Peter Lyon
February 18, 2024
Vehicles from China’s Great Wall Motors will start to make their mark on the Malaysia market this year starting with the Tank 300, a Jeep-like SUV employing chunky features and boasting robust off-road capabilities.
The sub-brand Tank is GWM’s response to the recent SUV craze.
Although its marketing spiel may sound a little contrived, a combination of “toughness and tenderness” serves as its basis. The Tank 700 and Tank 800 models are planned for release in the future, complementing the present portfolio of the Tank 300, Tank 400, and Tank 500 models.
The first Tank 300 units have already reached Port Klang ahead of the launch, which is anticipated to occur later this year. There are five aspects of the 300 that buyers should be aware.
Boasting a strong dose of “off-road DNA,” the Tank 300 is designed to excel in tough environments including hardcore off-road trails, dirt tracks, and rocky roads. The off-road chassis features electronically controlled mechanical differential locks on both axles. By just pressing a button, these locks can be engaged to improve the car’s traction and stability on rough terrain.
The Tank 300 also has dual-speed electronic part-time 4WD, which lets drivers choose the 4WD mode based on the demands of the car and the condition of the road. In order to maximise traction and control in a variety of driving scenarios, it locks the front and rear axle wheels.
Tank 300 comes with 9 drive modes and 2 engines
The SUV’s nine drive modes include Normal, Mud/Sand, Pothole, Mountain, Rock, and Creeping. Under certain road conditions, the latter automatically regulates the power and braking systems to maintain the car’s stability. There is also a “Tank Turn” function, which lowers the turning radius of the vehicle, allowing it to easily navigate the narrower places.
In the global market, GWM offers the Tank 300 in two engine options: a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 220 ps and 380 Nm of torque, and paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox, and a 2.0-litre turbocharged version mated to a 48V mild-hybrid system, producing 245 ps and 380 Nm of torque. This is linked to a 9-speed automatic transmission.
The SUV’s boxy design appears to take design hints from the likes of the 5-door Suzuki Jimny and Jeep Wrangler. Round LED headlights, a sizable grille, and daytime running lights adorn the retro-style front end. Good-looking large 18-inch alloy wheels compliment the flared wheel arches.
The main highlights inside include a cockpit-inspired Aviation gear lever, dual 12.3-inch interactive screens, a wireless phone charger, Harman Infinity sound system with nine speakers, ventilated seats and ambient lighting.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
Yes, this Chinese SUV borrows design hints from Suzuki and Jeep, but with its own styling tweaks to highlight its own identity, it manages to get away with it. More to the point, the entire package—from its chunky exterior to its premium interior with all the mod-cons and a competitive powertrain, the Tank 300 could give Jeep and others a run for their money.
