They say that in Russia, whatever you do, everything turns out to be a tank. But in terms of cars, China jumped ahead and made Tank the first. True, today’s reality is such that the car is very much asked not to be called “tank”, but “tank” – in order to avoid unnecessary allusions.
A new brand from the Great Wall group, which already has the Haval H9. There is almost no unit with him, although everything is similar on paper: a frame, a gasoline-turbo engine, a two-lever front axle and a rear axle. As well as all-wheel drive with the connection of the front with a clutch and a two-stage “razdatka”.
Unlike?
Outwardly, the Tank 300 is very reminiscent of the last frame Jeep Cherokee: the same silhouette and chopped shapes. Unless the round headlights were supplemented with an eastern part of running LEDs. Although someone will remember the forgotten second-generation SsangYong Korando and its clone TagAZ Tager.
Unpainted plastic on the waterline can withstand shocks at speeds up to 15 mph without consequences. I didn’t test this theory, but was convinced of the car’s off-road talents.
Under engine protection, 224 mm is promised. The forearms are made of steel and are not afraid of contact with boulders. Behind and completely continuous bridge. Add to that two interwheel locks and a downshift and it becomes clear that this man is not for tarmac. Perhaps in the future there will be a transfer case with differential to make all-wheel drive permanent. But for now, all leading ones can only be used up to 80 km / h. This is the so-called part-time – it is not suitable for constant driving on asphalt.
The loft-style interior is a “concrete” panel plate with souvenirs from different countries. For example, ventilation grilles were brought from Stuttgart.
I confidently stormed a deep snow track leading to the top of one of the Sayan hills – and never experienced a sense of fear. The tank not only looks like a Jeep, but also matches its talents.
The set of “iron” off-road arguments is complemented by digital performance – several driving modes and a transparent hood function.
But much more I liked the powerturn, which is called tank (or tank?). On slippery surfaces and low speeds, the machine slows down the inside rear wheel, literally allowing you to turn on a patch – like on some tractors.
There is only one engine so far – a two-liter E20CB petrol with a capacity of 220 horsepower. Of. This turbo engine is enough for a two-ton SUV, but no more. “Three hundredth” when accelerating to 100 km/h barely 11 seconds. But traction control is useful, especially off-road – the 380 Newton-meter advantage is generously distributed over a wide rev range.
Even less fuel consumption: 13 liters per hundred at a cruising speed of 100 km / h, albeit 92nd, is a bit much in today’s reality. I could have saved a diesel engine, but the Chinese comrades associate it exclusively with utilitarian equipment. And the Tank, being premium, isn’t supposed to. There is a hybrid in the range, but whether it will appear on our market remains to be seen.
Hidden talents
In combination with a turbo engine, classical hydromechanics works. The eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission has long been installed on BMW and Land Rover. This box is known, including its weaknesses. From the six-speed predecessor, she inherited a relatively small valve body resource. To extend the life of sticky valves, it is worth doing at least a partial oil change every 50-60 thousand km (although it is officially designed for the entire service life). That is better to accompany the replacement of the filter, which comes as a single piece with a plastic tray.
Practicality is not a problem. The folded backs form a flat floor. And in the trunk there are many small things such as a 220-volt socket and all kinds of hooks and nets.
But durability issues aside, the machine pleases with its settings and the feeling of unbreakable power flow in all situations. This is also why the Tank 300 was a pleasant surprise on tarmac. You don’t remember the need for constant steering like on the Land Cruiser Prado. “Chinese” does not swing with a sharp change of course and confidently follows the trajectory. The suspension steadfastly fulfills even the most terrible of pits.
Price and value
Tank 300. Price in Russia from 3 699 000 ₽
The starting price of 3.7 million rubles is shocking. But let’s look around. Crossover Haval Dargo X costs three and a half million rubles. And in the “base” Tank has adaptive cruise control and all possible heating – while the top version for 4 million rubles gets only air curtains, seat ventilation, nappa upholstery and front locking.
Tank 300 turned out to be a decent modern frame with no weaknesses. The progress that Chinese companies are showing is impressive and disappointing at the same time.
Why angry? Because that’s what our UAZ could look like.
I had no doubts about Tank’s off-road talents. But the pleasant behavior on the sidewalk was a surprise.
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Must be hardy |
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Fuel consumption, part-time four-wheel drive |
Tank 300
- Length / Width / Height / Base 4760 / 1930 / 1903 / 2750mm
- Empty weight 2000kg
- maximum speed 170 km/h
- Acceleration 0–100 km/h 10.6 sec
- engine petrol, P4, 16 valves, 1967 cm³; 162 kW / 220 hp at 5500 rpm; 380 Nm at 1800-3600 rpm
- Fuel / fuel reserve AI-92 / 80 liters
- Transfer four wheel drive; A8
- Which SUV is the coolest? You can find the answer here.
- “Driving” can be seen on YouTube
The Tank 300 SUV is similar to the latest Jeep Cherokee frame, not just in appearance.
Frame, all-wheel drive, transparent hood (and 224 mm below) – the Chinese surprised again