GWM ADDS PETROL ENGINE OPTION TO TANK 300

GWM have expanded the available drivetrains for their Tank 300, adding a petrol engine option to the existing petrol hybrid for the Wrangler-style four-wheel drive.

The prime motivation for adding a non-hybrid engine option appears to be to lower the price point. Losing the hybrid system means the Tank 300 4x4 now starts at $46,990 for the Lux grade and $50,990 for the better-equipped Ultra. This is a significant saving on drive away pricing of $55,990 and $60,990 for these grades with the hybrid drivetrain.

Also helping to cut the price is the removal of some features that were standard on the hybrid versions, like hands-free parking assistance, the driver’s seat memory function, digital radio and front cross-traffic alert safety tech.

The engine is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol four-cylinder, rated at 162kW and 380Nm, compared to maximums of 225kW (combined) and 380Nm from the hybrid that’s based on the same 2.0 turbo four. Combined fuel consumption is listed at 9.5lt/100km, which surprisingly, is below that of the hybrid at 10.3lt/100km. However, this is apparently due to new testing methods, rather than changes to the engine itself.

The transmission loses a cog, with eight speeds in the sports automatic, compared to nine in the hybrid, but the four-wheel drive system remains a part-time set-up. Most of the other mechanical features are unchanged.

While towing capacity remains at 2,500kg, losing the hybrid system reduces GVM by 173kg to 2,552kg, thus allowing a payload increase of 52kg to 446kg. In terms of off-road capability, the reduced GVM obviously helps, even if ground clearance remains unchanged at 224mm and approach and departure angles are the same as the hybrid at 33.0 and 34.0 degrees, respectively. Breakover angle is not listed for either the petrol or hybrid.

In the Tank 300 Lux petrol, standard features include a rear diff lock, All-Terrain mode, turning assist, front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, 17-inch alloys, LED head and tail lights, a sunroof, roof rails, side steps, faux leather upholstery, powered front seats, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 12.3-inch centre console touchscreen and instrument screen of the same size, 9-speaker sound system and multiple USB ports.

The safety package in the Tank 300 Lux includes AEB with Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keep Assist, Lane Centre Keep, Emergency Lane Keep, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Traffic Sign Recognition, adaptive cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring and seven airbags.

To this spec, the Tank 300 Ultra petrol adds a front diff lock, 18-inch alloys, Nappa leather accents on the seats, heating/cooling on the front seats, lumbar adjustment and massage function on the driver’s seat, a premium sound system (still 9 speakers), ambient interior lighting, wireless charging, an auto-dimming mirror and 220V outlet.

The new GWM Tank 300 petrol will come with the same seven-year/unlimited km warranty as the Tank 300 hybrid, along with the same five-year roadside assist and five-year capped price servicing.

See your GWM/Haval dealer for more details.