don’t know what is!

Fun Facts SA Drivers Will Love

Price: From around R480,000 – R520,000, depending on the trim and spec. That’s serious value for what you get.

Fuel-saving boss: Averaging 8.5L/100km, this diesel-sipper won’t break your fuel budget.

Load capacity: Over 1,000 kilograms (1,000kg) in the back —yes, it works as hard as it plays.

Towing capacity: Up to 2,500 kilograms (2,500kg) – trailers, jet skis, furniture, all welcome.

 Should You Buy It?
Absolutely. The GWM P300 is the bakkie you didn’t know you needed until you drove it. It’s powerful, stylish, tech-rich, and surprisingly affordable. But most importantly it’s relatable to everyday South Africans. It hauls, it hustles, it shows up and shows off.

Whether you’re a fashionista, foodie, sports fanatic or weekend mover this bakkie makes sure you arrive in style, comfort and power.

So, to the bold women and brave men out there.  Its time! Own the road. Drive the beast. Be the legend.

Let us know where we should take the next one?

SOURCED.

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