After years of building momentum with affordable and reliable bakkies, Stucky Motors Eswatini has launched the GWM P300 and P500, bringing some of the brand’s most advanced features to local drivers. The new models build on the strong foundation laid by the Steed 5 and the previous generation P-Series, which helped GWM gain a loyal local customer base.
According to Lethuthando Dlamini, Sales Executive at Stucky Motors Eswatini, the success of GWM in Eswatini was built on years of understanding what the market truly values.
“It all started with the Steed,” Dlamini told Inside Biz. “That model proved that GWM could deliver strength, reliability, and comfort in one affordable package and challenge the legacy brands in the process. The Steed gave people confidence in the brand, and from there we built a following that made the P300 and P500 not just possible, but a necessity.”
Evolution: Building a Value Workhorse
“Before we introduced the previous generation P-Series, we looked at the public’s reaction to the Steed, which was and still is the launch range of pickup trucks produced by GWM,” said Dlamini. “The Steed 5 has received facelifts and is still on sale at our Manzini showroom due to ongoing demand.”
Currently available in a robust single cab derivative, the Steed is great for businesses and private consumers alike. “I’m sure you’ve seen a few Steeds used as fleet vehicles for brands like Jenny Internet,” Dlamini added.
With 110kW of pure power and 320Nm of just torque, the STEED 5’s 2.0T diesel engine is built with the efficiency, acceleration and responsiveness you’ve come to expect from a mighty workhorse. Power is fed through a 6-speed manual transmission, delivered to a sturdy 4×2 drivetrain that is satisfying to drive, whether it’s to the campsite or the worksite.
In 2020, the first-generation P-Series brought fresh appeal…
The GWM P-Series was first launched in December 2020 and immediately captured hearts with its exceptional technology, build quality, and unbeatable value for money.
In its debut iteration, GWM offered the P-Series in a durable, commercial single and double cab range that blended rugged utility and unbeatable comfort features.
The range topping passenger double cab options on offer added SUV-like comfort with 7 airbags, lane assist, and a ZF 8-speed transmission coupled to a reliable 120Kw 2.O litre turbo diesel powerplant. The affordable, yet luxurious GWM P-Series made strong impressions in the regional “bakkie” market and arguable set the tone for the growing acceptance of Chinese brand bakkie’s.
Eswatini Ready for the Upgrade
While the first P-Series made successful inroads, Dlamini acknowledges that competition from legacy brands limited its initial share. However, GWM’s improvements in pricing, comfort, and technology helped it gain more traction locally.
“In Eswatini, people don’t want just stripped-down base models,” she said. “They want full features, smart interiors, and durability, but at a price that won’t bury them in debt, and GWM delivers that.”
This confidence led to the launch of the refreshed P-Series lineup, including the P300 and the flagship P500 HEV, which was awarded South Africa’s 2024 Bakkie of the Year at the NAMPO Cape exhibition in September. This marked the first time a hybrid vehicle, and the first Chinese manufacturer, claimed such a coveted title. It won both the 161–200 kW category and the overall championship, excelling in 4×4 performance, off-road capability, towing, and driving dynamics.
Since acquiring the GWM dealership licence, Stucky Motors Eswatini has expanded the brand’s presence in Eswatini and aligned to GWM’s global “One GWM” brand strategy – a transformation that merges its previously separate brands into a single global brand identity. Under the unified GWM banner locals can enjoy the experiences HAVAL, GWM P-Series and the rugged TANK models, whilst benefitting from improved reliable service, brand trust, and strong aftersales support.
“We have always listened to what customers want. They want options, but they also want peace of mind,” Dlamini said. “We’re excited about the future with the P300 and P500.”
Stucky Debuts the P300: A Smarter Bakkie
The latest version of the GWM P-Series was launched earlier this year with its new “P300″ nameplate and signified major upgrades in performance, design, and tech.
Powered by a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine, delivering 135kW and 480Nm of torque and paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, the P300 has a 3.5-tonne towing capacity and advanced 4WD features like Electronic Differential Locks, Crawl Control, and Off-Road Expert Mode.
Safety features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane-Keeping Assist, and Autonomous Emergency Braking. Inside, the P300 offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 7-inch digital cluster, heated leather seats, paddle shifters, auto air-conditioning, keyless entry, and a 360° panoramic camera. Other features include a tailgate step and an optional sunroof.
Whether it’s hauling heavy loads or conquering rugged terrains, the competitively priced P300 brings power and refinement together like no other.
The P500 introduces local drivers to Hybrid Power and Premium Comfort
GWM’s P500 offers the ultimate combination of performance and luxury. Powered by the same trusted 2.4l turbo-diesel unit delivering performance in the P300 or via the optional, technologically advance hybrid powertrain, combining a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine with a 78kW electric motor, delivering 255kW and 648Nm of torque, the advanced P500 is capable of towing up to 3,500kg and tackle any terrain thrown at it.
Key features of the P500 include: 4H/4L drive modes, front and rear electronically controlled differential locks, 14.6-inch infotainment system (Ultra Luxury spec), Harman Infinity™ sound system, panoramic sunroof, ventilated leather seats, auto-dimming mirrors, electrically operated rear sliding window, and 40:60 split tailgate.
With advanced tech and luxury features, the P500 is positioned as both a high-performance bakkie and a premium SUV alternative.
Affordable Innovation
“One of GWM’s greatest strengths has been offering premium features at accessible prices,” said Dlamini. “The P300 and P500 stay true to that principle, and judging by the South African market, the local reception to the new vehicles has been very impressive”.
With pricing for the P300 starting at a competitive E699 900* and E799 900* for the P500, Stucky Motors Eswatini welcomes customers to come and discover their ground breaking vehicles.
*Pricing Subject to Change (T&Cs Apply – E&EO)