GWM launching Tank 300 diesel; PH next?

GWM continues to make the Tank 300 cater to the needs of customers for a go-anywhere off-road SUV.

Here in the Philippines, the Tank 300 is solely available with a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine. In its home market, however, you can have the SUV with an additional 48V mild hybrid assist for more power. Need more? There’s a 3.0-liter V6 turbo mild hybrid called the Tank 330. Do you want it capable of running on electric power alone? They have a PHEV.

But what about a diesel, then? Well say no more now, says GWM Chairman Wei Jianjun. The brand is set to offer a diesel version of the Tank 300 for 4x4 enthusiasts that prioritize torque and greater range especially when the SUV is used in remote locations.

While GWM already has a 2.0-liter turbodiesel with the Cannon pickup truck in PH, the Tank 300 will reportedly get a bigger 2.4-liter, four-cylinder turbodiesel unit found on the higher-grade Poer pickups and the upcoming Haval H9 seven-seater SUV. The unit produces 184 PS with 480 Nm of torque and is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Together with the diesel engine, the Tank 300 will likely remain equipped with a bevy of intelligent 4x4 tech such as multiple terrain modes, hill-start and hill-descent control, front and rear locking differentials, and the Tank Turn function that reduces the SUV’s turning radius.

The only question now is, will GWM Philippines offer the diesel version of the Tank 300 when it gets launched? While diesels are not popular in PRC, it’s a different story when it comes to the Philippine market especially when it comes to SUVs. That alone could be a big factor for GWM PH to pull the trigger and offer another variant of the Tank 300 in the country.

Source: Autohome via Carnewschina