Great Wall Motors (GWM) has been going from strength to strength since their introduction to the SA market. The automaker from China has launched its own sub-brand, called Haval, as a result of its success. The latter brand has been concentrating on SUVs and GWM will soon launch, the Tank 300 HEV.

The Toyota Fortuner, Jeep Wrangler, Ford Everest, Isuzu MUX to mention a few, are some of the strong rivals that the Tank 300 HEV is expected to face here in SA and around the world.

In short the GMW TANK is basically what the Toyota Fortuner is to the Toyota Hilux and what the Ford Everest is to the Ford Ranger, an SUV version of the GWM P-Series Bakkie.

Ground clearance for the GWM Tank is claimed at around of 224 mm, with approach and departure angles of 33 and 34 degrees, respectively. The GWM Tank 300 also boasts low-range transfer case and two diff-locks (front and rear). The Tank’s undercarriage is modified version of the ladder frame chassis from the GWM P-Series bakkie.

The Tank 300 is 4 760 mm long, 1 930 mm wide, and has a 2 750 mm wheelbase, making it roughly the size of a Ford Everest/Toyota Fortuner.

The GWM Tank 300 will be powered by a Hybrid system which consist of a electric motor and a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. This will be the first Large Bakkie based SUV that follows the HEV route. For additional diving comfort the GWM has a four wheel drive system and a 9-speed auto transmission.

The 2.0 liter 4 cylinder turbo petrol engine produces 180 kW/380 Nm, while the electric motor produces 78 kW/268 Nm, GWM unfortunately does not provide combined output figures at this stage.

The GWM Tank 300 will make its way to SA around mid 2023 with the GWM Tank following after.

Pricing is not available as yet, but if the current status qua of the Chines brands pricing is anything to go by, expect some really competitive pricing.

The Chinese vehicles are here to stay, real exciting times

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Photos by: Kumbi-M on Cars