GWM Tank set to rumble into Oz

Chinese car-maker GWM is working on a plan to sell the Tank 300 – a rugged go-anywhere 4x4 off-roader – in Australian showrooms alongside Haval SUV and GWM Ute models.

A rival for the Jeep Wrangler, but at a more affordable price point, the Tank 300 is being studied by GWM Australia, which has imported a left-hand drive production vehicle for customer research clinics and media drives.

The company is also considering the business case for a bigger Tank 700 model, along with the Haval Big Dog that has rugged looks but is based on the Haval H6 and is less hard-core than the Tanks.

GWM Australia marketing chief Steve Maciver said the plan was to position the Tank 300 as a hero model, given its serious off-road set-up and striking looks.

The 300 uses a ladder-frame chassis, has locking front and rear diffs, all-terrain tyres, plenty of ground clearance and an impressive level of tech features.

The example brought to Australia is peppered with cameras which provide various high-resolution video feeds around the vehicle. It also features a premium interior fit-out.

Maciver said that if given the green light for sale in Australia, the Tank 300 could be in GWM Australia dealerships by 2022.

“Much like the Big Dog, we have done some customer research with this particular car to see what the impact [with Australian customers] would be,” he said.

“Obviously it’s a bigger car [than Big Dog and H6], a full-time four-wheel drive system, we’re going to have to price up for that.

“It’s probably a 2022 for us at this stage if we can make it work.”

In terms of engine options, GWM Australia is looking at both diesel and petrol powertrains.

“Certainly we’re talking about a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol, and diesel could be an option for us as well,” said Maciver. “For a rural buyer, diesel is often a more appealing proposition.”

The petrol engine in question is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder (167kW/387Nm), while the diesel is a 2.4-litre turbocharged unit (135kW/480Nm). Both hook up to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission.

The bigger, more luxurious Tank 700 is offered with a muscular V6 petrol-electric hybrid powertrain that produces a combined 380kW and 750Nm – enough to outpower the petrol and diesel twin-turbo V6 engines found in the forthcoming new Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.

While the exterior design has a strong Jeep flavour and the interior channels Mercedes-Benz, GWM is confident the Tank 300 will resonate with Aussie buyers, chiefly because it has been designed for serious off-road work.

The spec sheet starts with a robust ladder-frame chassis, which is a shortened version of the underpinnings found on the GWM Ute, with independent front suspension and a solid rear axle.

There is 224mm of ground clearance, 33-degree approach and 34-degree departure angles, a dual-range gearbox, hill descent control and other switchable off-road modes.

Towing capacity is listed at 3000kg.

Measuring 4760mm long, 1930mm wide and 1903mm tall, with a 2750mm wheelbase, the Tank 300 is about 120mm shorter than a Jeep Wrangler.

The Tank 300 name has already been trademarked in Australia, and the Chinese importer is pushing hard to bring it here.

However, GWM Australia could face supply issues as demand is outstripping supply in China.

“What we find in China, interestingly enough, is the buyer for this is young female; that’s the predominant buyer,” said Maciver.

“The demand’s been so high the company has actually stopped taking orders because they can’t keep up with demand. The Tank is going gangbusters.

“What impact that has on us getting it here? I’m hoping it’s a positive sign.”

If the new Tank 300 finds its way to Australia, does GWM expect it to find similar favour with female buyers?

“Not quite to the same extent, I wouldn’t have thought,” said Maciver. “But who knows? I’d love to be proven wrong.”