GWM introduces petrol-powered Tank 300 to compliment hybrid, priced from $46,990

„ PETER BARNWELL

FOLLOWING the recent introduction of its petrol/electric-powered Tank 300 4WD, GWM has added a new variant by lopping off the ‘hybrid’ part of the powertrain to create the petrol-powered Tank 300 – at a huge cost saving over the hybrid.

The five-seater Tank 300 petrol is available in two grades, Lux and Ultra priced from $46,990 and $50,990 respectively, drive-away. These prices are $9000 and $10,000 less than their hybrid stablemates.

The model sells against an ocean of soft road medium and large SUVs, but few with the genuine 4WD capabilities of the Tank 300 petrol. The closest proper ‘fourbie’ petrol competitor is Jeep’s V6 Wranger Unlimited Night Eagle that’s way out of the ballpark on price at $81,450 plus on-road costs. Comparable Land Rover Defenders are above that again.

There are a bunch of ridgey-didge fourbie diesel alternatives including the Ford Everest Ambiente (from $58,290), the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX (from $49,940), Toyota’s Fortuner GX (from $57,620) and the Isuzu MUX LS-M (from $54,900). But these are all low spec’ base models.

GWM says the new model is “for those searching for a petrol SUV that is both rugged and refined with a tech-laden interior, tough off-road capability, dependable safety and affordable.”

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine with 162kW (hybrid is rated at 225kW combined) and 380Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission (no manual is available) that feeds drive to the wheels through a part-time 4WD system.

It consumes petrol at the combined rate of 10.7 litres per 100km running on regular 91 RON unleaded fuel and can tow up to 2500kg braked.

As reported in GoAuto’s Tank 300 Hybrid review earlier this year the Chinese-made model uses a ladder-frame chassis sourced from the GWM Ute and in addition to selectable 4WD has a locking rear differential (a front locker is included on the high-grade model).

Measuring 4760mm in length, 1930mm wide and 1903mm high, the Tank 300 is 122mm shorter from bumper to bumper when compared to a long-wheelbase Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. It is, however, 55mm taller and 36mm wider, meaning it offers slightly better accommodation for passengers and luggage.

At home on or off road

Off-road specs and clearance numbers see the Tank 300 with 224mm of ground clearance, a 33-degree approach angle and 34-degree departure angle. No ramp-over or wading details are available.

GWM says the set up makes the Tank 300 petrol at home on-road and off-road providing comfort, capability, convenience and safety in a vehicle with an extensive feature list.

Tank 300 standard equipment list includes 17-inch alloy wheels, a six-way power driver seat, Comfort-tek leather seats, micro-fibre leather steering wheel, 12.3-inch full colour instrument cluster and 12.3-inch full colour infotainment system, front and rear USB charge points (front with data transmission), Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, nine-speaker audio, seven-colour ambient lighting, DAB+, power windows, auto-folding and heated power wing mirrors, LED headand taillights, daytime running lamps, sunroof, two-piece under-body guard, and 12V power outlets in the front and luggage compartment.

The Ultra adds 18-inch alloys, Nappa leather seats, heated and cooled front seats, eight-way powered driver seat with massage function and four-way powered lumbar support adjustment, a heated leather steering wheel, wireless charging, premium Infinity nine-speaker audio, 64-colour ambient lighting, 220V power outlet (luggage cabin), front differential lock, three-piece bash plates, auto parking and auto reverse tracking function.

Safety features commensurate with the vehicle’s five-star ANCAP rating include tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), seven airbags, adaptive cruise control, auto emergency braking, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert with brake, crawl control for ultra low-speed off-road driving, and a feature called ‘tank turn’ that selectively applies the brake to assist steering in tight off-road conditions, a la the top-spec’ Toyota LandCruiser 300.

Also included is a transparent chassis camera function, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree view camera system.