The GWM Tank 300 is the only ladder-frame SUV from China with real 4×4 credentials, in-vogue retro design and a whole lot of value in the adventure SUV segment. CAR road test editor Kyle Kock spent two days with it in the Limpopo Bushveld.
Great Wall Motors has been present in our market for almost 17 years, and while its Haval sub-brand has been relatively successful in establishing footprints in South Africa’s ever-growing compact and midsize SUV, the parent company’s been relatively quiet. The exception being the addition of the off-road-ready LTD to the P Series bakkie range last year.
The P Series’ serious off-road proposition did make one thing clear; that this Chinese brand is serious about overlanding capable vehicles. When there were rumours that the boldly named Tank would be launched in South Africa in the first quarter of this year, all eyes eagerly turned to GWM.
GWM will use the Tank 300, which arrived in Mzansi last week, to gauge the local market before thinking of bringing the Tank 500. For the record the Tank 300, with its ladder-frame chassis, is being aimed at the adventure SUV stalwarts such as Toyota’s Fortuner, the Ford Everest, Isuzu Mu-X and Mitsubushi Pajero Sport.
Only the range-topping Tank 300 Hybrid Super Luxury is available immediately, with the Ultra Luxury and base Super Luxury due sometime in March.
Pricing
- Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Super Luxury R725 950 (Available Late Q1)
- Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury R775 950 (Available Late Q1)
- Tank 300 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury R851 950
First impressions count, and the Tank 300 is a head-turner from every angle. In the metal, it looks a little smaller than the models GWM claims it is up against, but the retro styling is a mixed bag of some of the most distinctive 4x4s of the last 30 years. Ford’s Bronco, Suzuki’s Jimny, the Lada Niva and Mercedes-Benz G-Class were all thrown into the pre-launch discussion about the Tank’s looks and I will be the first to admit that I didn’t think it would be this good in the metal, but it drew smiles and inquisitive looks from passers-by.
One of the reasons for the confusion is that the Tank’s logo, in the form of a T over a U, is still an unknown in our market, and if it wasn’t for the GWM badging on the tailgate next to the spare wheel, then most motorists would have been left scratching their heads on our launch drive. Another reason for the admiring glances is that it’s quite obviously intended for series offroad use. The bumper overhangs front and rear are minimal and result in approach and departure angles of 33 and 34 degrees respectively. With a 224 mm ground clearance, GWM also claims that the Tank can wade in water 700 mm deep.
The rugged exterior is in sharp contrast to a modern, luxurious cabin which greets occupants with supple quilted leather upholstery, a variety of soft-touch surfaces, satin silver trim around the air vents and various dials and a few exposed screws for added touches of styling. One of the more impressive aspects of the facia is how well integrated the dual 12.3-inch LCDs are – I’m pleased to report that the Tank features wireless Apple CarPlay and that the software uses the entirety of the central screen, while the screen in front of the driver is left to show other vitals like speed and engine speed, and trip computer. In off-road mode, the instrument screen displays roll angle and climb angles, tyre pressures, vehicle altitude and a compass.
There are twin rotary dials on either flank of the airplane-inspired gear lever. One on the left for the six driving modes, and one on the right to switch between automatic all-wheel drive and low-range mode. The rear differential lock is situated in the dial between the two central air vents (which also houses the front and rear demister, analogue clock and hazard warning lights). Overall, the Tank possesses high levels of perceived quality.
The launch route comprised 500 km of mixed conditions. The Tank immediately impressed as the convoy left the Cradle of Humankind in the direction of De Wildt 4×4 Nature Park and Resort. The doors close with a reassuring and heavy thud and the 2,0-litre turbo-petrol is barely noticeable thanks to obvious high levels of insulative materials. To this end, even the windows are double glazed and there are little to no rattles and squeaks to report, even when we started traversing rougher terrain.
With axle twisters and 29-degree gradients thrown at it, the Tank barely broke a sweat, and the driver is even able to adjust the climbing speed via the cruise control dials to avoid unnecessary jerking even when the throttle foot is unstable.
Unfortunately, the Tank isn’t perfect and despite this model being the range-topping Hybrid Super Lux, the trip computer showed an average exceeding 13 L/100 km. It’s hardly a surprise given that this model boasts peak outputs of 255 kW and 648 N.m of torque, but it’s just that the grunt doesn’t feel that much. In the base model, the 2,0-litre turbo-petrol motor makes 162 kW and 380 Nm of torque and that’s enough for it to be in contention with some of the best in the segment.
Summary
The Tank is a serious off-roader, and to hammer this point home, GWM even brought an already accessorized version on the launch to show the model’s overlanding potential. Aftermarket wheels with all-terrain tyres and a Front Runner roof rack were all it took to beef up its appearance.
I think the mid-range Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury and base-spec Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Super Luxury offer incredible value, but we’ll have to wait a month or two before they hit the scene. Yes, this range-topping hybrid model is incredible for what it is, but the more affordable versions will really upset the established players.
GWM Tank 300 at a glance
- Model: GWM tank 300 2.0T 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury
- Price: R851 950
- Engine: 2,0-litre turbo-petrol and electric engine
- Power: 255 kW
- Torque: 648 Nm
- Driven wheels: All
- Fuel consumption: 8,4 L/100 km