Plug-in hybrid GWM P300 priced as new flagship derivative

Combining a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack, the P300 Hi4-T has a claimed all-electric range of 115 km. Confirmed for South Africa at the Kyalami Festival of Motoring in August, Great Wall Motors (GWM) has announced price and specification details of the plug-in hybrid P300 bakkie. Available in a single double cab four-wheel drive variant under the Hi4-T banner, the officially titled P300 Hi4-T Pioneer also becomes the new flagship P300 derivative as it usurps the off-road attired LTD. External changes Devised as an almost sporty variant, the Pioneer has been aesthetically revised to differentiate itself from the rest of the P300 line-up. Unique to it, therefore, is a black grille, gloss black wheel arch cladding, darkened head-and-taillight clusters, black mirror caps and door handles and red brake calipers. A sports bar and black 18-inch alloy wheels rounds the exterior off, together with six colour options: white; black; silver; grey; red; blue PHEV replaces diesel Up front resides the Hi4-T’s main attraction in that it combines GWM’s familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 33.1-kWh battery pack powering a single electric motor. Whereas the former makes 180kW/380Nm on its own, the latter develops 130kW/495Nm, which combine to make 310kW/750Nm. Paired to a hybrid specific version of the nine-speed automatic gearbox, with drive going to all four wheels, the P300 Hi4-T has a claimed all-electric range of 115 km and a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 6.1 seconds. Mounted within the frame rails of the chassis, the battery pack supports DC charging up to 110 kW and will require a waiting time of 18 minutes from 30-80%. Vehicle-to-load (V2L between four and six kilowatts is also supported, with the system having three driving modes; Hybrid, EV and Intelligent which sets the battery’s state-of-charge to between 30 and 80%. Compared to the diesel-powered P300, the Hi4-T’s ground clearance drops to 200 mm. However, it still has a claimed tow rating of 3 500 kg as well as a low range transfer case and an electronically locking rear differential. Spec Inside, the differences from its sibling are more minor and limited to hybrid readouts and graphics within the 15.6-inch infotainment display and the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Subtle changes have taken place to the interior. Picture: GWM As for specification, the P300 Hi-4T Pioneer’s list of features include: on/off LED headlights; LED fog lamps; folding and heated electric mirrors; rubberised loadbin; side-steps; rain sense wipers; imitation leather upholstery; dual-zone climate control with rear vents; heated, electric and ventilated front seats; push-button start; front and rear armrests; heated multi-function steering wheel; keyless entry; paddle shifters; dual type-A USB ports; wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto; six-speaker sound system; wireless smartphone charging pad; sunroof On the safety and driver assistance front, standard items include: transparent chassis-view camera; tyre pressure monitor; six airbags; front and rear parking sensors; 540-degree camera system; Auto High Beam Assist; Adaptive Cruise Control; Automatic Emergency Braking; Lane Keep Assist; Door Open Alert; Lane Change Assist; Driver Attention Alert; Lane Centering Assist Traffic Jam Assist; Hill Start Assist; Traffic Sign Recognition; Hill Descent Control; Trailer Sway Control; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Reverse Automatic Braking Price Now available, the P300 Hi4-T Pioneer’s price tag includes a seven-year/200 000 km warranty, a seven-year/75 000 km service plan and an eight-year/150 000 km battery warranty. Single cab P300 2.0T SX – R414 950 P300 2.0T SX 4×4 – R471 950 Double cab P300 2.0T SX – R446 950 P300 2.0T SX AT – R489 950 P300 2.0T SX 4×4 – R499 950 P300 2.0T SX 4×4 AT – R537 950 P300 2.4T LS AT – R529 900 P300 2.4T LS 4×4 AT – R579 900 P300 2.4T LT AT – R599 900 P300 2.4T LT 4×4 AT – R649 900 P300 2.4T LTD 4×4 AT – R699 900 P300 Hi4-T Pioneer 4×4 AT – R914 900