While many people are quick to criticise new automotive brands coming to the market – usually without any true knowledge or experience with the brand in question – some of those brands are better than others, and some offer vehicles that fill a genuine hole in the market.

GWM’s Tank 300 is a classic example of a vehicle that fills a niche in the market that has been left open, just waiting for the right product. The void in the 4×4 market was left when Jeep discontinued its Cherokee line in Australia. The XJ Cherokee was a relatively small 4×4 wagon that, unlike modern SUVs, was powerful and genuinely off-road capable.

While the Cherokee lost some of its ruggedness through subsequent model changes, it remained a unique vehicle in the 4×4 market until it was discontinued here. It filled a niche between popular wagons like the Prado and Pajero and compact models such as the Suzuki Jimny and Vitara.

With its boxy styling and rugged looks, the Tank 300 emulates the XJ Cherokee in many ways, albeit with a more modern spin on things. It’s small and nimble yet, with front and rear locking diffs as standard, genuinely competent off-road. Importantly, it’s affordably priced for anyone wanting to get into a new 4×4 wagon. Add in the choice of petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains and the little Tank shows a lot of potential.

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Built to explore

The global popularity of the Tank off-roader globally has seen strong support from the aftermarket for accessories and modifications.

Leading the charge locally is Melbourne-based Tank Garage, which offers an extensive and growing range of products for the Tank 300 and its bigger sibling, the Tank 500. The Tank 300 you see here is Tank Garage’s own rig and was built to showcase what can be done with the GWM – and to get owner Jeremy up into the alps on trekking adventures.

“What really attracted me to the Tank 300 is its unique positioning,” said Jeremy Yu. “It’s a vehicle that offers a modern, high-tech interior and is genuinely comfortable for everyday driving, but at the same time it’s very capable when you want to push it off road.”

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Accessories and upgrades

Jeremy’s vehicle is a 2023 model and was one of the earlier examples delivered in Australia.

As such, it is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while the diesel and hybrid models have been introduced to the range since then. Making 380Nm and backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission, the little Tank gets along nicely. The only modification to the engine is the fitment of a Tank Garage intake snorkel.

The bonnet covering the turbocharged mill is a carbon-fibre replacement with a broad weave that gives it a unique look – and yes, the bonnet is an ADR-approved piece. Ahead of the bonnet is a bullbar developed by Tank Garage. This is its Mk3 design and the vehicle shown here wears the prototype, but production versions should be available soon.

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The bullbar not only provides protection but also mounts the 13,000lb winch and a set of Novsight Halo 8-inch driving lights. These are aided by Tank Garage’s upgraded headlight kit, while there’s a light bar within the bullbar and another on the roof rack. That roof rack is an aluminium unit from Topfire, another company specialising in products for GWM vehicles, and it’s available through Tank Garage.

On a relatively compact wagon like the 300, the storage capacity offered by a roof rack is invaluable. But Jeremy has put in a lot of work designing and creating a lightweight and functional storage solution for the inside as well. As an avid camper, Jeremy knows only too well how much gear you can take away on trips, and it wasn’t just available space but also a moderate payload that limited his storage solutions. And after previously owning both a Ford Bronco and a Toyota FJ Cruiser, he knew all about living with smaller wagons.

“We moved away from older, heavier materials and focused on new materials with a much better strength-to-weight ratio,” Jeremy recalled. “We also switched to lighter accessories where possible. Personally, I’m into backpacking and mountaineering, and that lightweight outdoor mindset played a big role in how the vehicle was built.”

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The drawer system, fridge slide, storage platform and aluminium drop-down table on the rear door were designed as an integrated solution from Tank Garage. Each component works together without interference, resulting in a clean, functional and well-balanced setup. With a single drawer on one side and the Dometic fridge and large power pack on the other, the back of the Tank is Tardis-like when it comes to loading up.

Carrying the load is a suspension package developed by Tank Garage featuring Kman shocks and raised coils to give a 2.5-inch suspension lift. Tank Garage replacement upper control arms help keep everything in line with the added ride height and taller mud-terrain tyres.

As the leading modifier for Tank 4×4 vehicles in Australia, Tank Garage can now offer a range of its products directly through GWM dealers pre-delivery, so new owners can get their Tank kitted up and ready to hit the tracks.

The Tank Garage 300 shows what can be achieved with a budget-priced 4×4 and clever design and development of accessories.

List of all accessories and upgrades

  • Tank Garage intake snorkel
  • Carbon-fibre replacement bonnet (ADR-approved)
  • Tank Garage Mk3 bullbar (prototype)
  • 13,000lb winch
  • Novsight Halo 8-inch driving lights
  • Tank Garage upgraded headlight kit
  • Integrated bullbar light bar
  • Roof-mounted light bar
  • Topfire aluminium roof rack
  • Custom drawer system
  • Fridge slide
  • Storage platform
  • Aluminium drop-down rear door table
  • Dometic fridge
  • Large onboard power pack
  • Tank Garage suspension package
  • Kman shocks
  • Raised coil springs (2.5-inch lift)
  • Tank Garage upper control arms
  • Mud-terrain tyres
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