GWM Reviews

Cleverly, the GWM Tank 300 slots into a gap in the booming 4WD wagon market, above the popular Suzuki Jimny but below Nissan's Patrol, while infusing more than a hint of classic Toyota LandCruiser and Mercedes G-Class in its size and presentation. But retro-pastiche styling isn't the only drawcard, thanks to keen pricing, an alluring interior and a smooth ride. All the 300 needs is more polish.

Sedans, hatchbacks and wagons are so passe, the new flavour is SUV. But how do you differentiate your high-riding crossover from everyone else's tall, boxy and rugged models? If you ask BMW or Mercedes, the answer is to make a coupe version, but the sloped-roof SUV is no longer the purview of the premium German marques, as GWM Haval has its own take on the formula with the H6 GT.

The Jolion S dares to level the playing field on price with its mainstream rivals.

If the GWM Ora appeals but you want a little more pizzazz, then the GT version might be what you're looking for.

The GWM Ora Long Range gets the same driveline as the Standard Range, but with a 63kWh battery for 420km of range and it costs $47,990, before on-road costs.

GWM's all-electric Ora comes in three forms, but the first two are really the same vehicle with the option of a larger battery.

A small-car invasion from a new country is nothing new. The Japanese did it in the 1960s and '70s with the likes of Datsun, Toyota and Mitsubishi rewriting the book on what Aussies wanted in a small car.

Given the sharp driveaway pricing to begin with, the flagship version of the GWM Tank 300 Hybrid is likely to be a popular choice. And at $60,990, it's pretty easy to see how many buyers will be able to justify the extra spend.That's backed up by the extra gear, too, including a front locking differential (the base-model has a locking rear diff only) heated and cooled front seats, Nappa Leather upholstery, self-parking, 18-inch alloy wheels and wireless device charging.Safety runs to the usual driver aids we're increasingly used to seeing including AEB, rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keeping and active cruise-control. Six air-bags including full-length side-curtain bags are also part of the package.The Ultra shares its driveline with the Lux, meaning a turbocharged two-litre petrol engine augmented by an electric motor for 258kW and 615Nm. Transmission is a nine-speed auto with low-ratios for rock-hopping. Although based on the GWM ute chassis, the Tank gets a coil-sprung rear axle for greater ride comfort.

GWM's new off-roader breaks with tradition by offering a petrol-electric hybrid driveline. The entry-level model, the Lux, arrives in showrooms at $55,990 drive-away, making it appear to be great value.Standard equipment even in this entry-level variant is good with twin 12.3 inch screens, a powered driver's seat, full Apple and Android connectivity, digital radio, powered and folding exterior mirrors, a sunroof and on-board tyre pressure monitoring.Safety is looked after with the latest driver aids including cross-traffic alert, active cruise-control and autonomous emergency braking. Lane-keeping assistance and parking sensors are also part of the deal. Tank has been locally tested and achieved five ANCAP stars.Power comes from a two-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with the electric motor adding enough power and torque to take the total to 258kW and 615Nm. There's a nine-speed automatic transmission and the Tank also features a low-ratio transfer-case to give proper off-road gearing.

The medium SUV field has always been stacked with heavy hitters like the Mazda CX-5, the Toyota RAV4, the Hyundai Tucson and the Kia Sportage. So, can the Haval H6 mix it with the big boys? Andrew 'Chesto' Chesterton puts the H6 Ultra to the long-term test to find out.