Images have surfaced in China of the smallest model in GWM's rapidly expanding Tank line-up, with a model called the Tank 100 clearly taking aim at the Suzuki Jimny.
The Jimny was a run-away success in Australia, with its popularity sparking delivery delays and wait lists. But there could soon be another alternative in market, with the Tank 100 similar in size and ethos to the Japanese off-roader.
With a focus on off-road ability, reports out of China point to the five-door Tank 100 being equipped with a low-equipped 4WD system with three diff locks on the higher-tier models.
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But perhaps the most exciting news is the powertrain, with Chinese media pointing to the Tank 100 being equipped with the Tank 300's engine options, which include turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol unit producing 167kW and 387Nm, with a diesel engine also reportedly under development.
Those outputs would far out-punch the 75kW and 130Nm on offer from the Suzuki Jimny's 1.5-litre petrol engine, with both the Suzuki and the Tank 100 to be offered with a manual gearbox option, too.
Though the Tank 100 is yet to be confirmed, the broader brand appears certain to launch in Australia, with GWM testing models like the Tank 300 here to gather consumer feedback.
If it does launch in Australia, it will almost certainly find a market, with the demand for the Suzuki Jimny still "unbelievable" Down Under.
“Demand is still unbelievable. It has grown from the levels it used to be at - currently, it’s greater than 2000 cars on backorder,” Suzuki Manager Director Michael Pachota told CarsGuide late last year. “In the past six months, we’ve seen a 38 per cent increase in orders from customers.
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