By Sala Masindane

The GWM Tank 300 arrived in the country with a lot of hype and was billed as the next big thing, particularly for buyers who wanted a Jeep Wrangler experience without paying Wrangler money. Since then, it has steadily found its way into many local households. We previously tested the HEV variant and came away impressed, although its fuel consumption did sit on the heavier side. It was only a matter of time before GWM introduced a diesel variant of the Tank 300, not only for improved efficiency but also because South Africans have a long-standing love affair with diesel engines. We hosted the Tank 300 Diesel for a brief stint to see how it stacks up.

How does it differ from the rest of the range?

Inside and out, the diesel version is identical to its petrol derivatives. It features the same bold exterior design with a muscular stance, aggressive front grille and 18-inch chrome alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin offers a premium feel, with full-grain Nappa leather seats that include heating, cooling and massage functions for the front occupants. The Tank 300 Diesel is fitted with a 12.3-inch full-colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, paired with a 9-speaker Infinity audio system. The infotainment system is user-friendly, and the inclusion of shortcut buttons makes navigating menus far easier while driving.

Performance and drive

Powering the GWM Tank 300 Diesel is a 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine producing 135 kW and 480 Nm of torque, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

The addition of the diesel engine is the biggest highlight of our time with the Tank 300. Acceleration is decent, with power readily available when needed. Ride quality is comfortable and the overall driving experience is smooth. GWM claims a fuel consumption figure of 9.2 L/100 km, while our time with the vehicle returned an average of 9.8 L/100 km. Even so, it remains more frugal than the hybrid version.

Has the diesel engine made the Tank 300 more desirable?

Truth be told, we were already impressed by the Tank 300 before the introduction of the diesel engine. That said, the petrol variant’s engine mapping left us wanting more, and there were moments where power delivery felt inconsistent. Overall, the Tank 300 Diesel is a better product, though it is still not perfect.

That said, it is well worth considering if you are shopping in this segment. The GWM Tank 300 Diesel is priced from R649,900.