Great Wall Motors (GWM) has grown into a major force in South Africa’s competitive car market. The brand first arrived locally in 2007 and introduced South Africans to rugged, affordable workhorses like the Steed bakkie. Favouring substance over style, back then, GWM’s pitch was simple: no-frills durability at prices that made second-hand rivals blush.
Fast forward to today, and GWM has levelled up. With the launch of newer, more refined models like the P-Series, the brand has shifted gears — offering stylish, tech-savvy bakkies that blend practicality with comfort. GWM is no longer just the clever budget pick; it’s now a serious contender for drivers who want modern design, advanced features, and real bang for buck.
Founded in 1984 in Baoding, China, Great Wall Motors started out with one mission: build tough, reliable vehicles for people who need to get things done. Named after the Great Wall of China itself (no pressure being named after something which is visible from space) - the company began as a truck specialist and slowly carved out a reputation for affordability and practicality.
During the 1990s and early 2000s, GWM focused heavily on pick-ups and utility vehicles, eventually expanding into global markets. While those early exports were often more function than finesse, the 2010s marked a turning point. GWM poured resources into research and development, dramatically improving build quality, tech, and safety.
Today, GWM is one of China’s largest privately-owned car manufacturers and an increasingly visible presence in international markets — especially in Africa. It was also the first Chinese automaker to develop an in-house automatic transmission and turbocharged engine platform, proving it’s not just catching up to global rivals — it’s aiming to lead.
The current GWM line-up in South Africa is all about delivering rugged reliability with a surprising dose of comfort and tech — all without the scary price tag. Leading the charge is the GWM P-Series, a bold step up from the brand’s earlier Steed models and a serious challenger to established bakkie rivals. While the P-Series is a serious best bakkie contender, GWM also makes the Haval SUV range: The Jolion, H6 and H7.
Whether you’re after a dependable single-cab for your business or a double-cab that can handle both load-shedding and long weekends away, the P-Series offers a versatile range of options to suit work and play. It’s tough, good-looking, and well-specced — with models that come packed with features you’d usually expect to find in an SUV.
GWM vehicles are supported by a strong national dealer network, with over 70 outlets across South Africa. So, whether you're in the city or on the farm, servicing and support are never far away.
The new facelift models come with remote locking, fog lamps, radio and USB, audio system, electric windows, electric adjustable side mirrors, and electric height-adjustable headlamps. The comfortable bucket seats ensure a smooth, bump-free ride even when the load bed is empty.
Under the hood, the Facelift Single Cab (MPi) Workhorse 4x2 has a 2.2-litre petrol engine that develops 74kW and 180Nm of torque, which helps transport heavier loads. This is paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which delivers a combined-cycle fuel consumption of 9.9 litres per 100km.
The GWM Steed 5 Single Cab retails from R182,900.
Read more about these GWM models: GWM P-Series
GWM has earned a solid reputation in South Africa not just for affordability, but for offering real peace of mind long after you’ve driven off the lot. With strong after-sales support and value-driven service plans, the brand makes ownership simple, predictable, and budget-friendly.
Most GWM models come standard with a 5-year / 100,000 km new vehicle warranty, along with 5 years of roadside assistance. Service intervals typically sit at every 15,000 km, and many models include service plans that help you plan for the road ahead — whether that road is tarred, gravelled, or somewhere in between.
Thanks to features like electronic stability control, airbags, collision warning systems, and other safety tech available on the P-Series, GWM models often qualify for competitive insurance rates.
Whether you’re hauling bricks or towing bikes, hippo.co.za helps make sure your GWM is properly covered.
Prices quoted are correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice.
