Somewhere between Dubai and Shanghai, a blingy Nissan Patrol and slick Jolion HEV got together in a broom cupboard to create the new Tank 500…
You should know: That flat joke is supposed to illustrate the bold stature but delicate nature of this vehicle, which combines the slab-sided chrome fakery of a Patrol with the clever petrol-electric drivetrain of a new hybrid crossover. Which also means that it can carry a lot of people (and stuff) while not using too much fuel.
More info: Exactly how little of it? According to its manufacturer, this vehicle should use an average of just 8.5L/100km from the 80L tank, no thanks to a 2L four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid setup shoving up to 255kW or 650Nm through nine-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels.
Although our real-world average was ever-so-slightly on the other side of 10L/100km, that’s still mighty impressive for a shiny behemoth weighing just over 2.6 tons. Ditto for its performance, which should deal with the yardstick measurement of 0-100km/h in 8.3 seconds. Except that our best attempt was a blistering 7.22!
Why you shouldn’t: A few notes that speak against this car are its bulky dimensions and conspicuous design, screen-fest interior and steep user interface learning curve. There’s also the comparable dealer deficit and street cred, when compared to everyone’s favourite brands; plus a price tag of about R1.2m.
Why you should: However, if you start measuring it against Toyota or Nissan’s direct rivals, that asking price either lands you in a more rustic product, one with far fewer features, or at a considerable premium to get the same experience. Never mind the possibility of using hybrid/electric propulsion while pootling around town.
What else: Some of our drivers noticed the modern trend of hiding sensible features (like volume controls or charging ports) while everyone remarked on the fairly quiet cabin, kitsch panelling and lighting, plus a light and easy steering feel. None of us took this car further off-road than a bit of dirt and ditches, and we beg your forgiveness in this regard.
Conclusion: The new GWM Tank 500 operates in a weird little corner of our market segment: for large and boxy SUV’s with small yet punchy hybrid power. So far it’s only got the lesser Tank 300 HEV sibling to contend with, and we suppose that both of them are able to integrate into any Southern African family’s adventurous lifestyle.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,998cc in-line 4-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid |
| Transmission: | 9-speed Auto, AWD |
| Max. Power: | 255kW @ 5,500rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 648Nm @ 1,700rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 8.5L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | 7.22 seconds (claimed 8.3) |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R1,222,900 |
