GWM Steen 6: Making a big impression

Tinashe Makichi Business Reporter
Care to make a big impression? Well, the new GWM Steen 6 that is set to be launched in the country in the immediate future will provide exactly that!

The brand may look uncommon on the local market but believe me, GWM managed to make its presence felt in recent years.

GWM made its debut in South Africa in March 2007 and as a newcomer to the market the brand soon started gathering fans through offering affordable and quality Single and Double Cabs vehicles.

The GWM brand has grown consistently over the years and through Zimbabwe’s local car dealer ZIMOCO, the brand has started making inroads in the local market with Government becoming the biggest customer.

Backed by Great Wall Motors in China, all GWM owners have the assurance that they have put their trust in a global giant.

With a national dealer network of 70 dealerships, peace-of-mind warranties, a Parts Distribution Warehouse stocking parts worth over R150 million in Durban, and a new Pre-delivery Inspection Centre in Gauteng for strict quality control, GWM has become a healthy and growing brand.

The introduction of the GWM Steed 6 brand is going to bring a new dimension to the motoring fanatics considering that this new flagship leisure double-cab is designed and packaged to appeal to those customers who want only the best.

GWM Steed 6 has the most advanced safety features, the most user-friendly luxuries, power and economy in equal measure and design that forces you to look. . . and look again!

GWM’s new Steed 6 is a bakkie like no other, 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. And that’s just the front-end. . .

“The leisure double-cab segment remains an important one in South Africa, to such an extent that the Steed 6 will perform an important flagship role for us. It will take the fight straight to the current market leaders. We can’t wait to introduce it,” said GWM Brand Manager, Hannes Oosthuizen.

The Steed 6 is one of the biggest brands 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 is powered by GWM’s 2,0 litre VGT engine that has received widespread acclaim.

This direct-injection, variable geometry turbo engine delivers 105 kW and a meaty 305 Nm of torque and a six-speed manual transmission is fitted as well.

This engine uses 8,8 L/100 km in the combined fuel cycle.

The Steed 6 offers the most comprehensive safety package that has ever been offered on a GWM product and the flagship Xscape derivatives boast sophisticated Bosch ESC (electronic stability control), tyre pressure monitoring and no fewer than six airbags (dual front, side and curtain).

All Steed 6’s are equipped with Isofix rear child seat anchors. Front and rear fog lamps are fitted to all models, as are eye-catching LED driving lamps.

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

Once you step inside the Steed 6 you will discover a cabin that would do a top-notch luxury SUV proud.

The facia design is European, with two deep-set analogue instrumentation gauges flanking a comprehensive trip computer.

Unique to this segment is the leather-covering of the instrumentation binnacle, a detail touch that reinforces the Steed 6’s upmarket intentions.

Other examples of this premium focus include a leather-wrapped, four-spoke multi-function steering wheel and piano-black trim on the facia.

Two trim levels are offered, with the SX derivatives boasting such items as climate control, radio/CD with Bluetooth and height-adjustable driver’s seat.

This new machine offers a full-house package that includes leather upholstery, electric driver seat adjustment, and cruise control and auto lights/wipers.

According to GWM, all Steed 6 models are backed by GWM’s comprehensive 5-years/100 000km warranty, 10 year corrosion warranty and 2-years/24-hour roadside assistance.

GWM on its website also added that an optional 5-years/60 000km service plan is also available.

In terms of equipment, the premium interior features a touch-screen info-tainment system, climate control, one-button start-up, stitched leather inserts on the facia and six airbags. Improved safety and comfort systems include ESP, hill-start and descent assistance, a differential lock and an intelligent four-wheel drive system.

With 32 per cent year-on-year sales growth in the first six months of 2013, GWM’s impressive performance in its domestic market has continued unabated.

Now ranked 8th overall in the Chinese market (including joint-venture operations) star performers in GWM’s product line-up (all of which are on show at JIMS) were the H6 SUV (88 800 sold in first six months), M4 crossover (58 700 sold) and C30 compact sedan (71 400).

The Steed 6 has been positioned as a premium-segment vehicle aimed at upmarket, leisure-oriented shoppers in the double-cab market.

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