The GWM brand has shaken the Mzansi market with products like the Haval Jolion, Haval GT and P Series bakkie being widely accepted by Mzansi buyers. These products have not only majored on value but they have proven to be reliable and built with quality levels reserved for cars in premium classes. Now there is a GWN Tank 300 and this model will shake the Adventure SUV segment, here’s why we think so having attended its launch.
There will be 3 Tank 300 derivatives sold in Mzansi, all 4×4 models. 2 are the Super Luxury spec and 1 Ultra luxury. The front of the Tank 300 gets LED Headlights with Auto high beam standard. The LED Daytime Running Lights are integrated stylishly into the headlight cluster with a black grille featuring a prominent Tank logo. Fog lamps are integrated into the front bumper with a robust design. The bumper is linked to the wheel arch for that “retro off road” design seen on the likes of Jeep and Land Rovers. The clamshell-style bonnet with its large power bulge gives the Tank a design with presence on the road.
On the side, the Hybrid models get 18inch wheels with the 2.0T models getting 17inch wheels. Side steps aid entry and exit as the Tank 300 has a high ground clearance aiding off-road (more on that later). The side mirrors (folding with Blind Spot Monitoring) and the black wheel arches continue that SUV robust style. Roof rails come standard, so does privacy glass for rear windows. LED lighting features on the rear lights with the tailgate mounted spare wheel completing the retro design. The tailgate is hydraulically assisted to aid opening and closing. Overall, the Tank 300 does the SUV retro design theme perfectly and with the large metallic colour choices, buyers can tailor make their car to suite their tastes.
The interior sees a major leap in quality and comfort with Nappa Leather seats proving supremely comfortable on our drive from GP to Limpopo. Both front seats are electrically adjusted with the Ultra Luxury coming with heated, cooled and massage function. Aviation style air vents hint to a certain Uber Luxury brand with the 12,3inch infotainment screen getting Android Auto, Apple CarPlay. This allows the screen to mirror the Navigation App from a connected smart phone.
The high performance sound system proved excellent on the drive with clarity. Ambient lighting is standard, Bluetooth, dual zone climate control with rear high and low mounted air vents, a soundproof windshield and side windows for the front occupants, automatic windscreen wipers and many, many more luxuries as standard shows that GWM means business. Keyless entry and keyless start comes standard as well.
The Nappa leather rear seats come in a 60/40 split and 100% folding capacity which aids luggage space. Type A and C in the front row and Type A in the rear. A 12V charging port in the luggage compartment aids practicality for families.
There is a standard 162kW/380Nm 2.0 Turbo 4 cylinder petrol engine which drives all wheels (AWD) via an 8 speed auto transmission. The top engine spec gets the same engine linked to an electric motor (Hybrid) resulting in 255kW/648Nm with this engine getting a unique 9 speed auto transmission. The AWD has 2H, 4H and 4L with driving modes (Eco Sport and off road selections). The standard 2.0T is claimed to consumer 9.5l/100km with the HEV consuming a claimed 8.4l/100km.
Off road, the Tank 300 proved a revelation with a locking rear diff and centre locking differential aiding off road prowess. Off road cruise control made off road obstacle driving much easier allowing the driver to only focus on the steering as the system controlled the acceleration. 360 degree view camera, also standard aids manoeuvrability in parking and off road. Lane Keep Assist, Forward Collision Alert and emergency stop, Blind spot monitor, distance based cruise control are amongst the highlights not only on tech but also on safety (5 Star N Cap rating). What will astound most buyers is the ease at which it handles itself off-road.
On gravel roads, the Tank 300 proved more than capable with sure footedness usually experienced in much more expensive SUVs. Its ability to isolate its occupants from road imperfections is 2 to 3 classes above it.
All models are sold with a 7-year / 200 000 km new vehicle warranty and unlimited roadside assistance for the same period. A 5-year / 75 000 km service plan is included across the range, and service intervals are 12 months or every 15 000 km whichever comes first.
The HEV model has an additional warranty that covers the complete high-voltage system and vehicle battery for a full 8-years / 150 000 km.
The GWM TANK 300 range will comprise the following models:
- 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
