With the uncertainty of the 5-doored version of the Suzuki Jimny entering the local market soon, this has perhaps given room for a budding left-field alternative to seize the initiative. In fact, based on a recent social media post by a certain Chinese automaker, this might happen very soon indeed.
Earlier this week, GWM Malaysia shared on its Facebook page of a recent production milestone for the GWM Tank 300 mid-sized 4x4 SUV model. The firm just produced the 300,000th unit of said model in China and, in said post’s caption, hinted that the model is set to arrive on local shores soon.
This more or less confirms our previous report of GWM Malaysia’s plans to introduce other GWM sub-brands and products locally. Presently, the firm already has its ORA electric vehicle (EV) sub-brand featuring the ORA Good Cat and upcoming ORA 07, followed by the Haval SUVs line, and the Cannon pick-up truck range.
Based on this latest social media post, the GWM’s Tank sub-brand is set to debut locally starting with the Tank 300 model. This mid-sized SUV first debuted at Auto Shanghai 2023 alongside bigger-sized siblings like the Tank 400 and Tank 500 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models.
Under the hood, the Tank 300 harnesses a promising 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged petrol heart instead. Outputting a respectable 227 PS and 397 NM, the mill is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
That aside, a PHEV version is also available, and it adopts the same Hi4-T PHEV setup as the Tank 400 and Tank 500 models. This powertrain package adopts a sizeable 37.1 kWh battery pack that delivers a claimed EV range of up to 105 KM (CLTC).
Presently, the Tank 300 is sold in right-hand-drive (RHD) form in both Australia and New Zealand. In said markets, the model rolls on stylish 17-inch alloy wheels whilst its cabin is brimmed with a pair of 12.3-inch digital displays in the dash, one serving as the infotainment and offers both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity.
Other key features primed include a pair of a 12-volt sockets – one in the dash and another in the boot – along with USB charging ports for the first and second row seats. The cabin is also reportedly furnished with a novel ambient lighting suite.
At the same time, GWM offers the Tank 300 down under in a higher-end guise. This variant gains larger 18-inch wheels, Nappa leather upholstery, as well as power-adjustable front seats with seat heating and ventilation plus massage functions built-in, wireless charging pad, an Infinity nine-speaker hi-fi audio setup, as well as an extended cabin ambient lighting suite with more colour choices.
Given how the model is specced out down under, we could see a similar treatment for the Malaysia-bound version teased by GWM Malaysia. And, typical of alternative Chinese fighters as such, we can also perhaps expect the Tank 300 to command competitive prices.
Should things pan out accordingly, would you fancy the GWM Tank 300? As always, hit the comments below – and our social media pages – with your thoughts…
KUALA LUMPUR | VMG7349 |
SELANGOR | BRT4180 |
JOHOR | JWY2932 |
PULAU PINANG | PRE5606 |
PERAK | ANK3365 |
PAHANG | CEW5622 |
KEDAH | KFT9534 |
NEGERI SEMBILAN | NEB6365 |
KOTA KINABALU | SJD7546 |
KUCHING | QAB1328J |
Petrol | |||
---|---|---|---|
RON 95 | RM 2.05 |   | |
RON 97 | RM 3.47 |   | |
RON 100 | RM 4.50 |   | |
VPR | RM 5.50 |   |
Diesel | |||
---|---|---|---|
EURO 2M | RM 2.15 |   | |
EURO 5 | RM 2.35 |   |
KUALA LUMPUR | VMG7349 |
SELANGOR | BRT4180 |
JOHOR | JWY2932 |
PULAU PINANG | PRE5606 |
PERAK | ANK3365 |
PAHANG | CEW5622 |
KEDAH | KFT9534 |
NEGERI SEMBILAN | NEB6365 |
KOTA KINABALU | SJD7546 |
KUCHING | QAB1328J |
Petrol | |||
---|---|---|---|
RON 95 | RM 2.05 |   | |
RON 97 | RM 3.47 |   | |
RON 100 | RM 4.50 |   | |
VPR | RM 5.50 |   |
Diesel | |||
---|---|---|---|
EURO 2M | RM 2.15 |   | |
EURO 5 | RM 2.35 |   |