GWM Tank 300 (Wrangler clone): Terrible towing; even worse brakes | Auto Expert John Cadogan

[@Ali-ly5je]

Congrats me I just BOUGHT A TANK 300 NO REGRETS AT ALL THE BEST OFF ROAD adventure cars I ever owned & it's highway friendly. Driving in the city was never easier for a 4x4 . Fuel consumption is average I do love it

[@BDogs10]

nice purchase, I’m think about it too

[@Srprotjs4bpark]

100% correct

[@feizo]

Picked up mine in Feb and I'm loving it!

[@MikeJones-mz5ig]

Yes 3500 buyers have found the brakes fine, and don't need to tow the Queen Mary. It's a great vehicle.

[@shaunmillsom557]

Same here!! It's awesome!!

[@cybermatstrikes7557]

To be fair our local GWM dealer was upfront with its limits regarding payload and towing limits. I wouldn't buy a Wrangler or a Tank300 for towing.

[@hoaniwitana1104]

What would you buy for towing?

[@DZ-cm5xw]

A Tahoe, a F150, a Ram 1500, a Silverado to name a few.

[@Themuffinmand]

A tow truck

[@RoyFJ65]

Even the FJ Cruiser with a gas guzzling V6 is not made for towing.

[@kajak012]

@@hoaniwitana1104 isuzu dmax or mux ?

[@bnjumaan1932]

I own a tank 300 and absolutely love it i off-road the shit out of it and already ordered suspension and roof tent i don’t care what people say as long as i enjoy it

[@BDogs10]

100% go for it

[@robvanduren761]

We own 2 Chinese made vehicles because we were tired of the legacy brands quality and relialility. Both have been impeccable and you can dream on bullshit legacy auto makers.

[@jefftheaussie2225]

The only thing an Australian won’t overload is a wheel barrow.

[@wkdpsin]

I'll pay that!

[@barbraabsalom4531]

I had to brace the wheel barrow up , cause I overload it all the time 👍😉

[@F.Krueger-cs4vk]

I welded 2 large swivel wheels on the back stands of my barrow so I could load it up.

[@kirovfactory]

they love watching a wheelbarrow filled to the brim with concrete and dumped all over a customer's lawn by an apprentice on his first day

[@marinusscholtz9342]

Namibians and South Africans too 😂😂😂😂

[@GuitarsRockForever]

To be perfect honest, the car it tried to clone isn't something known for quality to start with.

[@krissteel4074]

The 1990's ones tended to have a big following in burgerland with a decent engine and being a somewhat protected species there, there wasn't a lot of competition. But the newer ones even the hardcore fans aren't really willing to die on that hill, because its not getting to the top of the hill and much more likely to end up in a mart car park or waiting for some exorbitantly priced spares. I guess cloning one might be seen as flattery or desperation

[@GuitarsRockForever]

@@krissteel4074 The older generations were very capable, when they are not shit themselves. I must admit I like them myself (not as owner, but to take a ride).

[@krissteel4074]

@@GuitarsRockForever Its a pity they didn't maintain that lineage of vehicle's robust and capable attributes. The market was swinging towards mall-crawlers and mum cars instead of off roaders. So it kept the cash coming in I guess, at the cost of dumping the good bits

[@mongolike513]

Mate you might just be living in the past. Go and have a drive of the new GWM or Haval and then try t convince yourself that the Chinese aren’t improving at twice the rate that the Koreans did, with quality.

[@markiangooley]

Even though I’m thoroughly American I tend to call a Wrangler a Wanker. Has a reputation for unreliability.

[@sambagogo777]

Quite possibly more reliable than a Land Rover and also probably less likely to have a Luton moment!

[@landrover1155]

Wouldn't be hard mate with a third of the kit of current Land Rovers. Cheers

[@dougstubbs9637]

Lucas, the Prince of Darkness.

[@landrover1155]

@dougstubbs9637 not from about 1995 mate then it was Bosch and Valeo (very very good kit). Cheers

[@wafive]

Saw a story yesterday about Luton, claimed old matey with the Hot RR knew the car was on fire when he entered the car park, but was "running late". But he did ask the servants at customs to attend to it.. as he had places to go.... Will be interesting to see the outcome of this... if true, of course.

[@harrywalker968]

its chinese.. they build sht.. ever bought tools.??.. garbage, as all there products... except the foton tunland.. which is basically american, dana , cummins..

[@King-Kazma]

To be fair and balanced, I saw a new Jeep lift its rear wheels a few months back when the exhaust system detached at the manifold end, causing it to ‘pole vault’. Driving on 80km/h arterial road.

[@MrKdr500]

Exhaust or tailshaft? seems highly unlikely an exhaust would do that without just bending up under the chassis....

[@King-Kazma]

@@MrKdr500 Exhaust. Once the front hit the road, the rest pretzeled as it tore off the mounts. Two lengths of folded exhaust pipe and a muffler is enough to kick the rear into the air.

[@DZ-cm5xw]

That was due to the dump driver. Never see that happening, nice story

[@frasercrone3838]

You have missed their strategic planning with the brakes John, they are set up to work when you are towing the Red Dirt Palace and therefore the back wheels stay on the road. See, they were on the ball. Tow ball that is.

[@ozymandias7940]

Have you ever stomped on the brakes in a Hilux with an empty tray? Does the same thing because of the weight transfer to the front & bugger all weight in the rear. Suzuki Seirra/Jimney is another that will stand on its front wheels in similar circumstances.

[@MrKdr500]

do they both weigh over 2 tons?

[@ozymandias7940]

@@MrKdr500 Unladen weight of an SR5 Hilux is 2,050kg (4500lbs), Jimney probably half that

[@johnarmstrong5727]

As a skid steer driver being a bit greedy with the grab/bucket can get this effect but on a vehicle travelling at speed it could be lethal .

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

Over 400 GWM Tank customers are currently running the experiment on a public road near you.

[@kirovfactory]

let's have a guess how long would it take to add a zero to that figure. I'll start with... June 2024

[@kramerinoz5557]

@@kirovfactory if true that will be 4000 GWM Tank 300's on the market in about 4 years worth two parts of bugger all, less the amount that drive off mountains and start bushfires.

[@WhiteHammer-d3j]

Best thing with these Chinese cars is they are easy to spot so you know to stay the fuck away from them on the road

[@richardgray115]

​@@WhiteHammer-d3j You sound like you absolutely despise them. But have you owned one?

[@paulcombes3782]

@@WhiteHammer-d3j Yes sir ! AVOID,AVOID,AVOID .

[@Slipperystick73]

Oh boy… GWM fanboys are going to flip as they all say.. best 4WD ever they had.. 1 guy claimed it’s better than his old 2019 Range Rover sport lol

[@peterlykissas3157]

Mate surely you know this bias clown has no idea what he’s doing, try a recent beer o’clock review to see the truth

[@aceryer]

Range rovers aren't exactly good cars...

[@Slipperystick73]

@@aceryer yeah but comparing a GWM against one… please!

[@csjames69]

Come on John, those automotive experts on Drive TV loved the Tank. What’s wrong with you? If Emma and the other bloke on the show say it’s good, we should take their word.

[@rufaimuhammadaminu6873]

I appreciate your fair judgement, I think John is paid by Toyota Landcruser and Wrangler etc the old company. The fact is the Tank all the specs are wonderful

[@ronch550]

Well he shoots down everything.

[@WhiteHammer-d3j]

@@rufaimuhammadaminu6873no they’re not. They’re shit like all Chinese products

[@maxkendal5152]

It's OK if it only brakes on 2 wheels, the ANCAP report is 5 stars with excellent driver and passenger protection.

[@hardworkingtaxpayer]

Correct, and purely focusing on the towing defeats the purpose of the intent of the vehicle- outdoor 4x4 toy.

[@tonyn1991]

So you’d rather have the accident, write off the car and survive rather than not having the accident in the first place?

[@user-gk1nt6sm2z]

You will need the protection as you will definitely crash. Enjoy your hospital holiday.

[@maxkendal5152]

At least you got the joke, if not the humour.@@user-gk1nt6sm2z

[@BLUEZz73]

Chinese bots are out in force pritecting their death trap shit box gwm tank.

[@rotoehu9266]

As you say John, your mate Paul from that other Aussie based ‘expert’ site showed the Tank doing the same ‘lift at the rear’ under braking thing weeks ago - and the stopping distance was still not as bad as some of the established rivals he’s tested

[@ScottMurrayBestFamilyCars]

Braking distance isn't the primary concern here. It's the lack of dynamic stability during it.

[@craigquann]

Yup. Up on 2 wheels and suddenly one wheel hits dirt/mud/sand while the other is on pavement... and suddenly your sideways and upside down.

[@cthorno2991]

​@@craigquannCars just hit mud and want to flip? quite the imagination you have. Any tests that don't involve matchbox cars and you making engine noises to back that up?

[@craigquann]

It does when it's on 2 wheels and one slips turning the vehicle sideways and over.... I thought it was pretty obvious...

[@kirovfactory]

@@craigquann you know when other high gravity 4wd brake hard the rear wheel has next to no weight on the ground as well?

[@budget4x4life]

Why would you buy this for towing in the first place. Take it offroad, where it outperforms 💯

[@sidjyothi]

In 3 years and 90k KMs of driving in all manner of Sydney traffic, how many times have I had to do a full scale emergency ABS stop? Zero. This is not the end of the world. It's a great value car and it shouldn't put anyone off buying it.

[@BDogs10]

Yes, a full scale emergency stop at speed is rare . Tank go forth 🫡

[@theshadypilot]

By the same logic, I'm assuming you haven't really needed your seat belt in that time? I suspect this reviewer may well urge you to not put one on hence forth :) Seriously though, it looks to be an otherwise great car. Except for maybe the looks from the front.

[@alafrosty]

Lol. I had to do an emergency stop last Friday when someone walked out from between cars at night in front of my pickup. I missed the idiot by a coup,le of feet, but it was very close.

[@windfal7]

We drive at 140km in UAE highways..

[@simonbond2503]

Geez John, I love the extended description of a caravan. "Taking a dump at the head of the dining table" I almost can't tell that you don't like them.

[@BDogs10]

.Guy appeals to the basic & crude

[@MrButtonpresser]

It's just a nod to the cars name, the "Tank". Most tracked vehicles tend to lift their rear end in a sudden stop.

[@virangaabeywickrema3901]

Yup, and operators of a Tank in combat situations also have a very short life expectancy as well!

[@benjamintresham9649]

It’s almost like the rear shocks are too short for the suspension set height. I would like to see how much the nose of the car drops under braking

[@ManxAndy]

With you there….the shocks are topping out, or exceeding their maximum travel, whichever way you want to say it, too short.pulling the axle up …..👍👌

[@angelotsi849]

I wonder if the aftermarket can come up with a fix for this. The car as just a 4WD (not tow vehicle) is quite capable. If the suspension is just to soft and does not have enough travel then a 50mm lift with firmer spring rates might be the go.

[@marinusscholtz9342]

Just stiffen up the front suspension and you are all good. Payload remains a problem at max towing. Rarely we tow at max, so no probs actually...

[@Grumpy-sy7wr]

That under car camera, looked like it not only hit the bump stops at the front, but had bugger all extended travel left in the rear at ride height. Perhaps longer shocks, or reducing the unladen ride height could help that rubber stay where it should be.

[@4hfour]

Just bought one, and so far, i love it. Great car ❤

[@NinjaDeathTeddy]

So first of all the top spec isn't the lux hybrid variant, its the ultra hybrid. I've looked into this car a fair bit and for me the biggest let downs are the payload of around 400kg and the roof load limit of 50kg. However, I don't have a family so those factors aren't a deal breaker to me. I also will never really tow anything either, so again it's not a big deal for my situation. I can appreciate how for my situation, which is being single and just wanting to get out camping and exploring sometimes it would be fine, but for someone with a family it would definitely be a different story. Handling and dynamics were probably the biggest issue for me when I test drove, the car floats around and dives a bit under braking. But it was nothing too bad. In regards to the rear wheels lifting up it does look a little alarming, I have heard many people that it actually doesn't really matter all that much, but I don't know enough to judge. Overall I think they've done a lot for the price, and it was definitely more fun and with more tech than a lot of the other similarly priced 4wds I drove. The Pajero Sport for example just looked and felt very basic inside and out in comparison. I will say as well, it seems like a shit ton more bang for your buck when compared to a Jimny, which was the car I was considering before I discovered the Tank 300. Having said that, the 5 door Jimny, mini land cruiser, Tank 500 and maybe even Tank 400 are all coming to Aus soon, so there will be tight competition.

[@renegadecampervan5017]

Any idea on tank 500 price?

[@johnbambo9036]

Praise the Lord, been looking forward to The Auto Expert Opinion piece on the TANK 300 for what seems like years. Popped open a Beer pulled up the chair to the i5 9400 Six Core with MAG Mortar 32GB RAM and RTX2070. Don't want to miss a word of the Goldie loxscreen time

[@harrywalker968]

i buy vehicles more than 25 yrs old.. still on road, must be good..

[@hi9580]

Long term reliability doesn't matter for offroader. Does matter for overlander.

[@justinkennedy5405]

Interesting and topical story John. Wondering if it can be fixed somewhat with a better suspension setup, as ‘Which Car’ tested (stopping from 100 on a dry road) with the following results: Gladiator 44m Ranger 42m Navara 41m Other vehicles were in the 37-40 range.

[@Leosarebetter]

Thank you! Its not as bad as OL John makes out - he should reference these results to be fair.

[@justinkennedy5405]

@@Leosarebetter Still a situation that should not occur in a modern, tested vehicle. Manufacturers should tune suspension for countries such as ours. Also, the carrying capacity has to increase, just not enough.

[@ajs-qv5fe]

yup, john is right, and to john, as long as its not a toyota, it has to be wrong, thats just how it is, thx for the review, john expert

[@brentsaddress]

Don't be butt-hurt because someone doesn't tell you that it's ok to ignore that nagging feeling that the temptingly cheap CCP wagon is a textbook case of bad engineering and cut corners.

[@ajs-qv5fe]

@@brentsaddress "butt-hurt" and "cheap ccp-wagon" - its that ccp thingy again, lolllllllllll - whos the butt hurt one, eh ??? plz, do yourself a small favour and have some self-respect, stop buying anything at all thats made-in-ccp-china or made by ccp-chinese, however small the content may be to enrich them, and dont sell anything to ccp-china or to the ccp-chinese to stop them from interfering in your wonderful little life ... lolllllllllll, good grief ... icymi, 1 out of every 12 chinese is a ccp member in china, you must be living in fear ...

[@pilkipilki4472]

John too much excitement in the intro for this time of day

[@SpencerHHO]

As someone who has the perquisite psychosis and personality flaws to consider a caravan. 2T is the soft upper limit for what I'd consider acceptable. The only time I've ever towed around or above 3 tonnes with my patrol has been flat towing late at night with the vehicle being towed having working brakes and a competent person behind the wheel. I've towed close to 3 tonnes with a car trailer but once again I avoid doing so at busy periods so I can take it nice and easy and reduce risk to myself and others. It's always been fine but towing a 2.5 or 3T caravan with any regularity just seems absurd to me.

[@ScatManAust]

Don't matter what time is, if it's dangerous or suspect, it's dangerous or suspect. Knowing its dangerous or suspect is even worse.

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Driving any vehicle knowing it to be "dangerous" is a criminal offence established in law in 1963 in the UK when a man drove a Ferrari while knowing that the front brakes were defective and if applied in an emergency...would serve the vehicle uncontrollably. He decided to drive slowly.. but still had an emergency.. the brakes made the car swerve and he couldn't control it... and killed an innocent young female. Convicted and sentenced to imprisonment... So now knowing that this new vehicle raises it's rear wheels off the ground and does that in a straight line situation.... and obviously is even more inclined to do it in a bend.. and even more so in a downhill bend.. with subsequent probable loss of control... how liable is the Corporation that imports these vehicles when selling them to the public???

[@SpencerHHO]

@JohnSmith-pl2bk did you mean that to be a reply on my comment?

[@SpencerHHO]

@ScatManAust there are restrictions as to when and how you can tow or transport certain loads. You can legally flat tow a car with another car provided certain criteria are met. We double checked and even confirmed with vic roads and local police before doing so, the cops suggested doing so at night as well because less traffic is inherently safer. When it comes to towing or Driving itself, you are performing an act that has inherent risk and danger. The amount of risk or danger that is acceptable is a matter of law and reasonable judgement. Any reasonable person who engages any level of critical thinking understands that less traffic is less dangerous and reduced risk. There is a reason that the transport of large freight and cargo is usually limited to off peak times. Everything I mentioned could have legally been done during peal traffic and I've seen plenty of people move heavier shit legally in peak traffic. I personally chose to do so in a manner where there were less uncontrolled variables, and I wouldn't be unnecessarily adding to congestion.

[@SalvoDan]

The MB140D that I was forced to drive at a previous employer was not only ergonomically terrible, but was able t get the rear wheels off the deck constantly. In one side street behind my workspace, I was able to launch the rear wheels over every speed hump, and keep them in the air most the way to the next speedhump. Great Fun!

[@tomy8339]

This is funny as every other car review on KZbin has given this car such glowing reviews. You had to rain on this parade, didn't you? 😂

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

The Emperor's new clothes....a bit airy for the fairy...

[@calebkemplay6040]

The others are paid shills or kissing the boot of the CCP... maybe both.

[@harrywalker968]

there paid to make it nice..or they dont get paid.. same as scientists, doctors, archeologists.. they all have to tow the line,,or not get grants.. then do seminars to live..

[@tacticalaccountant]

At least they test drove one and they are the ones pointed out the brake issue. John on the other hand just summarised the findings from others and enjoying the rewards.

[@cthorno2991]

Also when you're controversial you get more views

[@charleswoolsey2296]

It's about time we got some quality video.

[@rogerthat487]

Read recently that an Exploding Vehicle caught fire when a rock or similar was thrown up and damaged the battery, plus they can't get wet feet without hot flashes either. Off road? I think not.

[@JohnMcClain-p9t]

I've driven pickup trucks over the last fifty years driving, and this "performance" is much what to expect from an empty pickup, in particular, "those small ones with good fuel mileage". I'd suggest the suspension is the culprit along with a problem with center of gravity. It's getting awfully hard to buy a decent vehicle in this day and age, too many engineers lacking in math skills. Always a pleasure, John.

[@andrewriches506]

I would say too many engineers lacking in brain cells. If the company employs 50 engineers do they all share the single brain cell?

[@devarmont87]

Engineers don't lack math skills mate. The issue with manufacturing is the board of business minds consciously choose to not listen to engineers input. They make but backs to save money and profits. The engineering mathematics was and always will be sound.. They're paid their weekly wage to shut up...

[@JohnMcClain-p9t]

I agree with you whole-heartedly. I've no engineering degree, but have been a mechanic and machinist better than fifty years and I know the practical application. I do have "the math", I paid for my college as I went.@@devarmont87

[@DiHandley]

If there’s a quicker, cheaper, crappier less reliable way of making (copying) something, the Chinese will find it.

[@op.elmouseyo]

So no footage of your own personal testing or drive? The Tank 300 is an amazing vehicle at this price point. Great off-road and feature heavy.

[@johnbambo9036]

Value Cars Australia (Competing UTube Channel) has their say on the AE (non Driven) review of the TANK 300. 5 days in I am really impressed. Bridges are there to be crossed, AE is on one side of the Bridge and hasn't crossed to the other side to see where the sun don't shine.

[@philwoodfordjjj8928]

Has it passed the elk test? In Nordic countries, it's a requirement and was introduced because with a violent manoeuvre some cars just roll.

[@rafflesnh]

As the 3 pronged suppository discovered to their cost. Baby Merc 'A' class, anyone?

[@itsbigal92]

It was somewhat humiliating that at around the same time the A class failed the moose test, the Trabant, the two stroke engined, cotton waste constructed communist crapheap did indeed pass.

[@mor4y]

​@rafflesnh the m3 failed it a few years ago too 👀 the same year that the BMW stunt driver put one on its roof right in front of a press launch of the car 🙈🤣

[@ozcampnhuntdan7858]

No, it broke down on the way there

[@harrywalker968]

like hiluxes.. still today.. we dont have elks in aus.. cows yes.. idiots yes.. mainly gov. ''officials''.. albersneezy.. import crap to be nice to the fkn chinese.. tiewan products are far better..

[@paulredfern2252]

Who sets GVM figures, and then how can companies do GVM upgrades? Why aren't there ADR rules that state vehicle standard from the factory is to have a payload equal to 4 occupants and normal luggage and accessories i.e. 600KG payload... and from this allow the max trailer load to be reduced to ensure real-world compliance... max towing in this Tank to then be 2.1Tonne?

[@timjohnun4297]

They kind of do. An NA category vehicle has to have a difference between tare weight and GVM of 68 kg's x2 x number of seats, as an example, at least in WA

[@sergeant5848]

Speaking out of complete ignorance it's probably because not everyone buys a vehicle to travel to dingo piss creek towing a 3.5T shittwar (?) on the back. Some are work vehicles, with only one occupant (the driver) towing industrial loads/materials. The ADR has to be generic enough to handle that. That could be complete horse-shit, but it makes sense to me. Why make it easy for the bonehead consumer!?

[@Patrick-857]

The fact that this gets a 5 star safety rating is indicative not of poor process or incompetence. This is an ongoing pattern, a systemic problem. It's clearly corruption. The industry capture of these ostensibly independent bodies is complete. I see it everywhere not just in automotive. I work in the building industry, and the regulatory capture by industry is off the charts. You have industry coming up with a proprietary product, and then using regulatory to force the use of that product with no legal basis whatsoever. Meanwhile critical building code requirements to do with safety of users are simply being ignored because it's not convenient. Th reality is that these safety ratings agencies have decided that give industry an easy way out, and potentially a pay the play situation. Lots of invasive, and I would argue dangerous electronic driver assist features are comparatively cheap, and are as you said, available off the shelf. Designing a vehicle with great crash performance, braking and handling, that's difficult and expensive.

[@shaun1900]

So you work in construction when there are corruption issues, and they must therefore also apply to the ancap testing regime. Are you daft?

[@Patrick-857]

@@shaun1900 I'm saying corruption is everywhere. It hides in plain sight. It's easy to verify for yourself. I'm not saying A=B, I'm making a comparison. Regulatory capture by industry is almost universally a problem. Look at the revolving door between Big Pharma and the regulators. Same with Big Ag. Same with the oil and gas industry. ANCAP isn't even a regulatory body, it's private sector. To think they don't exist to serve industry is incredibly naive.

[@charliemarkovic4301]

Your local CCP, clandestine police station wants to know your location.

[@McT740052]

"Take a dump next to the dining table " 😂😂😂

[@geevee9728]

He has lots of love for caravanning 🤣😂

[@GringoCarioca]

Thoughts on cannon Xsr? Cannon has been in circulation a while now and seems to be OK in terms of med term reliability reports?

[@Blanchy10]

The caravan may stop the rear wheels lifting if you're lucky!

[@colinarnett9546]

The weight and inertia of the towed unit under hard braking may compound the vehicle's rear wheel lift...

[@ev0wat]

If might lift the caravan and now you have a caravans driving force behind the vehicle with only 2 wheels of contact trying to stop tonnes of weight! You’ll go sliding in front and end up in a fatality. Note: this was done in perfect dry weather conditions, and then you have rain etc.

[@wozzach2540]

Geez you people talk some absolute 💩

[@jamesszabadics5911]

so this vehicle would benefit with 250kg downforce on the towball in an emergency braking situation to prevent wheel lift?

[@brianmac1]

A neighbour once owned a little Daihatsu Hi-Jet truck. It could lift the rear wheels by inches under heavy braking. We used to goalong the beachfront road doing it for a bit of fun. The problem was solved by permanently carrying a few bags of cement. So with a simple solution now known, perhaps GWM could further accessorise its luxury vehicle by providing a couple of complimentary cement bags. But they'd have to be removable for towing of course!! And at my advancing age, I find them bloody heavy, so I might just buy another Toyota.

[@davidmckibbin4440]

that should slow it down a bit, i would not buy a car from china.

[@kspau13]

@@davidmckibbin4440 thats ok, your new toyota will be 75% chinese made anyways.

[@davidmckibbin4440]

@@kspau13 i dont buy toyotas and im done with new cars

[@kspau13]

@@davidmckibbin4440 Unless youre a really old person you aren't done with new cars yet. It's not like it used to be, any older car you own you wont be able to get parts for and every mechanic will show zero interest in trying to fix anything that hits the 10 year mark. Times have change and it's a part swapping mentality these days, no parts = no fix.

[@davidmckibbin4440]

@@kspau13 if you are correct that is going to make needing a car at the prices they are and going to the junk yard in ten years very expensive. i have a 1961 corvette that i can buy almost any part for, there are a few stainless trim parts that are not reproduced so at least i know i can keep t on the road, glad i dont live in california anymore as they will be probably not allow old cars on the road in the future. and yes im 72 and figure all the cars i own will last the rest of my life.

[@richarddmogg1]

Thanks for your thoughts, however I'm still considering this vehical as a workhorse and weekender as it will only ever have a driver and sometimes a passenger and a load of gear in the back. It will sometimes have a light tow. I'm sure you're aware that most vehicles brake better when partially loaded so this works for me. If you compare it to the load carrying capacity of a much more expensive vehicle I'm not surprised it falls short but not everyone wants that! It certainly looks impressive in its off road performance and on road features for its price point.

[@merandpitslifeadventure4581]

What about when the Toyota Hilux front wheels leave the road at 130kms hr over the synwaves on the car expert review. I think I would rather have the back wheels leave the road for a 10th of a sec under braking than have the front wheels leave the road at 130kms.

[@BDogs10]

yeah ridiculous 😂

[@davidbusch8912]

Great plug for Driving Enthusiast. He deserves a lot more attention

[@alexandermckay8594]

I'd love to see this this do the moose test!

[@TheWacoKid1963]

Excellent start to a YT video, thank you John

[@schrenk-d]

I think some of that lift is also down to suspension geometry... as well as the softness of the front.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

Agree. Something is not quite right there, aside from the soft suspension. It’s basically using the front axle as a pivot point. Maybe too much weight is positioned ahead of the front axle?

[@muzzthegreat]

Yeah, I'd be assuming the Tank has no anti-dive, and surely no anti-squat.

[@schrenk-d]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia Certainly part of it. The platform was likely never designed to be a hybrid. Where the batteries are placed can also have a big impact. If the bump stops were engaged, it would certainly mean it is too softly sprung at the front. Generally a very poor suspension tune, mixed with a platform not designed to take the given centre of mass of a hybrid platform. Another contributing factor is its brake balance. Note: Seeing how the right rear (from our angle... video might be reversed) clears the road more, I imagine it has a Panhard bar/rod as well.

[@drivingenthusiastaustralia]

@@schrenk-d Yep, you’re right. During testing I could definitely feel the right-hand (in direction of travel) wheel pop higher than left. Camera isn’t reversed.

[@schrenk-d]

@@drivingenthusiastaustralia It is a travesty the YT algorithm hasn't sent me to your channel... Subscribed. Thank you for your work and content.

[@tba3900]

In Australia it has an exclusive 1 - 2 warranty. Once taken too late.

[@tempestv8]

I very much doubt that the typical Tank 300 owner is going to buy this vehicle for towing. No one says that the Suzuki Jimny is a good tow vehicle either, its pretty obvious. A bit of a moot point, really.

[@georgekaplan6451]

I thought it was only the little Suzuki vans from the 80's lifted the rear wheels in a panic stop.

[@alafrosty]

Cause of wheel lift: soft suspension gives Tim for body to develop large rotational momentum. When the front end gets fully loaded, the rotational momentum leverages off the front to lift the rears. The vehicle balance is too far forward and the rear wheel travel is insufficient. They need to move the front wheels forward and tighten up the front suspension a little.

[@tgalloway]

'Stralia summer time looks like a good time of year.

[@ginaanastas3851]

So for us folk that would never install a tow bar and not interested in towing is it a reasonable/ value for money vehicle?

[@erroneouscode]

Take 40kg off the back by not having a towbar and the rear would likely lift off the ground more.

[@willtricks9432]

Brett Davis, ten out of ten. UK driving instruction and test has an Emergency Brake section. my examiner was a bugger. He said " I will tap the door widow with my Signet Ring, then perform an emergency brake". Then tried to trip me up by checking his watch knowing I would be watching but didn't catch me out. I passed first time with the most feared examiner in the area. The only GWM Steed I have seen was parked unused for years on the road in a village near me until it was hit by a DPD 'Berk in a Merc' Sprinter about a month ago, wrote off and scrapped.

[@garywillis8737]

Judging a car without actually driven one himself. What you say must be creditable.

[@zorbakaput8537]

A good example of making a sow's rear from a sow's ear!

[@janstafford1490]

All those venomous things mentioned, you forgot the government the most poisonous of all.

[@tundramanq]

Emergency braking in a curve could have you looking where you have been and maybe flipping.

[@marinusscholtz9342]

With the price in mind, a few tunes will resolve the braking issue. My camping trailer is 1.4 tonnes, so I'm good. Not everyone tows at max. There is room for this vehicle in comparison to the outlandish prices of its competitors.

[@DTGTDetectingTheGoldenTriangle]

Instantly brings to mind the Swift and Sift couriers van that the twins drive 😂

[@jefftheaussie2225]

Swift and Shift Couriers, brilliant stuff.

[@joekool5005]

The two biggest heaps of crap I have ever driven are a Jeep Wrangler and a Land Rover defender. Did this take it to a new level?

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

I'm sorry ...is that you in that Tank way down there?????

[@MadIIMike]

One thing I could see as a cause might be, that China (and most of Asia) has a tendency to run on economy bricks rather than actual tyres, as far as non-performance cars are concerned. It would be virtually impossible to tune suspension/brakes accordingly on something like a "Goodride" or "Linglong" eco brick, as you'd be traction limited way before even a awful suspension would be reaching it's limit. In fact, having crappy tyres will subjectively make a shitty car feel less shit. Also explains why so many Manufacturers partnered with Giti Tyres and the like, because frankly, very few cars are build to drive well.

[@chillthere]

I would normally agree with your brick tyre theory, but on Aussie spec cars these actually come with michelin primacy suv. So unfortunately something else needs to be fixed here, I'm guessing they either didn't do more local suspension tuning after the stickier tyres were fitted, or brake bias needs to be changed potentially?

[@MadIIMike]

@@chillthere Why? It's pretty much the point I've been making: The Aussie Spec cars on Michelins produce far more grip than the Eco-Bricks likely used in China. I'm not trying to defend the "quality" of the car at all, but someone able to build a car would (should) be able to fix this issue even with ABS/ESP changes and it's likely something that just wasn't happening in testing with chinese tyres.

[@bobveness]

one of your best john. you just saved me.

[@willshadow100]

If you believe this bull before looking at ALL reviews then hes brainwashed you. The Tank 300 is a superb vehicle.

[@byronnightingale5550]

The Great Wall tank tanked.

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Driving any vehicle knowing it to be "dangerous" is a criminal offence established in law in 1963 in the UK when a man drove a Ferrari while knowing that the front brakes were defective and if applied in an emergency...would serve the vehicle uncontrollably. He decided to drive slowly.. but still had an emergency.. the brakes made the car swerve and he couldn't control it... and killed an innocent young female. Convicted and sentenced to imprisonment... So now knowing that this new vehicle raises it's rear wheels off the ground and does that in a straight line situation.... and obviously is even more inclined to do it in a bend.. and even more so in a downhill bend.. with subsequent probable loss of control... how liable is the Corporation that imports these vehicles when selling them to the public???

[@indeepeterhopwood8106]

There’s only one red flag that matters with this car. 🇨🇳

[@user-gk1nt6sm2z]

How do you steer with only front wheels touching the tarmac. . I'M guessing the 2500kg pushing forward on the tow ball during braking will add to driver excitement. Thanks for headsup. I'll stick with my pajero.

[@zabuk9]

You have reminded me of the need to understand how my car will feel in an emergency braking. I have had numerous cars since I last did a test, and it was hard to resist letting off when the brake pedal pounded my foot. All car owners should find an opportunity to get a feel.

[@ktn2k]

I agree re the braking system. In my tank 300 it is incredibly soft and makes any gradual slowdown very difficult. If somebody cuts into your line, there is a high risk of accident. Always keep the distance and control tailgating.

[@wagganationMFFM]

he wasnt only channel that showed the brake issue, if they fixed that it may be worth a look, to be fair its similar to my old np pajero 3.8 petrol with 2.5 towing capacity. about the same shape but a 2005 vehicle that offered the same thing says somthing about modern 4wds.

[@jakelaidlaw7651]

Would a decent aftermarket suspension kit tuned in Australia not alleviate the issue? Considering if these vehicle's are designed more as an off road toy than a tow vehicle. Or would a aftermarket suspension with probably a 2 inch lift make the issue worse, with a higher centre of gravity?

[@Bobtubeau]

Hi John, have you driven this car?

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

No because knowing it to be dangerous he would be legally liable if he did drive it.....

[@mx4073]

I live in the US and I keep hearing about Dingo Piss Creek I would love to see this this creek could you please do a video at the creek. Love the show your wit and vocabulary are intoxicating......

[@s970022bee]

Just a quick info - CarExpert recently did a test in 12 popular SUVs, including 100-0km/h braking test. The results are: Ford Everest Platinum V6 @ 44.74m 2492kg Ford Everest Trend Bi-Turbo @ 46.07m 2417kg Isuzu MU-X @ 42.63m 2175kg Nissan Patrol @ 44.99m 2746 kg Jeep Grand Cherokee L @ 40.19m 2190 kg Land Rover Defender 110 D300 @ 42.39m 2348kg Land Rover Defender 110 P525 V8 @ 40.92m 2602kg Lexus LX600 @ 41.76m 2660kg Mitsubishi Pajero Sport @ 45.81m 2,045 to 2,209 kg SsangYong Rexton @ 41.56m 1986 kg Toyota Fortuner @ 43.9m 2350 Kg Toyota LandCruiser 300 @ 42.84m 2630kg Toyota LandCruiser Prado @ 39.03m 2385kg CarExpert also did the test for Tank 300 (2155kg), which has the braking distance of 42.09m, fitting in the normal range.

[@s970022bee]

Further research found: Jeep Wrangle @48.56m 2027 kg. The significant dive, as Tank 300 braking, is the consequence of soft suspension, which is beneficial to filtering bumps.

[@MitchDenham]

There is zero excuse for a vehicle to lift the rear wheels in emergency braking situations. It’s not so much a question of braking distance, which the CCP fanboys seem to be focusing on in the comments, but stability (and therefore control and safety) under braking in an emergency situation.

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Wasn't there a motorcycle manufacturer that made sure the application of the brakes triggered the stiffening of the front suspension to counter dive.....? @@s970022bee

[@s970022bee]

The braking test video shows the lift of rear wheel only impacts on the braking distance. There is no sign showing the stability issue, such as rolling, sideway or losing control. For your information, Tank 300 can pass moose test in 74km/h. Just check moose test for other SUVs for comparison. BTW, the colonialism licker always has double standards. @@MitchDenham

[@Low760]

Bad brakes and low towing capacity? Perfect for the outer suburbs mums who want to look tough.

[@mattyoz0]

The brakes are fine. Are you slow?

[@markdotcomau]

Simply rebranding from Great Wall Motors to GWM is enough to fool most aussies...it really is quite sad and disappointing at the same time

[@BDogs10]

don’t be sad :( GWM go forth 😂

[@ozman528]

One of your finest reviews I must say.

[@thetowndrunk988]

It’s always worth staying up late, just to catch ole John, and the occasional bikini intro. Even better when we get a physics lesson, without listening to the snooze fest we call professors.

[@NewGoldStandard]

This is the scariest car review I've ever seen. I've never been a fan of the Jeep type cars, but I'm quite happy GWM aren't even sold where I live. Retardistan has its faults, but having that death-box on the streets isn't one of them.

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

But you have the originals....you can't Wrangle your way out of that...

[@NewGoldStandard]

​@@JohnSmith-pl2bk Touché.

[@cthorno2991]

Ford explorer... enough said

[@father_shane]

The wheel lifting issue is frightening. How can stability control work properly when this happens? Also, what happens if the vehicle is turning? The front outside wheel must be highly loaded.

[@mattbryan8535]

Totally hilarious😂 Most people wouldn't get the parody in your review - They probably think you really do have serious reservations about 'The Tank'😂😅🤣

[@tanamite4452]

Maybe I'll have to make Rosie sit in the back.

[@Patches-vq8cd]

I like how they stick two diff lockers in a 4wd and the internet blows up that tank can go anywhere.

[@grantlouw3182]

I expect it to rust fairly quickly if you drive near a beach like the ute does.

[@kspau13]

wrong brand. you are thinking ldv

[@brandon1043]

Know what you’re talking about before you comment lol. LDV

[@danwhite7264]

This is a capable vehicle which is idea for off-roading. People get hung up on reliability because nowadays most people couldn’t even change a tyre.

[@EntropyExists]

Been driving a long time. Reliability is very nice to have. Been where I returned on foot after a vehicle decided it just wasn't gonna work that day.

[@jerrykim4117]

still better than wrangler's 3star ANCAP safety rating, I wish to see the same test with upgraded aftermarket suspension setup.

[@CarbonEternity]

What the Jeep wrangler has going for it is its the origional. It's a shot box but everyone knows it is. But it's also very capable machine with a historical cult following. This Chinese garbage is a straight rip off of a jeep and is worse than a wrangler. It's another example of how the Chinese cannot innovate, they copy, and poorly.

[@timjohnun4297]

Already been established that the ANCAP tests are crap, plus why would you buy a brand new vehicle that needs an upgrade before it leaves the showroom?

[@miskatonic6210]

​​​​​@@CarbonEternityYou cannot get that much worse than the Wrangler shitbox. Yeah, it has a following...of cavemen. You won't persuade these cavemen anyway, because obviously they don't make rational decisions. They aren't the same target group as customers for this...Tank. Btw...your last part is obviously just racist. Chinese EVs are clearly not copies any more, they are waaaay ahead when it comes to smart tech and very innovative when it comes to design. They clearly don't even design for a western market anymore, because they see their own market is way more important... Most still have to be cheap of course. But seriously, US americans shouldn't throw with stones in that regard...looking at their own car brands.

[@giddyurp]

​@@timjohnun4297isn't that what every Toyota owner does? Buys a Toyota because they think its the best then spend 20k on upgrades before it hits the dirt

[@gottalovethephilippines5417]

@@timjohnun4297 like no new car buyer (typically 4x4) ever fits aftermarket suspension 😂😂😂

[@rjbiker66]

Soft springs and probably insufficient low speed comp damping on the front. GW would be wise to own this and come up with a solution. Then they can brag "suspension tuned for australian conditions" Remember toyota in the early 80s. Sloppy Corona, bone jarring Landcruiser. Then along came TST.. toyota suspension tuning and their cars were essential fixed during first facelift. I think we can thank Holden with RTS for the suspension changes brought out subsequently by Ford,Chrysler, Nissan and Toyota

[@timjohnun4297]

RTS lol

[@JohnSmith-pl2bk]

Radial Tuned suspension. In Govt service the RTS vehicles were still being shod with cross plies after they wore the OEM first set of radials out... XPlies were cheaper on Govt contract...!! for a couple of years. Ever done a pursuit on retreads??? That's some scary shit.... @@timjohnun4297

[@timjohnun4297]

A cheap Chinese copy of a vehicle that was already a pile of crap. What could possibly go wrong....

[@timoleary8751]

Wheels off the road, go round and round 🎵

[@richardmalone3172]

GWM need to have a chat with Ukraine. They’re having some success stopping tanks.

[@munecaeburro]

Sure they won the war again, but they need more money.

[@kensmith5694]

It seems like there is a fundamental design flaw in the front end. The brakes make a torque between the brake pads and the mass of the vehicle. This has to be transferred through the suspension to the chassis/body of the car. In a well designed system, the linkage that is carrying that force is made such that it tends to push the front wheels down and the nose of the vehicle up. Given how much the nose dove down, I think the opposite may be true. At least. there is not enough of the effect to prevent the nose from diving a lot and lowering the center of gravity until it hits the blocks where that travel stops.

[@kirovfactory]

In a well designed offroad suspension system, it can get the car up hill on AT tyres on 20 inch rims.

[@kensmith5694]

@@kirovfactoryThat is a different issue than the braking one. Basically a car intended for off road should be able to take up to about a 45 degree slope. This wouldn't depend on the tires used much. Cover the slope with something loose and then the tires matter.

[@campbeld63]

It's been a while, but I'll give it a go. There are two (force) couples in action here: the braking force (mass * deceleration) acting on the vertical distance between the centroid of mass (sometimes erroneously referred to as the centre of gravity) and the road surface, and the weight (mass * g) of the vehicle acting on the horizontal distance between the centroid of mass and the front wheels. Tweaking the suspension might stop the rear wheels from lifting, but the unloading of the rear wheels may still reduce the friction of the rear tyres to the point where stability is compromised. The only way to fix it is to reduce the deceleration rate (quite undesirable), lower the centroid of mass, or move the centroid of mass rearwards. In short, a major redesign is in order.

[@kensmith5694]

@@campbeld63 You missed a fundamental point. The rear wheel lifted needlessly. The center of mass is nearer the front wheels and with the nose diving like it did, the center of mass went down. This reduced the total downward force available because some is lost to the downward acceleration.

[@zonavarbondagoo4074]

The vehicle looks like a Lada Niva and that is just super-scary

[@ericjohnson4330]

I remember when the yugo was introduced to the US and was touted as car of the year. That did not age well

[@billytoohey8887]

Rear wheel off the deck is much more fun on a motor cycle believe me.