Comparison: Isuzu KB vs GWM Steed 5E

The bakkie market is one of the most competitive in Southern Africa. I can understand why, bakkies tick most of the boxes in terms of workhorse capability, offroad ability and there’s a nice lifestyle outdoors element thrown in. The market has been dominated by the likes of the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Nissan Navara, Volkswagen Amarok and Isuzu KB series. All of these bakkies are good in their own way and there’s a good chance that regardless of what you buy, you will be satisfied with your purchase. However, we’re in a period where the Chinese have got their act together and are starting to produce products that should have the established brands a tad worried based on pricing alone. I can recall driving my first Great Wall Motors, GoNow, Foton and JMC bakkies back in 2010, and despite some serious flaws, I could see the potential. Fast forward to 2015 and Great Wall Motors could be considered the strongest Chinese brand in South Africa. Its Steed, now in versions 5E and 6, is proving reasonably popular.

Acid Test

How about throwing the Steed 5E into the deep-end by putting it head to head against the locally-built Isuzu KB300 double cab? Pictured here is the KB300 Dteq 4×4. Looks-wise, there’s not much in it, and GWM benefits from plenty of European and American designers that were head-hunted by the brand. Servicing is an issue which many have raised. 'Can we trust Chinese vehicles?' is a question I'm often asked. The answer is a simple yes. GWM is unlikely to pack up overnight. The Steed 5E comes with a 5 year/100 000km warranty and a 10 year Waxoyl Corrosion Warranty. Servicing plans are optional and this is a 5 year/60 000km service plan. It's interesting to note the single-cab GWMs have a 3 year/100 000km warranty. The Isuzu on the other hand, comes with a 5 year/120 000km warranty & roadside assistance, 5 year/unlimited km anti-corrosion warranty, 5 year/90 000km service plan with services every 15 000km.

Engines

Powering the Isuzu is a powerful 3.0 turbo diesel motor with 130 kW and 380 Nm, while the GWM Steed 5E gets by with 2.0-litre turbo diesel motor with 105 kW and 305 Nm. While there's one litre difference in capacity between the two, both engines feel a little similar although the true test would be evaluating performance with the load bay full of cargo. Isuzu claims 7.9L/100km as a fuel consumption average, while GWM claims a surprising 8.3L/100km figure. Advantage to the Isuzu then.

Cabin and features

The interior of the GWM Steed 5E is vastly improved when compared to its predecessors. The older version was a dreary place to be, with function taking priority over form. Having had a sneak peek into the interior of a Steed 6, I can tell you that’s even better. Leather upholstery is standard, which is a pleasant surprise. The Chinese have kitted out the Steed 5E well and it features nice things like climate control, power steering, steering wheel controls, tyre pressure sensors, Bluetooth connectivity, aux input, USB input, SD card support, electric windows all round, fog lamps both front and back as well as safety features in the form of two airbags and ABS with EBD. The GWM also features an automatic mechanical locking diff which deactivates above 30kph. Its a useful thing to have when you're bundu bashing. The Isuzu KB has to be well equipped to justify its price tag, and it is. Cruise control, multi function steering wheel, trip computer, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control, aux input, USB input, front fog lights and one of the more practical things: rear parking sensors. Leather is an option, and the Isuzu comes standard with cloth upholstery. I also noted that the Isuzu KB has the slightly larger load bay.

Isuzu KB300 vs GWM Steed 5E – Verdict and Summary

While it’s much of a muchness between the two bakkies, the GWM simply blows the Isuzu KB out the water when it comes to price. This particular Isuzu in the photos is the 4×4 version, and that retails for almost R500 000. The GWM Steed 5E 4×2 with automatic rear differential lock sells for R284 900, making it superb value for money for those budget-conscious buyers! So now the question to be asked is, do you go for one of the tried-and-trusted models which are loved, admired and respected in South Africa, or do you go for the relatively unproven newcomer which is substantially cheaper than its competition? After sale service and resale will likely count in favour of the Isuzu, but GWM is arguably the best of the Chinese manufacturers and has a lot going for it. It's a victory for the GWM Steed 5E in my opinion, as the bakkie is on par with its Isuzu rival, but it's an awful lot cheaper. You can check out a detailed comparison between the Isuzu KB 300 and the GWM Steed 5E here.