GWM Australia and New Zealand are expanding the Tank 300 lineup with the introduction of a new turbo-diesel variant for people who want three-tonne towing capacity.
The distributor recently hosted a media drive day in which outlets such as Autotalk were able to experience the on and off-road capabilities of the vehicle driving from Tullamarine to Healesville via the Toolangi State Forest in Victoria.
The diesel-powered Tank 300 will be available in two grades, Lux and Ultra, and is designed to deliver better off-road performance and improved efficiency.
The new Tank 300 diesel is powered by GWM’s 2.4-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, delivering 135kW at 3600 rpm and 480Nm of torque from 1500 to 2500 rpm. Paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, this powertrain achieves a combined fuel economy of 7.8L/100km.
With its new powertrain, the Tank 300 diesel now offers an increased braked towing capacity of 3,000kg — an upgrade from the 2,500kg limit of the petrol and hybrid variants. More than 20 components were modified or upgraded to achieve the additional towing capacity as well as the 600kg payload.
The Tank 300 Diesel is also differentiated by a part-time 4×4 drive train with a lower case transfer system, unlike the torque-on-demand system used in the Petrol and Hybrid models.
The Lux variant of the diesel, priced at $47,990 driveaway, delivers a blend of comfort and technology, while the range-topping Ultra, priced at $51,990 driveaway, adds premium features and advanced technology. Vehicle specifications are aligned to the hybrid variant including telematics and connected car capability.
“The introduction of the new Tank 300 diesel builds on the success of our rugged off-road range, offering customers a more powerful yet highly efficient powertrain option,” GWM marketing and communications boss Steve Maciver says.
“With impressive towing capability, refined performance, and two well-equipped grades, this new variant reinforces our commitment to delivering versatile and capable vehicles.”
Backed by GWM’s Customer Care Warranty and Capped Price Servicing, the Tank 300 diesel includes a 7-year/unlimited KM standard new car warranty, 7-year roadside assistance with 24/7 support, and 7-year capped price servicing — all backed by GWM’s extensive network of 113 dealerships nationwide.
Tank 300 – Design and specification
Externally, the Tank 300 diesel looks the same as its petrol and hybrid siblings, except for the very discreet 2.4-T 4×4 badge below the door handle of the rear side-opening tailgate.
Inside the cabin, the Tank 300 diesel Ultra also mirrors the specification of the Ultra Hybrid, including faux leather seats with heating functions for the driver and front passenger, soft-touch surfaces, and air-conditioning bezels, which look extremely similar to a certain German brand.
At the heart of the dashboard is the widescreen infotainment system, merging with
the digital driver instrument cluster. This interface provides access to the premium audio system, 360-degree camera view, and vehicle dynamics settings.
Tank 300 – Driving impressions
Unsurprisingly, the on-road performance and handling of the Tank 300 diesel is much the same as its petrol and hybrid siblings which share the same platform and coil-sprung rear suspension.
What did surprise us was the lack of engine noise from the perky diesel engine and this is wholly down to the fact that GWM took considerable pains to pack yet more sound-deadening material into this model.
But going off-road really shows the capability of the car and the diesel engine.
Driving from Melbourne Airport to the RACV Healesville Country Club in regional Victoria not only gave us a taste of the Tank 300 diesel on the tarmac, but we also experienced an off-road section on some fairly challenging dirt roads with some extreme humps and corrugations.
We spent an hour crawling over some arduous tracks through the Toolangi State Forest in low-ratio four-wheel drive, where the Tank 300 diesel came into its own.
Never once did the car bottom out over what were some quite deep cuts in the track, which had been gouged out by rain and previous vehicles. The articulation of the suspension package, as well as the 33-degree approach and 34-degree departure angles of the Tank 300 diesel, made child’s play with what might have been a challenging run for a lesser-equipped SUV.
Engaging low-range second gear provided more than enough engine compression to safely descend some steep dirt tracks without having to touch the brake pedal or feather the throttle.
The mark of a competent 4×4 is how easy it is to control in an off-road environment and how much confidence it instils in a driver who finds themselves in very unfamiliar territory, and in this regard the Tank 300 diesel more than meets the brief.
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