The Tank is a cool piece of equipment.
Part Jeep, part Suzuki Jimny, part 1982 Toyota LandCruiser - not to mention just a touch of Mercedes Benz thrown in for good measure.
If this all sounds like a bit of a mish-mash, you will be pleasantly surprised when driving the latest arrival from China’s GWM (Great Wall Motors), the Tank 300.
As well as having a funky name (who doesn’t want to drive a Tank - imagine how easy they are to park) it is fun to drive.
Original? Not exactly. It really does look a little like all of those models above - a bit boxy, a bit chunky and a bit capable of going anywhere. But they say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery.
The Tank reinvents the shape of 4WDs past - such as early versions of the LandCruiser and current versions of the Jeep Wrangler and even the Jimny.
Yet inside it looks every bit like the latest Chinese vehicles making such a mark on the Aussie market.
If you spot something in the Tank that looks familiar, chances are it is. Chinese manufacturers (and the Koreans before that) have always been great bower birds - copying designs and letting their manufacturing and imitation skills do the rest.
And when it comes to making other peoples’ ideas appear as their own, the Tank is no different.
The Tank is living proof of how quickly China has emerged as a major player in the Australian motor industry. Not this year and perhaps even not this decade - but it is going to happen.
The Tank is offered in two sizes - the larger, more expensive seven-seat Tank 500 (about Toyota Prado size) and the tested 300, which offers remarkable space and technology while not taking up too much space in the garage or shopping centre car park.
GWM is talking both Tank models up as “luxury” vehicles with “crushing 4x4 performance”. And within reason, it is right.
Particularly when considering the entry-level Tank 300 Luxury - with a compelling drive-away price of just $46,990 - or the flagship Ultra model for a tick over $50,000.
That makes it one of the most affordable, fully capable 4WD models on the market. The Indian-built Mahindra Scorpio ($44,990 drive away) is the only comparative rival that beats the Tank on price.
But the Chinese machine has a seriously impressive list of standard features.
GWM wanted to launch the Tank with a hybrid, four-cylinder, turbocharged drivetrain, but supply chain issues changed those plans so Australia’s first look comes with a more conventional four-cylinder turbo setup.
It’s surprisingly spirited, pushing out 162kw and 380Nm of torque, driving through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and with a genuine dual-range setup.
What is lost in terms of off-road capability, is recouped in the Tank’s budget price.
First impressions are strong - the exterior has a purposeful look and the fit and finish are solid.
The Tank is built on the old ladder-frame method - as opposed to the more modern monocoque construction favoured in soft-roader variants - but its ride and handling are impressive.
It’s seriously quiet, from the engine and interior sound deadening, and is nimble in its handling. Of particular note is the sharp turning circle.
The cockpit is dominated by twin-width, 12.3 inch digital displays which reach halfway across the dash. Most interior functions are run off the left screen; other displays and a well-organised instrument cluster are on the right.
Spaced across the dash are five turbine-style air vents (which look like they could have been "borrowed" from recent Mercedes models).
Then there are features that would never be on a Mercedes. For instance, the Tank has three clocks on the dash - one each on the digital displays and the third, an analogue display built into one of the vents. Three clocks? Maybe it’s a Feng shui thing.
Otherwise there are very few shortcomings for this spacious, comfortable and refined bush basher.
The Tank’s big blocky silhouette creates an impressive 400 litres of space with the second seats in use, and 1635 litres when folded flat.
While the Tank is only available in five-seat configuration, the clever second-row seats fold and tilt forward to create an additional 1200 litres of flat cargo space.
The four-cylinder engine is no fire-cracker but it’s delightfully smooth and quiet and has ample power for effortless highway running.
Fuel economy is a bit of a disappointment at 9.5L/100km but this will no doubt be improved by the impending arrival of the hybrid-drive engine.
The list of equipment is strong - 17-inch alloys, 2 x 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen; 360 degree all-round cameras; Adaptive Cruise Control, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist (which proved a bit too enthusiastic) and rear cross-traffic alert.
The driver and front passenger enjoy great views thanks to the elevated seating position and the heated leather seats were a welcome addition to the Ultra model during winter.
The off-road terrain settings allow you to crawl down steep hills and then select Sport mode for city or highway driving.
Oh, and don’t forget the name (because you won’t soon forget the car).
GWM TANK 300 ULTIMATE
HOW BIG? A mid-sized SUV but its well designed interior design makes it feel roomier than it probably is.
HOW FAST? It’s not a rocket but the power is delivered in a smooth, linear fashion and it picks up speed surprisingly.
HOW THIRSTY? Official consumption is 9.6L/100km - not great, even for a car of this size.
HOW MUCH? Prices start from $46,990 drive away; the Ultra tested model costs $50,990.
