HEAVY ORDNANCE
GWM Tank
First, the Cannons were fielded, and now the Tanks are following. This is Chinese automaker GWM’s strategy to not only conquer the one-tonne pick-up market locally (and worldwide) but also the segment for off-road SUVs – and the first Tank derivative is expected to land on local shores imminently.
While Cannon is a model range within GWM (locally, we know it as the P-Series bakkie), Tank is a new standalone brand from GWM – a vehicle marque established with the aim to sell 500,000 vehicles by 2025 and to ultimately become the top off-road SUV brand in terms of market share worldwide.
To achieve this, Tank has rolled out its medium-sized 300 – a Jeep Wrangler-challenging body-on-frame 4×4 SUV – and the larger, more luxurious seven-seater 500 to take on the new Land Rover Defender, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, and Ineos Grenadier, with the 400, 600, 700 models on the cards, as well as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan-rivalling 800.
The soon-to-be-expected 300 (to be marketed here as the GWM Tank 300) is sold in China in three trims: standard, City, and Border. All derivatives are powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo petrol engine offering 165 kW and 390 Nm of torque, mated with an eight-speed auto transmission. With a length of 4,760 mm, width of 1,930 mm, height of 1,903 mm and a wheelbase of 2,750 mm, the 300 is slightly shorter than a Fortuner but stands broader and taller, and has a longer wheelbase compared to the Toyota.
A new-generation all-terrain control system, nine driving modes, three locking differentials, depending on specification, a close-quarter “Tank Turn” capability, ground clearance of 224 mm and wading depth of 700 mm (249 mm and 900 mm on the off-road version), an approach angle of 33 degrees, break-over angle of 23.1 degrees and a departure angle of 34 degrees, should give the Tank 300 proficiency off-road.
Inside, it is lavishly equipped with standard leather upholstery, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, a large digital instrument cluster, a 12.3” infotainment system, and features including 3D navigation, a 360-degree camera, and a host of driver assistance systems. Specification and trim levels for local models, as well as pricing, are not yet known.
LE PETIT PICK-UP
Renault Duster Oroch
Having recently been revamped in South America with refreshed looks, updated interior technology and the option of turbo power, and with the backlog in production of right-hand drive derivatives easing, it seems the keenly anticipated Duster-based Renault Oroch bakkie is at long last destined to reach South African shores.
The Duster Oroch is the first dedicated pick-up model ever from the French marque, and the four-door version, derived from the first-generation Duster, has been in production in Brazil since 2015. This was followed by the Dacia Duster Pick-Up 4×4, a single-cab model based on the current-generation model built in Romania, launched in 2020.
The South American-built double-cab model also lost the Duster moniker when it was refurbished in August last year. The small bakkie with unibody construction has a longer wheelbase (2,829 mm) than the Duster SUV and a load capacity of 680 kg (650 kg in the mid-tier and top models). In Brazil, the Oroch is available in Pro, Intense, and Outsider trim levels.
The naturally aspirated four-cylinder 1.6-litre SCe petrol engine from the previous model range is carried over in the base (Pro) and mid-tier (Intense) models. The engine delivers 89 kW and 162 Nm and is now mated with a new six-speed manual gearbox. The previous 2.0-litre engine in the flagship model is now superseded by a new 1.3-litre turbo petrol engine generating 125 kW and 270 Nm, driving the front wheels through a CVT with eight-gear simulation.
The redesigned new cabin features better quality trim and upgraded seat upholstery. In the mid-spec and top-spec models, the new, centrally mounted digital speedometer on the instrument panel is now complemented by an 8” EasyLink multimedia touchscreen system with wireless connection for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
The updated Oroch models feature a new steering wheel with brushed finish and backlit buttons. The entry- and mid-spec versions now have electrically adjustable side mirrors, front airbags, and rear parking sensors. Stability control (ESP), traction control (TCS), roll mitigation (RMI), and hill start assist (HSA) are standard.
No information on local specifications or pricing is available yet, but the Oroch – whether with four doors or two – will provide a viable alternative to the Nissan NP200’s monopoly of the small-bakkie segment.
HYBRID FLAGSHIP, SPORTY VARIANT
Haval Jolion HEV & Jolion S
The popular Jolion model range from Chinese automaker Haval has recently been expanded with two new derivatives – a self-charging hybrid flagship model which offers benefits both in terms of performance and fuel economy and a new sporty, more powerful model with sprightly dynamics and a high level of specification, as well as unique styling features.
The Haval Jolion HEV (hybrid-electric vehicle) is set to rival the popular Toyota Corolla Cross HV models in the compact SUV segment. The HEV is differentiated from the rest of the Jolion range by LED Premium Vision headlights and fog lights with blue accents, a diamond-pattern grille, a redesigned front bumper, silver roof rails, flared rear brake lights, a sporty rear diffuser and dual vent rear spoilers.
The Jolion HEV features a 1.5-litre hybrid drivetrain that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering a total power output of 140 kW and 375 Nm of torque. Sophisticated power balancing allows the vehicle to seamlessly transfer between Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, and Regeneration configurations, including EV, depending on driving conditions and driver input.
Unique for this segment is a performance-inspired launch control system, and power delivery can be tailored via various driving modes, including Standard, Eco, Sports, and Snow. The steering feel is customisable thanks to three dynamic adjustable steering modes. Available in Luxury and Super Luxury, the Jolion HEV Luxury can now be ordered for R549,950 and the Super Luxury variant for R579,950.
The Jolion range has been enhanced with the addition of a sporty S model and now consists of eight models. The Jolion S is equipped with the latest generation 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine with an upgraded turbocharger offering 25 kW more power and 60 Nm more twisting force (at slightly lower revs) than its normal siblings – 130 kW and 270 Nm of torque.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) driving the front wheels, and the transmission features Launch Control (unique in this segment), driving modes (Standard, Eco, Sports, and Snow) and dynamic steering modes (Sport, Comfort, and Light).
Styling enhancements include a unique front grille with chrome honeycomb pattern, blacked-out bumper garnish, side mirror caps, door beadings and roof rails and gloss black finish for the 18” alloy wheels. The Jolion S 7DCT retails for R479,950 (R35,000 more than the Super Luxury model) and can now be ordered from Haval dealers countrywide.
THE FINAL TROPHY
Renault Megane RS Trophy
The final version of the Renault Megane RS in subtly revised Trophy guise is now available in South Africa, but if you want one (collectors’ status is assured), you will need to be quick to order one – only 55 units are destined for our shores.
With Renault Sport transitioning to an electrified future with Alpine, the 2023 version will be the last Trophy available – with the final petrol-powered performance hatch from the French brand – the Megane RS Ultime with unique styling details – expected later this year. Only a few will be available, at a high price, so perhaps the Trophy is the better option.
While the 2020 Megane RS was offered with a manual gearbox, the latest RS 300 is exclusively equipped with a six-speed automated dual-clutch transmission (EDC), but retains the familiar and powerful 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering a Golf R-chasing 221 kW at 6,000 rpm and 420 Nm from 3,200 rpm.
A zero to 100 km/h sprint time of 5.7 seconds (with Launch Control) is claimed, and a top speed of 260 km/h. To enhance the engine soundtrack, the RS 300 Trophy is fitted with a variable exhaust valve system that provides two distinctive exhaust tones, working in conjunction with the Multi-Sense Driving modes technology.
Aesthetically, the 2023 Megane RS Trophy sports updated C-shaped LED headlights and taillights, a unique rear diffuser, a model-exclusive front bumper, bi-material front brakes with distinct red Brembo callipers, and 19” Jerez Diamond Cut alloy wheels encircled by Bridgestone Potenza S001 tyres.
The RS Trophy rides on a standard Cup chassis with stiffer suspension, a Torsen mechanical limited-slip differential and a four-wheel steering system.
Inside, the sporty, purpose-built seats upholstered with Alcantara and finished with red stitching, the “double diamond” steering wheel with paddle shifters, the aluminium gear knob lever, and the handbrake gaiter represents the epitome of RS design – elegant, yet sporty.
Standard equipment in the RS 300 Trophy includes a Multimedia System with Easy Link 7” touchscreen and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone climate control, cruise control, auto headlights and wipers and Renault hands-free card.
Other innovative features, such as Multi-Sense driving modes, an automatic parking brake, reverse camera, lane departure warning, parking sensors, and new, more dynamic indicators, are also included in the Trophy’s R899,900 price tag.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © SUPPLIED
