Love is all around

Introduction: I remember a few years ago when somebody asked me who GWM was. The answer is a well-established 41-year-old company with nearly fifteen million vehicles sold globally to date, who employ 59 000 people. I think the question going forward, will not be who GWM is, but rather, why do you not own a GWM. The Tank that has only been around since 2021, forms a respectable chunk of the above sales figures, with over 600 000 sold. Did you know that GWM has another interesting arrow in their well-stocked quiver? On July 10, 2018, GWM and BMW Holding B.V. entered a joint venture, creating Spotlight Automotive Ltd.

Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The diesel version comes with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 135kW and 480Nm of torque and is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission. GWM claim a fuel consumption of 7.7 Liters per one hundred kilometres but after a week of a good mix of acceleration, town driving and freeway cruising, I got 10.5. I thoroughly enjoyed driving this car and felt that the diesel version will be the answer to many a fuel savvy customer wanting a very capable 4x4 that is both comfortable and full of technology.

Features: There are plenty but herewith a few: Front and back differentials, Tank 4x4 turn, Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake-Force Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), Roll Movement Intervention (RMI), Electric Stability Control (ESC), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Dynamic Direction Stability Assist (DDSA), Low-Speed Emergency Braking, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Front Collision Warning (FCW), Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK), Door Open Warning, Rear Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Detection, Parallel Assist System, Cross Traffic Alert (CTA) and Cross Traffic Brake (CTB), Driver Fatigue Monitor System, Front and Rear Seatbelts Unfasten Warning, Front Seat Belt Pre-Tensioned Force-Limiting, Front Seat Belt Pre-Tensioned Force-Limiting with Crash Locking Tongue (CLT), Emergency Braking Signal, INTELLIGENT DRIVING ASSIST, Second Collision Mitigation (SCM), Dual Airbags, Side Airbags, Side Curtain Airbags, Front Centre Airbags, Child Seat Safety Anchors (ISOFIX), 26 centimetre Multi-Media Display, Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto, 9 Infinity Speakers, Soundproof Front Passenger Window  and Windshield, All Four Doors One Touch Auto Close / Open and Anti-Pinch with Automatic Window Lock Function, Driver Seat One-Touch Operation and Anti-Pinch Function, Exterior Mirrors: Folding - Auto when locking, Adjustable, Turning Signal & Heated, Driver and Passenger Sun visor with Lighting and Mirror, Anti-Glare Interior Rearview Mirror, Electronic Anti-Glare Interior Rearview Mirror, Rear Windshield Demist, tyre monitoring, 4x4 screen display with chassis, tyre temperature and pressures, Cooper 18 inch tyres, panoramic camera displays including aerial and the list goes on.

Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: The interior of the Tank offers heaps of generous space and quality materials are used throughout with Nappa leather standard for the Ultra luxury version. The tech loaded dashboard is without a doubt a dashboard to remember. The large instrument and infotainment screens of equal size, really do a top job in providing the occupants with all the data you need and with the very latest in technology used throughout the car. The exterior of the Tank oozes boldness and is visually appealing, displaying characteristics of ruggedness and durability. The luggage compartment gives a decent 400 Liters of space but must be noted that this is to the height of the seats. Anything packed higher if not secured would become a dangerous object should the vehicle be in an accident, as is with all cars. With 224 millimetres of ground clearance, you can be assured that the Tank can take on any 4x4 trail and give even the most novice of 4x4 enthusiasts that that much needed naïve confidence when tackling all surfaces, but especially that potentially hostile rocky terrain.

Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: R739 900, 200 000 kms/ 7 years, 7 years unlimited mileage roadside assistance, Services 75 000 kms/ 7 years, intervals 15 000 kms/ one year intervals.

In Summary: In keeping with my original article title theme of naming the test vehicle after a song, I felt compelled to do the same with the TANK 300 Diesel, as I did with the petrol HEV. The HEV was called, “It must be love,” by Madness and this diesel has been named, “Love is all around,” by Wet Wet Wet. I think that some of the lyrics sum up my impression of the TANK 300 Diesel very well indeed. “You know, I love you, I always will, My mind's made up, By the way that I feel, There's no beginning, There'll be no end, 'Cause on my love you can depend.

If you are looking for a great car, with terrific value, is a great 4x4, and is backed by a great South African dealer network of 106, then look no further, than the GWM Tank 300.

*This article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs, please contact GWM SA*