GWM M4 Mini SUV - In-Depth Review, Pricing and Specs

Great Wall Motors have certainly persevered and relatively successfully embedded the brand in the South African market. While the company is probably better known for its range of bakkies, the Chinese brand is looking to participate in a very different segment of the market, with the new M4.

Read a full review of the GWM M4 here

Not to be confused with the German speed demon of the same name, the GWM M4 is a compact passenger vehicle, which you could best describe as a mini SUV or perhaps compact crossover.

The approach is to keep things simple, mechanically at least, with a 1.5-litre non-turbo petrol engine, closely related to the Toyota engine of the same size. Power is sent through a 5-speed manual gearbox to the front wheels.

The drivetrain is sufficient if perhaps a little strained at highway speeds. However, where the M4 excels is build quality. The cabin is well built, well specced and solid, however the interior is let down by an awkward driving position – the steering wheel sits very low and the adjustment thereof is limited.

In terms of looks, the M4 is bold and quite attractive, although personally I’m not a huge fan of the chrome elements added for this facelift model.

If GWM can survive the current exchange rate fluctuations and keep the purchase price of this model in a reasonable zone, coupled with the impressive warranty for this segment of the market, I think the M4 has some potential to win a few new buyers over to the brand.

2015 GWM M4 Specs and Details