Budget off-roader landing in two trims, both with an electric-enhanced petrol drivetrain.

HAVING settled its small Ora electric car into the market, the GWM brand is now setting sights on disrupting the serious off-roader sector, with a vehicle that might have Jeep faithful looking twice.

The Tank 300 Hybrid arriving around October or soon after is an off-roader with an on-demand four-wheel-drive system from the Chinese marque that used to go by ‘Great Wall Motors’.

Looks-wise, it appears to take some cues from Jeep’s Wrangler in four-door form, but in respect to price it’s much less expensive; the American fare runs from $89,990 to leaving $10 from $100k.

Not so steep for Tank. New Zealand market strategy favours the body-on-frame model in $56,990 Lux and $61,990 Ultra fit outs, both with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired to a hybrid system.

GMW cites the petrol engine as being good for 180kW power at 5500-6000rpm and 380Nm torque at 1700-4000rpm, and says the electric motor contributes up an additional 78kW and 268Nm.  this comes to a cited total system output of 224kW and 640Nm.

Electric assist can brook favour under Clean Car, but not here. A cited CO2 emissions count of 218 grams per kilometre as measured to the  WLTP schedule means it cops a stiff $4485 fee.

The system also doesn’t seem to be hugely beneficial for economy, with overseas’ data showing the hybrid lists an official overall return of 8.5 litres per 100km, which is one litre per 100km better than the pure petrol 2.0-litre edition that sells in some other markets, including Australia.

As much as the model’s military-minded name might suggest brute force for towing, the reality is also a big more lightweight, GWMN admitting to it having a maximum capacity of 2500kg. 

But it could be useful in the muck, with off-road-focused technology including a transparent under-floor view, crawl control and an appropriately-named ‘Tank Turn’ function.

In announcing the car’s impending arrival, GWM pointed out that the it is designed to perform “in all conditions.” Ground clearance of 224mm, a 33 degree approach angle and 34 degree departure angle, combined with proven Torque On Demand 4WD technology to facilitate challenging off-road adventures, the make cites.

Distributor expectation is that it will become a strong option for those looking to explore New Zealand’s roads, tracks and beyond.

Lux rides on 17-inch black alloy wheels and sports a six-way power driver seat, man-made leather on the seats and steering wheel, has a 12.3-inch full colour instrument cluster and 12.3-inch full colour infotainment system, front and rear USB charge points, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compliance, a nine-speaker audio, seven colour ambient lighting, digital radio DAB plus, power windows, auto-folding and heated power exterior mirrors, LED headlights and taillights, Daytime Running Lamps, a sunroof, two-piece under-body guard, 12V power outlets, adaptive cruise control and tyre pressure monitoring. The offo-raoding provision includes crawl control. 

The safety provision spans seven airbags, auto emergency braking, front collision warning, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, traffic sign recognition, rear cross traffic alert with braking, turn assist, front and rear parking sensors and a 360-degree view monitor.

The Ultra grade goes to actual leather, runs on 18-inch alloys, has heated and cooled front seats, an eight-way power driver seat with massage function and four-way power lumbar support adjustment, a heated steering wheel, wireless charging, a higher grade stereo, 64-colour ambient lighting and a 220V power outlet in the cabin. 

The off-roading fitout increases to bring a front differential lock and three-piece under-body guard. This grade also has auto parking and reversing assist.

The regular fully petrol Tank was awarded five stars in ANCAP safety testing, becoming the last vehicle to do so under criteria that toughened at the start of this year.

Tank becomes the third hybrid GWM offers here. Electric assist also features in the Jolion and H6 that run with Haval branding.

In addition to confirming Tank as a starter, GWM has also indicated price reductions for the Havals and the Ora electric car, the latter now starting from $47,990 in entry Standard Range, $2000 less than previously. The Extended Range is $52,990 and the GT is $58,990; those swap the entry car’s 48kWh battery lending 310 kilometres’ range for a 64kWh unit good for 420km.

GWM has added an Ultra derivative, for $55,990 in response, it says, to strong initial customer demand and positive dealer feedback.

Features include electric hands-free tailgate, panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel, six-way electric driver’s seat with memory, front seats with heating, ventilation and massage functions, and power adjustable, electric auto-folding mirrors with memory function.

The brand plans to launch “more than 50” electric and hybrid-powered vehicles by 2025, ahead of a plan to divest petrol and diesel cars by 2030.