South Africans are in love with 4×4 offroaders despite the hard reality that not everybody can afford these kinds of vehicles.
GMW Tank 300 enters the market not only to offer some reprieve for those looking for something bigger than Suzuki Jimny for a 4×4 offroad vehicle but to rev up the market for a revolutionary option made in China by Haval Motors.
The model’s line-up in South Africa has three derivatives in Mzansi – from entry-level the Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Super Luxury to range-topping 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury.
The entry-level Tank 300 is driven by a turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine, which gives the car the maximum power of 167 kW and 387 Nm torque via an 8-speed automatic transmission. Combined fuel consumption is listed as 9.5 L/100 km.
Next in line, the Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury, uses the same 167 kW/387 Nm powertrain but boasts more standard features. These include an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, a heated steering wheel, and Nappa leather seats (as opposed to the standard leather in the enetry level car), with the driver’s seat having a massage function.
The top-of-the-range Tank 300 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury uses a hybrid churning out total system outputs of 255 kW and 648 Nm. But even better, the hybrid model switches to a 9-speed automatic transmission at a claimed fuel economy of 8.4 L/100 km.
The Tank 300 is a little monster in the luggage compartment as it can take in 400 litres, which the automaker says it is expandable to 1,635 litres with the standard 60:40-split rear bench dropped down.
Further standard features for all three derivatives include keyless entry, a sunroof, dual-zone air-conditioning, a towbar, privacy glass, leather trim for the steering wheel, gear-shift paddles, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 360-degree camera system, automatic headlights (with an auto high-beam function) and adaptive cruise control.
Safety features
From safety point of view, there are seven airbags, stability control, automatic emergency braking, front collision warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistant, lane central keeping, hill-assist control, hill-descent control and tyre-pressure monitoring, among others.
Though Haval showcases the Tank 300 in the orange colour for marketing purposes, the vehicle is also available in four other colours in South Africa – black, whaite, Mars red and grey.
Verdict
The GWM Tank 300 is set to be a highly appreciated inclusion in South Africa’s 4×4 market, thanks to its solid attractive build and features that puts it in a million-rand level of such vehicles.
Pricing
GWM Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Super Luxury – R725 950
GWM Tank 300 2.0T 8AT 4×4 Ultra Luxury – R775 950
GWM Tank 300 2.0T HEV 9HAT 4×4 Super Luxury – R851 950
All with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty (and 7-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance), with the hybrid variant’s battery pack further covered by an 8-year/150 000 km warranty. A 5-year/75 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km) is also included.
GWM Tank 300 is welcome addition to SA’s 4×4 market
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