The GWM H5 was launched locally towards the end of 2011 and offered a more affordable alternative in the segment. While the model is no longer sold as a new vehicle, a few used GWM H5 examples can be found on AutoTrader. In fact, if you were to visit the GWM website, you won't find any SUV offerings, just pickups.
Currently, if you are in the market for a new Chinese developed and built SUV, you would have to look towards the GWM subsidiary, Haval. But before you go and do more research on the Haval products, here are the top three things you need to know about the GWM H5.
1. Drivetrain
The GWM H5 is offered with either a 2.0-litre, turbocharged, 4-cylinder diesel motor or a 2.4-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine. The latter produces 100 kW and 200 Nm of torque which can be sent to either two or all four wheels, depending on the derivative, via a 5-speed manual gearbox. The diesel-powered variants similarly are available in either two-wheel-drive or 4X4 configurations.
The diesel offerings, however, develops 110 kW and 310 Nm of torque coupled to a 6-speed manual gearbox. A 5-speed automatic transmission was also exclusively available with the diesel-powered derivatives.
2. Safety
The GWM H5 range comes standard with ABS brakes and electronic brake-force distribution. Both the driver and front passenger benefit from airbags while at the rear ISOFIX mounting points feature. During an Australian ANCAP crash test in 2010, the GWM H5 scored an impressive 4-star safety rating, placing it towards the top of the segment at the time.
3. Comfort and convenience
Purely due to its size, both the front and rear occupants of the GWM H5 benefits from ample legroom all while behind the second row a large luggage compartment features. In terms of comfort items, the H5 offers customers a pollen filtering air-conditioning system, automatic lights, electric windows, electric exterior mirrors and rain-sensing wipers as standard specification.
The driver further benefits from an electrically operated seat, power steering and front and rear park distance control with a reverse camera. To finish it off, centrally fitted is a radio compatible with CD, DVD and MP3 which can be operated from the steering wheel controls.
