In it for the win and so much more

The long-awaited GWM Tank 300 HEV has arrived. This feature-packed hybrid electric vehicle is the SUV of the future, writes Gary Wium.

- Gary Wium

We should consider this new HEV SUV as the dawn of a new era. Not only has GWM recently introduced several strong contenders for the SUV and bakkie vehicle market, but the GWM Tank 300 HEV is in it for the win.

If the automotive industry was a boxing ring, then GWM just won the fight with their knockout blow by introducing a vehicle that is jam-packed with comfort and safety features, and now with HEV technology, this SUV offers the fuel efficiency of a tiny hatch freewheeling downhill with the wind in its proverbial sails.

Although the Tank has an aggressively robust appearance and all-terrain ability, this vehicle also offers rapid acceleration, comfort and impressive fuel efficiency, features that a tank artillery vehicle is not familiar with.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: GWM is rapidly becoming a market leader. I support this statement by referring to price point versus features as a value-for-money measurable metric, comparing the GWM TANK with its other South African SUV counterparts.

Over the course of a week, I test drove the head-turning flagship model, the GWM Tank 300 Super Luxury HEV 2,0-litre turbo-petrol. The best part of that time was the ridiculously low fuel consumption during my bumper-to-bumper commute. When you consider the impact that rocketing fuel prices have on any South African vehicle owner's pocket, the relief of the electric vehicle mode was magical!

Apart from the fuel consumption, the safety features made for a favourable and memorable drive.

This vehicle offers lane assist, a collision prevention programme along with a dashboard illustration of the visible and less visible vehicles surrounding the Tank.