The GWM Tank 300 HEV proved a commendable SUV on the 2024 SUV Shootout road trip, where we, along with our sister publication CAR magazine, travelled to the Tankwa Karoo and Sutherland, before heading back to the Mother City.
Related: SUV Shootout 2024 Part 8: GWM Tank 300 2.0T HEV 4×4 Super Luxury AT
Where the Chinese automaker’s ladder-frame 4×4 has much to offer — such as a tech-laden interior, comfortable on-road driving dynamics, impressive off-road prowess, and outputs of 255 kW/685 M.m — the sole petrol (and hybrid, for that matter) competitor in the SUV Shootout lineup was also the thirstiest. During the trip, its digital instrument cluster often displayed an average fuel consumption figure around the 15 L/100 km marker. That’s 6.6 L/100 km more than what’s claimed by the automaker.
Of course, locally, you also have the option of a non-hybrid 2.0-litre petrol engine. The turbocharged unit produces 162 kW and 380 N.m of torque. The claimed fuel consumption for this motor? 9.5 L/100 km.
As such, a more economical diesel option would be a welcome addition to the Tank 300 range. Well, now, CarNewsChina has confirmed GWM will produce an oil-burning variant. Whether it will join the firm’s SA portfolio remains to be seen, though. However, considering our market’s predisposition to diesel SUVs, it will be a welcome addition.
So, what do we know about the Tank 300 diesel? Not much is yet known. However, what has been revealed, thanks to the folks at CarNewsChina, is that this model will employ a new iteration of the firm’s GW4D24 engine. The oil-burner produces 135 kW and 480 N.m of torque, which should deem plenty for off-roading.
