AN OFF-ROAD REVOLUTION
Designed for both adventure and everyday use, the competitively priced GWM Tank 300 Hybrid is redefining the 4WD landscape. With its unique fusion of robust off-road prowess, innovative technology, and luxurious comfort, this 4WD is quickly becoming a favourite among off-road enthusiasts. But does it really deliver on its promise of a premium driving experience at an accessible price? We caught up with two new owners who have put the Tank 300 through its paces.
Premium features, competitive pricing
Tiger Tao, who moved to Wellington from China 20 years ago, has been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid in New Zealand. “I have a few friends in China who have one and they love it,” he says. “I’ve been really looking forward to getting my own.
“In China, the GWM Tank range has a very strong market position. At around half the cost of a Land Cruiser, they’ve become the preferred option over a lot of other well-known 4WD brands,” he says.
Tiger’s enthusiasm for the Tank 300 is understandable given its standout design. The Tank 300 Hybrid is a true head-turner, with a solid, muscular frame in a range of eye-catching colours. Tiger’s choice was Fossil Grey. Other colour options include Lunar Red, Dusk Orange, Crystal Black and Pearl Grey.
Inside, the European-designed cabin offers a plush ride with comfy full-grain faux Nappa leather-accented seats. Add in a 12.3-inch interactive touchscreen, skylight, and loads of leg room and you’ve got the perfect blend of luxury and practicality.
Danie Smit, who made the switch to the Tank 300 from a Jeep Grand Cherokee, was impressed by its advanced technology and value for money. “The fit and finish is next level and if you take it as a full package you get a lot of car for your money, especially compared to a Jeep,” he says. “You’re going off-road in the lap of luxury.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had people come over to ask me about it. It’s a good-looking car and it attracts people because it’s a bit different.”
Danie was also impressed by the extensive warranty package. “The 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty really shows GWM’s confidence in their product. It’s something you don’t see every day.”
In fact, the warranty package doesn’t end there. The Tank 300 also includes 5-year Roadside Assist and an 8-year unlimited kilometre battery warranty.
Power play
When it comes to off-road performance, the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid truly shines. Tiger, an avid off-road adventurer, says the Tank’s 4WD features – including turn assist, crawl mode, and front and rear diff locks – are impressive.
“It’s a great off-road vehicle,” he says. “I like to head to some of Wellington’s off-road spots like Red Rocks and Ocean Beach. The Tank 300 is perfect for those sorts of adventures.”
The Tank 300 Hybrid’s 2,500 kg towing capability and spacious interior add to its appeal for Tiger. “I have a boat and like to get a bit of fishing and diving in over the weekends,” he says. “So being able to hook it up to the Tank and just head out on the sandy beach with no effort is great.”
Danie, a member of the Wellington Cross Country Vehicle Club, agrees. “It’s got some seriously advanced off-roading technology,” he says. “I took it for one test drive and just immediately loved the way it drives. It’s got amazing power with brilliant traction and control on rough terrain,” he says.
“With the hybrid power, I’m getting more torque than my 3L diesel Jeep Cherokee. It’s incredibly capable – everything I point it at, it just goes for it.” For those interested in the numbers, the Tank 300 Lux Hybrid boasts an impressive 255 kW of power and a torque of 648 Nm.
“Eventually I’ll look at getting a rooftop tent and a few accessories and start doing some longer trips with the club,” says Danie. “There are some amazing off-road spots in New Zealand to explore, so that’s something I’m looking forward to doing more of.”
But as Danie explains, there is one thing the Tank 300 lacks. “Because it’s a hybrid, it’s a lot quieter. You can actually enjoy listening to the radio without the noise of a diesel engine.”
Flex in the city
Both Danie and Tiger use their Tank 300s to navigate the busy and often tight and tricky inner-city streets of Wellington. And both agree that as their daily drive, it ticks all the boxes.
“I love it,” says Danie. “It’s just a really nice drive in every way. I’ve owned a few different 4WDs and the Tank 300 outstrips them all. I wouldn’t change it for anything.
“The high seating position gives a great view of the road, and the advanced features make it very comfortable. You’ve got all the luxuries like heated and cooled seats, driver’s seat memory, a massage feature… it’s great for long drives.”
Danie says the 360-degree surround-view camera and autonomous parking come in very handy in the city. “It’s very nimble when it comes to parking and the visibility is great.”
Tiger is equally impressed with the cutting-edge technology and features that elevate the driving experience. “The voice control is very handy when you’re driving,” says Tiger. “You can open the sunroof or windows without taking your hands off the wheel. The Tank even knows which person in the car is using voice control too, it’s very clever.
“It’s a very smooth drive and very easy to steer and manoeuvre – the power steering is very responsive.”
And of course, the Tank 300 comes with the full suite of must-have driver assistance including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and blind spot detection.
For those unsure whether it’s a good fit, Danie has some sound advice. “Just take it for a test drive. If you can, go off-road – that’s when it really shows its true colours. I really can’t fault it.”
Keen to try out the new GWM Tank 300 Hybrid for yourself? See and try it at Brendan Foot Supersite, Railway Ave, Lower Hutt. We’re open every day. Book your test drive now.
