GWM unleashes a new Tank on local roads
The first product from the brand’s new mud-plugger subsidiary is genuinely gritty and refined, writes Phuti Mpyane
Great Wall Motors has launched its newest product in SA. Known as the Tank 300, it’s introduced in three grades: two Super Luxury models and a lone Ultra luxury variant.
When viewed through the lens of an automotive historian, you might notice styling cues of a few iconic SUVs, notably the Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler. The round headlights with dissections give Ford Bronco vibes.
Tank is GWM’s new wing that builds SUVs for outdoorsy lifestyles and is fitted with the requisite interior grab handles and diff-locks. Larger, more powerful, more capable and more luxurious derivatives are planned for later introduction while funky urbanites who want a hip and butch-looking cruiser are also pursued. The core of goanywhere motoring is mixed with tangible comfort and digital suaveness they will appreciate.
Advances in computer technology begin with a fully digital dashboard where information and functions are accessed via an army of buttons, toggle switches and dials, including a touchscreen display that’s impractically recessed into the dash instead of the modern floating type. It forces you to stretch out more to operate it while seated on quilted and faux leather-wrapped front seats with electric operation.
It’s practical with a useful boot accessed via a swing-door hinged on the side, with plenty of space for four to five passengers. The cabins are well specified and standard items include dual 12.3-inch high-definition LCD screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ambient lighting, charging ports, bluetooth, dual zone climate control, electric windows, automatic windscreen wipers and low and high beams, keyless entry, a start button and a powerful sound system.
Engine-wise, you can have the Tank 300 that’s powered by a 2.0l petrol-turbo motor with 162kW and 380Nm and mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission; and a 4x4 system adjustable between two- and four-wheel drive with lowrange gearing. It has the potential to consume 9.5l/100km, but this model is not on sale yet and will arrive at a later stage.
The model I drove at the launch was the Tank 300 HEV hybrid. It uses the same fourcylinder motor but married to a 78kW electric motor and a ninespeed automatic transmission by contrast. Total system output is 255kW and a robust 648Nm.
It’s equipped with a permanent all-wheel drive (AWD) system and similar off-road driving accoutrements as the non-electrified model. These include a terrain response system and offroad cruise control. GWM claims fuel consumption of 8.4l/100km on average for this model but the car’s computer displayed a much higher 12.3l/ 100km on the open road sections. It has a supremely refined and wafting drive quality.
As a hybrid off-roader it’s the first of its kind on sale in SA and it exploits this drivetrain for superb mountaineering capability. It used its 18-inch standard fitment wheels and 33°/23.1°/34° approach/ramp/departure angles and 224mm of ground clearance and surround view cameras to claw its way up and down steep ravines. It’s rated with 700mm of wading capability and multiple towing and recovery hooks are also fitted directly to the chassis.
The list of safety systems is comprehensive and includes brake assist, anti-slip regulation and traction control, roll movement intervention, automatic emergency braking, front collision warning, lane-keep assistance, traffic jam assistance, driver fatigue monitoring, emergency braking signal and second collision mitigation.
The first drive verdict is of a rugged and good-looking vehicle that’s fit for most situations. Nothing felt coarse or crude and it’s not a jiggly, unsettled ride on the road, while electronic driver assistance systems such as active cruise control and lanekeeping assistance worked without a glitch.
All Tank 300 models are sold with a seven-year/200,000km warranty and a five-year/ 75,000km service plan. The HEV model has an additional eight-year/150,000km warranty for the high-voltage system and vehicle battery.
Pricing
● Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4x4 Super Luxury — R725,950
● Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4x4 Ultra Luxury — R775,950
● Tank 300 2.0T 9AT 4x4 Super Luxury Hybrid — R851,950
THE FIRST DRIVE VERDICT IS OF A RUGGED AND GOOD-LOOKING VEHICLE THAT’S FIT FOR MOST SITUATIONS