GWM Tank 300 diesel confirmed - will it hit Australia?

The GWM Tank 300 is in line to gain turbo-diesel power in China – but it’s not yet clear whether the popular drivetrain for off-road enthusiasts will come to Australia.

Chinese publication Autohome reports GWM chairman Wei Jianjun confirmed a turbo-diesel engine will be added to the Tank 300 lineup in the near future, to be sold alongside existing turbo-petrol and hybrid versions of the rugged-looking SUV.

While diesel engines aren’t overly popular in China, a majority of the Tank 300’s rivals in Australia – such as the Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, and Toyota Fortuner – are exclusively turbo-diesel powered.

CarExpert has contacted GWM’s Australian division for comment on whether a turbo-diesel Tank 300 is in its plans.

The engine in question will reportedly be a 2.4-litre four-cylinder, shared with the Cannon Alpha ute due in Australia next month.

In the Cannon Alpha, the turbo-diesel engine produces 135kW of power and 480Nm of torque, and is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission.

At present, the Australian-delivered GWM Tank 300’s turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine produces 162kW and 380Nm, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Hybrid variants score an 18kW power bump before an 78kW/268Nm electric motor is added – bringing total system outputs to 258kW/615Nm, delivered to all four wheels through a nine-speed auto.

Autohome hasn’t detailed what price point the turbo-diesel option will be expected to occupy in China, however it’s likely to be dearer than the petrol-only SUV given the lower ongoing running costs from greater fuel efficiency.

Entry to the GWM Tank 300 range currently starts from $46,990 before on-road costs in turbo-petrol guise, while the hybrid begins at $55,990 before on-road costs.

As previously reported, Australia continues to miss out on the GWM Tank 330, which features a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with 265kW of power and 500Nm of torque.

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