Great Wall Motors and Pupkewitz GWM bring you the Steed 5 Double Cab two-litre VGT and this week Speed takes a much closer look at the 2x4 version, which retails at around N$225 000 in the capital.

Even with its competitive pricing the Steed 5 does not skip on the trimmings. The model that Speed took for a drive to the outskirts of Windhoek came standard with a solid radio CD player and air-conditioning. According to its manufacturers, the Steed 5 double-cab brings a newly-refined design to the party, along with its value-for-money standard features. They also claim that it is kitted out with all the features to make great distances of dirt-road just fly by.

Of note amongst the more affordable double-cabs on offer these days the Steed 5 is really spacious inside, featuring plenty of leg-room and head-room. The feeling of quality in the finishing is reinforced by the steering-wheel mounted radio and CD player controls. The height of the headlamp and also the interior display illumination are both fully adjustable through manipulation of two dials mounted under the dash-display, just right of the steering-column.

Although the Steed 5 is typically Spartan, it is a well-equipped work-horse, even carrying a standard fire-extinguisher right behind the driver and next to the rear-seat. Its practical versatility is complimented by its rugged good looks and this double cab definitely can make a few heads turn, usually upward, because the Steed 5 driver generally sits a good few centimeters above the rest of the traffic. The revamped grille in front echoes the big car’s robust masculine contours. Other nice touches include the chrome finishing on the door handles, as well as the convenient drainage holes in the double insulated load bay.

Getting down to the driving experience the Steed 5 is quick to show its indomitable heart. The six-gear synchronized manual transmission allows for easy manipulation of the 110kW power that this two litre diesel engine can kick out. A maximum of 310Nm of torque from its four-cylinder in-line common rail direct injection-engine is more than sufficient to pull away in second gear, or tackle the steepest uphill gradient with competent ease.

GWM says its independently-designed 4D20 diesel engine unleashes more power, fewer emissions and less noise, while also meeting EURO 4 emission standards. Front-mounted intercooler and a 70-litre tank ensure that the Steed 5 can take on the long road with cool, composed ease.

The power-steering rack and pinion system, along with the disk and drum brake combination at the front and rear, enable the driver to handle the Steed 5 with ease when operating the rear-wheel driven vehicle.

The vehicle comes standard with ABS, EBD, dual front airbags and front fog lamps, as well as remote control central locking. Ground clearance than 20cm makes it simple for this double cab to drive right over most road obstacles. Front and rear mud flaps on the 16-inch alloy wheels show that the Steed 5 designers anticipated more than a little off-road action.