By CHRIS RILEY
Bet you didn’t see this one coming.
The Tank 300 is Great Wall’s answer to the Jeep Wrangler and recently released Ford Bronco, although the latter is not coming here.
It was originally sold under the Wey premium brand as the Wey Tank 300.
Great Wall is apparently planning to turn Tank into a standalone brand with other off-roaders to follow.
The Tank 300 Hybrid is a real 4×4 powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged hybrid powertrain, together with a 9-speed auto — reportedly it puts out a combined output of 225kW.
And here’s the best bit, it’s on sale now and priced from $55,990 driveaway.
This latest addition to the GWM range brings the brand’s NEV (New Energy Vehicle) count to three, including the Haval Jolion Hybrid and Haval H6 Hybrid.
Great Wall says the Tank (what a fantastic name) offers buyers unbeatable levels of toughness and sophistication.
Sitting on a ladder chassis, Tank is 4760mm long, 1930mm wide and 1903mm high, with a 2750mm wheelbase, five doors and seating for five occupants. That’s a bit shorter than a Wrangler.
The advanced hybrid powertrain combines a petrol engine with 180kW at 5500-6000 rpm and 380Nm at 1700 -4000 rpm, together with an electric motor that adds 78kW and 268Nm — for a combined output of 225kW.
It has a torque on demand four-wheel drive system, with a front diff lock for the higher priced Ultra grade.
Towing capacity is 2500kg.
Great Wall says Tank is a strong option for those looking to explore Australian roads, tracks and beyond.
It will be available in two grades: Lux and Ultra, priced from $55,990 and $60,990 driveaway respectively.
There’s a choice of five exterior colours: Lunar Red, Hamilton White, Dusk Orange, Fossil Grey and Crystal Black.
Tank is backed by a seven-year /unlimited kilometre warranty together with five years of roadside assistance and capped price servicing.
