So… 2000km update.
This weekend we did a very impromptu trip to Maltahöhe to go see the Sandhoff Lillies. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1824842 ... tid=S66gvF)
Left Swakopmund at 0630 and for the first 100km inland, we are driving in strong rain. Now, if you have ever driven on Namibian Salt Roads when they are wet, they are effectively a mixture of mud, snot and grease.
So, as mentioned the Wuhan Warrior has a Borg-Warner Torque on Demand system, which basically sends torque to the front as and when needed. And the system works VERY well! 80km/h on those wet muddy roads and the Bakkie stayed straight and true. I tried getting the ass to rotate, and it would correct itself almost instantly. Very confidence inspiring.
Same story on gravel, in corners it grips nicely and doesn’t allow any shenanigans, or sideways tomfoolery. I think in combination with those Radar Tires, it’s probably the nicest handling Bakkie on gravel I’ve driven. Won’t hold a candle to the Disco 2, but it’s not too far off either.
The suspension is… bouncy. About 75% of the roads were freshly graded, so doing 90km/h felt like driving on tar… but the other 25% were a fairly bouncy affair. Yes, I know it’s a Bakkie… just not used to it after nearly 10 years in SUV’s. Suspension is firm so the Zinkplaats make themselves known. The Road between Rostock Ritz, through Gaub and Kuiseb Canyon was bad. From Kuiseb to the Salt Road was even worse. Car bounced around quite violently, and we had to reduce speed down to 40-60km/h. Definitely needs some suspension work… soon. Seats were comfortable though, and definitely made up for a lot of bounce…
What really annoyed me was the traction control… it was definitely designed by a millennial, because it’s extremely sensitive. Acceleration out of corners, or when cresting a hill will see the TC intervene and cut all power, and continue to cut power until you let off the throttle. Longest stint I did with TC intervention was about 15s, on relatively smooth gravel… and deactivating it doesn’t work… it stays off for about 30s and then kicks back on… really annoying.
Another “issue” I’ve noticed, was the gearbox. I praised it earlier, and on tar at highway speeds it is sublime. On gravel, at speeds of 80-100km/h, it seemed confused. It constantly wants to be in 8th, even if that means pottering about at 1250rpm. Slightest incline, bump, or bit of sand and it would start hunting between 6th, 7th and 8th. You feel it change gear, stay in lower gear for a beat and then back to 8th. And repeat. Solved it by sticking it in sport and it happily stayed in 7th, jumping into 8th only on flat sections. Not an issue per se, just an observation.
At average speed of 88km/h, over the 1000km we drove, the Bakkie did about 11l/100km. Very happy with that. Never felt like it was underpowered.
Finally, the GWM seems to attract a lot of attention. Everywhere we stopped, we had people come up and ask for impressions, opinions or to come have a look. While there are quite a few on the road, not that many are used off-road, I’m assuming. And the Remote Start Gimmick really gets people excited.
We are off to Costa Rica and Mexico for a month. When I’m back, I’m going to start tackling the dual battery system and fridge slide build out. Have an idea (and a very capable auto-elechicken on hand), so will work on this when I’m back.
