It’s a fact: South Africans love their 4x4s. Indeed, we enjoy venturing off the beaten track, especially when it’s en route to one of the myriad picturesque destinations SA has to offer. To quote Dr Emmet Brown from the 1980’s cult film Back to the Future: “Where we’re going, we don’t need no roads.”
However, unlike the DMC DeLorean-based time machine from the hit movie, with the GWM Tank 300, you don’t need to travel 88 mph to go where there’s no roads. All you need to do is put it in 4L.
Yup, featuring full-time four-wheel drive and equipped with the latter, the latest SUV in GWM’s local portfolio is a true-blue off-roader. An electronically controlled rear diff is also present.
In addition, the Tank 300, with its short overhangs and 224 mm of ground clearance, offers an approach angle of 33°. The departure and ramp-over angles are rated at 34° and 23.1°, respectively.
Ascending hills, crawling over rocks, or traversing water? No worries. The Tank 300 boasts a climb gradient of 70 per cent, “specialised” ‘Crawl’ cruise control, and a wading depth of 700 mm.
However, it’s not only built for off-roading. Before you get to the roads less travelled, you’ll have to traverse tarmac. Fortunately, the Tank 300’s suspension set-up has been developed to offer the best of both worlds, the local arm of the Chinese manufacturer says.
In addition, the cabin is brimming with tech. As standard, all versions are fitted with a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto screen mirroring, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and leather upholstery. The list goes on.
But let’s take a look below the boxy bonnet of the Tank 300. What engine options are available? Well, there are two.
The first comes in the shape of a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol, which produces 162 kW and 380 Nm of torque. This unit, GWM claims, sips 9.5 L/100 km on average.
The second engine option has the same capacity and number of cylinders as the first. However, GWM has fitted this turbocharged petrol unit with hybrid tech. The result? Peak power and torque outputs of 255 kW and 648 Nm, and a claimed average fuel consumption of 8.4 L/100 km.
How much does the Tank 300 cost, you ask? The three-strong line-up kicks off at R725 950 for the 2.0T Super Luxury. The 2.0T Ultra Luxury is priced at R775 950. And the hybrid model? The Tank 300 HEV will set you back R851 950.