Made in China. That looks familiar, doesn't it? We see it on everything, everywhere, and it's been there for so long we hardly notice anymore. But somehow, Chinese cars just haven't cracked the nod. We spent time with the GWM Steed 5 double cab bakkie to see how far the Chinese have come - and discovered incredible value that challenges our preconceptions.
Design and Exterior
The GWM Steed 5 presents a honest, workmanlike appearance that prioritizes function over flash. While it may not win any beauty contests, the design is clean and purposeful, clearly influenced by successful bakkie formulas from established manufacturers.
The proportions are well-balanced for a double cab, and the Steed doesn't try to disguise its utilitarian nature with unnecessary styling flourishes. The front end is straightforward and practical, while the side profile shows good integration between the cab and loading bay.
Chrome accents are used sparingly, and the overall appearance suggests a vehicle designed for work rather than weekend posing. It's an honest design that reflects the Steed's value-oriented positioning in the South African bakkie market.
Interior and Comfort
Step inside, and you'll find an interior that exceeds expectations for the price point. Interestingly enough, leather seats come as standard - a pleasant surprise that adds an upmarket feel to the cabin. However, this might not be super durable in the world of farming or when the Steed has to spend its life as an industrial workhorse.
The Chinese have wasted no space and filled no void with unnecessary clutter. The dashboard layout is functional if not particularly stylish, with controls positioned logically for easy access. Build quality feels solid, though some materials betray the budget-conscious approach.
There is lots of space - in the front, in the middle, and in the back. It feels roomy and is genuinely spacious throughout. This efficient use of space is one of the Steed's best features, providing genuine comfort for occupants.
Technology and Equipment
As expected for a work-oriented vehicle, there isn't much in the way of high-tech gadgetry in the Steed. You get a radio where you can play CDs and connect external devices, but don't expect the latest infotainment features found in more expensive alternatives.
The lack of technology isn't uncommon in workhorses like the Steed 5. They're designed and built to work hard, so leaving out toys and gadgets does make sense from both a cost and durability perspective. If you want a vehicle with lots of gadgets, perhaps an SUV or MPV would be better suited to your needs.
What the Steed does offer are the essentials: air conditioning, power steering, and basic convenience features that make daily use pleasant without unnecessary complexity.
Engine and Performance
The Steed is a bakkie, and as such it's almost compulsory to have a diesel engine. The diesel unit provides adequate power for most bakkie duties, though it won't win any performance awards. Power delivery is smooth and predictable, suited to the vehicle's intended role.
For urban driving and light commercial use, the engine provides sufficient performance. It handles highway cruising competently and offers reasonable fuel economy for a vehicle of this size and capability.
The engine note is typical of diesel workhorses - functional rather than particularly refined, but appropriate for the vehicle's character and intended use.
Ride and Handling
The ride quality isn't too bad, especially considering the Steed's focus on load-carrying capability. Used as an urban runabout, the Steed handles normal car duties without difficulty. Being a double cab bakkie, you can easily load the kids in the back and handle school run duties.
Handling is predictable if not particularly engaging. The steering is adequate for the vehicle's size and weight, making it manageable in various driving situations. For a vehicle designed primarily for utility, the Steed acquits itself well in daily driving scenarios.
The suspension setup provides a reasonable compromise between load-carrying capability and passenger comfort, though loaded and unloaded characteristics differ significantly as expected in this segment.
Practicality and Space
Leg room in the back row of seats is ample, and you'll easily accommodate several adults or agricultural cargo as needed. The Chinese have maximized interior space efficiency, creating one of the most spacious cabins in this price range.
The loading bay at the back is quite large for a double cab, so you're not losing loading capacity in favor of passenger accommodation. This balance between people and cargo space is crucial for bakkie buyers and represents a significant advantage.
Storage solutions throughout the cabin help maximize utility, with practical touches that show understanding of how these vehicles are actually used in South African conditions.
Value Proposition
After a week with the Steed 5, inevitable comparisons arose with the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok. The Amarok and Hilux are undoubtedly better bakkies - the Hilux has a long history and pedigree of being tough and reliable, while the Amarok takes honors in the luxury department.
However, there's a R200,000 price difference between the Steed and the Amarok, with the Hilux costing at least R100,000 more than the Steed. This raises a crucial question: is the competition better? Certainly. Is the competition R100,000 or R200,000 better? That's less certain.
The GWM Steed 5 represents incredible value at its R240,000 price point. For buyers prioritizing value over prestige, the Steed offers legitimate bakkie capability at a fraction of the cost of established alternatives.
Ownership and Running Costs
Running costs should be reasonable given the simple mechanical layout and growing dealer network. Parts availability may be a concern compared to established brands, but GWM's expanding presence in South Africa suggests this will improve over time.
For commercial users who prioritize total cost of ownership over resale value, the Steed's value proposition becomes even more compelling. Extended warranty protection can provide additional peace of mind for buyers concerned about long-term reliability.
Warranty and Peace of Mind
The GWM Steed 5 comes with competitive warranty coverage for its segment, though buyers may want additional protection given the relative newness of the brand in South Africa. Extended car warranty options can provide valuable coverage beyond the factory warranty period.
For commercial users who depend on their bakkie for income generation, comprehensive warranty protection covering major mechanical components offers valuable security. This is particularly important for buyers choosing value brands without extensive local service histories.
Quality vehicle warranty coverage becomes crucial when considering that downtime costs money for commercial operators. Motor vehicle warranty plans that include coverage for diesel engines and drivetrain components provide peace of mind for work-focused buyers.
Future Prospects
There are a few things the Chinese need to address, and the Steed 6 is reportedly on its way. The current Steed is already very good value for a R240,000 bakkie. If the Steed 6 can maintain its value proposition while improving in key areas, the Hilux and Amarok could face serious competition.
Chinese automotive manufacturing has advanced significantly, and the quality gap with established brands continues to narrow. The Steed 5 represents an important step in this evolution, offering genuine utility at unprecedented prices.
For buyers willing to take a chance on a newer brand in exchange for substantial savings, the Steed presents a compelling opportunity to enter the bakkie market without the traditional financial barriers.
Final Verdict
The GWM Steed 5 challenges preconceptions about Chinese automotive quality while delivering extraordinary value in the bakkie segment. It's not perfect, and it's not as refined as German or Japanese alternatives, but it offers genuine utility at a price that opens bakkie ownership to entirely new market segments.
For commercial buyers, farmers, or anyone needing bakkie capability without premium pricing, the Steed deserves serious consideration. The savings over established alternatives are substantial enough to overlook some rough edges.
Yes, the Hilux and Amarok are better vehicles in most objective measures. But they're not R100,000-200,000 better for buyers prioritizing value over prestige. The Steed offers a legitimate entry point into bakkie ownership that simply didn't exist before.
In a market where established brands continue pushing prices upward, the Steed 5 represents democratic access to bakkie utility. It's not the best bakkie money can buy, but it might be the best bakkie your money can buy.
For South African buyers willing to embrace change and prioritize value, the GWM Steed 5 offers an interesting alternative that deserves consideration. Chinese automotive manufacturing has come far enough to produce vehicles that work, even if they haven't yet achieved the refinement of established competitors.
*About the Title - what exactly is 'Chi'? It's a Chinese unit of length or 'Chinese Foot'. Apt for a bakkie that has ample space, neh!