Top 5 things you need to know about the GWM Steed 6

I'll be honest — the last time I drove a GWM Steed was probably about 9 years ago. Since then, the GWM brand has improved and expanded in leaps and bounds, and when I first laid eyes on the GWM Steed 6, the brand's flagship bakkie, I was truly impressed by how attractive it looked. Even more attractive is its price tag:

GWM Steed 6 2,0-litre VGT SX                              R294 900
GWM Steed 6 2,0-litre VGT Xscape                        R319 900

There you have it: The Steed 6 is a much more affordable double-cab alternative to the big brand names, but why should you consider it? Let's find out.

 

1. It looks the part 

The large chrome grille, swept-up headlamps and neat fog lamp integration work together nicely for a contemporary and elegant-looking front-end. Xscape models have added side steps, a sports bar, and roof rails for a more rugged appearance. Room in the back isn't overly generous and the rear doors don't open very wide, but two kids / young adults will be quite content on the rear seats.

Related: GWM Steed 6 vs. JAC T6 vs. JMC Vigus - Which one is the best value for money?

 

2. It's luxurious for the amount of money you're paying

Being the flagship of the Steed range, the Steed 6 is equipped with all the mod-cons that leisure lovers require from their bakkies, although the cheaper model lacks a few features.

The entry-level SX is fitted with ABS brakes, two airbags, climate control, radio/CD/MP3 player, (with four speakers), Bluetooth connectivity, AUX/USB ports, a multi-function steering wheel, trip computer, central locking, rear park distance control, headlamps (with LED daytime running lights), fog lamps in the front and rear, 16-inch alloys, and an Eaton rear differential lock to get you out of sticky situations. No 4x4 versions are offered in the Steed 6 range.

The Steed 6 Xscape offers a few more features for the price premium: Full (synthetic) leather upholstery, six airbags, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, self-levelling automatic headlamps, hill-start assist, and ESP (electronic stability control, by Bosch) are standard. Other equipment includes a tyre pressure sensor, an auto-dim interior mirror, electrically adjustable side mirrors, and electric seat adjustment for the driver.

Both models have ISOfix child seat fittings on the outer rear seats.

 

3. Only one diesel engine is on offer, but it's decent enough

The Steed 6 is powered by a 2.0-litre VGT turbodiesel engine with 105kW and 305Nm, similar to the output figures of the 2.5-litre Isuzu D-MAX. Fuel consumption is rated at 8.8 litres per 100 km by GWM, but we expect a figure that's closer to 10 litres per 100 km. This engine is no firecracker, but it gets the job done, and towing capacity is rated at 750 kg (unbraked) and 1900kg (braked). Ground clearance is 188 mm and the Steed 6's fuel tank capacity is a generous 70 litres.

 

4. You'll easily find a buyer for it

Given its popularity in the budget bakkie segment of the market, similarly money-savvy buyers will jump at the chance to buy a Steed in a decent condition. At auctions, the Steed retained an average of 54% of its original price. Not the most, we know, but the most you will get for one of the less-established brands.

 

5. The GWM Steed 6 has a 5-year / 100 000 km warranty and roadside assistance is included

AA Fleet Care will sort out stranded GWM customers by offering certain towing and basic on-site repair services. As per the GWM SA website, these services include:

• Changing of flat tyres
• Provision of fuel to a maximum of five litres
• Jump-start — Limited to two call-outs per year, any calls over and above the limit will be for your account
• Mobile battery replacements (for the insured's account)
• Key lockout service. The costs of the assistance will be covered by the AA to a maximum of R300, with the balance of the costs for your account.
• Minor roadside running repairs like electrical, coil, immobilizer, battery and related breakdowns
• Towing. In the event of a breakdown of the covered vehicle, the AA will arrange for the towing of the vehicle to the nearest GWM-approved dealer

A three-year / 45 000 km service plan is also included in the Steed 6's price. (Service every 10 000 km.) 

 

Source: GWM SA

 

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