GWM South Africa has released a more upmarket and refined version of its popular Steed 5. Called the Steed 5E, the bakkie has received a whole bunch of tweaks in order to make it a more sophisticated leisure vehicle. Special attention was paid in particular to lowering noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) levels.
What has been changed? Well, the roof-mounted aerial has been removed, and is now integrated into the windscreen. Quieter and more effective windscreen wipers have also been adopted. The side indicators have been incorporated into the rear-view mirror housings as well, and extra sound-insulation material have been used to isolate the cabin. The rear seat cushions have been revised to improve long-distance comfort.
The cabin of the Steed 5 has received a major makeover, and there is a new instrumentation panel and modernised centre console layout with new audio and climate control interfaces. Piano-black trim is used throughout and leather inserts are used on the door panels.
Like the Steed 6, the Steed 5E is offered in two trim levels: SX and Xscape. The SX offers climate control, radio/CD with USB support, dual front airbags, ABS/EBD and 16-inch alloy wheels as standard. The Xscape adds leather upholstery, a touch-screen media system with Bluetooth, a rear diff lock, side steps, roll bar and tyre pressure monitoring system.
The engine line-up consists of a 2,4-litre petrol unit that develops 93 kW and 200 Nm of torque, and GWM’s 2,0-litre VGT turbodiesel (105 kW and 305 Nm). A four-wheel-drive version of the 2,0-litre VGT Xscape will apparently join the local line-up in the very near future.
PRICES
Steed 5E 2,4 SX R229 900
Steed 5E 2,4 Xscape R244 900
Steed 5E 2,0VGT SX R259 900
Steed 5E 2,0VGT Xscape R274 900
*No 4×4 models available at present. 4WD model will arrive later in the year.
