Chinese automaker GWM is raising the bar in the competitive bakkie market with the introduction of a new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo diesel engine, which has been confirmed for the South African market.
The new powertrain was unveiled in Australia this week and is set to become one of the strongest non-hybrid diesel engines in its class, delivering impressive performance figures that surpass several established rivals.
The new engine produces 170kW of power and 620Nm of torque, representing a significant improvement over GWM’s current 2.4-litre turbo diesel, which generates 135kW and 480Nm.
The upgraded engine is paired with GWM’s in-house developed nine-speed automatic transmission, designed to improve both performance and driving efficiency.
Its output also places it ahead of several popular competitors, including the Toyota Hilux 2.8 GD-6 and Isuzu D-Max 3.0, while even delivering more torque than the Ford Ranger 3.0-litre V6 diesel.
In Australia, the new engine will be introduced in the Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha—known locally in South Africa as the P500—from September.
At this stage, GWM has not indicated whether the engine will be offered in additional models.
GWM South Africa has confirmed that the new 3.0-litre turbo diesel engine will be launched locally, although the company has not announced when it will arrive or which models will receive it first.
The manufacturer also said it is too early to confirm whether the new engine will replace the existing 2.4-litre diesel or be offered alongside it.
Pricing and the final local model lineup are expected to be announced closer to the vehicle’s South African launch.
The arrival of the new engine signals GWM’s intention to compete more aggressively in South Africa’s highly competitive bakkie segment, where performance, towing capability and durability remain key purchasing factors.
With class-leading torque and a substantial power increase, the new powertrain is expected to strengthen GWM’s position against long-established rivals and provide buyers with another high-performance diesel option when it reaches local showrooms.
Main Image: GWM
