GWM Haval has become a new love affair for affluent Pakistani auto consumers with strong purchasing power. Backed by Sazgar in Pakistan, Haval SUVs after witnessing resounding success are joined by a few more siblings from the GWM umbrella, including the Ora 03 EV and the Tank 500 SUV.
Related: Sazgar Brings GWM Tank 500 HEV to Pakistan
Although deliveries of the Tank 500 are yet to begin in Pakistan, the SUV has already started to create an impact. Seen as a potential rival to the Land Cruiser, it has already prompted Toyota to significantly slash the price of LC300 although there is still a massive difference in price between the two. However, once deliveries begin, only time will tell how customers rate the Tank 500 in terms of performance.
Back in its home market of China, GWM is set to introduce an upgraded version of the Tank 500 Hi4-T that will be launched on March 18. Although it will remain the same in terms of appearance, but will be blessed with a new engine and intelligent four-wheel drive system to help reduce fuel consumption. Also, the SUV will get an upgraded human-machine interface.
Related: Will Sazgar Bring the P500 Pickup Truck to Pakistan
The Tank 500 Hi4-T is a PHEV (plug-in hybrid vehicle) that gets a 37.1 kWh battery pack along with a 2.0T engine which can both power the wheels and act as a generator. The new model will get the E20NB engine whereas the existing Tank 500 has the E20NA unit. The new engine uses the Miller Cycle which provides a higher expansion ratio than compression ratio, with the advantage of providing improved thermal efficiency compared to conventional internal combustion engine operating conditions.
The engine’s maximum power of 185 kW and peak torque of 380 Nm remain the same as before. The electric motor’s output remains unchanged too, at 120 kW and 400 Nm. The combined system output is 300 kW (402 hp) and 750 Nm. Where the benefit lies is with fuel economy. Together with a new intelligent four-wheel drive system, the fuel consumption drops from 9.55 liters to 8.8 liters per 100 kilometers, equivalent to 11.36 km per liter.
The upgrade also adds a new generation of intelligent human-machine interface (HMI) systems, which enables the user interface to be more intuitive and improves phone connectivity functions.
In the Chinese market, the Tank 500 has sold an average of more than 5,000 units a month since sales started in 2022, which is impressive. It is also sold in the Middle East and the Australian markets before being introduced in Pakistan. However, we get the HEV & petrol variants here and not the Hi4-T PHEV.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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