We've seen some dreadful cars and bakkies reach South Africa since the Chinese flood gates opened but also some half-decent ones. The new GWM Florid is the best we've come across.
It's the first car from Great Wall Motors, a company better-known for its one-ton bakkies and SUV's, and comes in just one 1500cc petrol Super-Lux version for R109 990, which includes a three-year or 100 000km warranty.
Like all Chinese imports, it sells on a value-for-money ticket and comes stacked with features at a price far lower than any equivalently powered and specced product from the Japanese, Korean or Europe establishment.
As with GWM's Isuzu/Toyota-based bakkies, the Florid uses borrowed technology, and this hatchback is an unashamed Yaris rip-off. I'm surprised Toyota hasn't sued for copyright infringement.
However, beneath those Yaris-like curves, is a car of substance with more finesse, solidity and driving dynamics than any other Chinese import we've yet driven.
Paint and body finishes are neat, as is the cabin with a way more classy fascia than, say, a Chana Benni. The one sign of Chinese-ness is the (optional) leather seats with their untidy fit and stitching.
That said, the Florid feels pretty solid, with no fascia rattles, although a mysterious clatter emanated from the test car's boot area when driving over bumps.
Good torsional rigidity reveals itself in nimble and predictable handling as the Chinese hatch briskly scoots through corners. It's choppy over bumps (like many a short-wheelbase car) but overall the ride quality's not uncomfortable.
The Toyota-cloning extends right to the Florid's variable valve-timing engine technology, although unfortunately this is an area where its bark is worse than its bite; the 1.5-litre engine is a little underpowered. Its 77kW/138Nm outputs promises half-respectable liveliness but the car takes a pedestrian 14.8sec to reach 100km/h at altitude.
Overtaking acceleration's also lazy; it takes vigorous revving to develop decent momentum although, once up to speed, the Florid doesn't battle to cruise at the national speed limit. The engine's quite vocal but not unrefined.
TOP-NOTCH SPEC FOR THE MONEY
The Chinese car still lags behind its more expensive rivals in the feel and user-friendliness of its controls; its five-speed gearshift is quite sticky and the brake pedal feels numb.
Standard trim includes aircon, a radio/CD/MP3 player with steering wheel controls, remote-controlled central locking, power windows and mirrors, alloy rims and even rear parking sensors.
Safety spec includes two front crash bags and anti-lock brakes with electronic brake-pressure distribution. Really top-notch spec for the money.
Pity the comforts don't extend to height-adjustable seats; I always felt I was perched too high. The steering column is height-adjustable but I was still unable to find a seating position that felt just right.
The back seat's too cramped for adults but spacious enough for young children; I can see the Florid playing a mom's taxi role. The tiny boot doesn't fare too well (even though it's equipped with a mini spare) but there's plenty of storage for oddments in the cabin.
VERDICT
What to buy: a second-hand Yaris/Polo/Fiesta/Swift/i20 or a new Florid? Tough question. The little Florid shows the Chinese are fast learners and upping their game while the GWM brand has so far proved the best of a generally dodgy Chinese onslaught.
It still has some way to catch up but it's good enough to warrant going to a GWM showroom and asking for a test drive. You might be pleasantly surprised. - INL Motoring