Hidden from view: why tank SUV sales are failing
- December 13, 2022
- 0
On December 12, the presentation of the new premium brand Tank from China took place. The AvtoVzglyad portal was also invited to it, but only online. As a
On December 12, the presentation of the new premium brand Tank from China took place. The AvtoVzglyad portal was also invited to it, but only online. As a result, we managed to learn a lot about the lives of great people, but the machines themselves remained a mystery. Let’s try to figure it out anyway.
Glamor and pathos almost fell from the screen. After the fanfare had blown, those present were told meager information, most of which had been known for a long time. Tank is a brand of the Chinese company Great Wall Motor under which they produce brutal models with high cross-country power. By the way, tanks have been produced in China since 2020 and have already sold more than 200,000 vehicles.
They brought us a mid-sized SUV with an index of 300 and a large five hundred. Sales will start in the first half of next year through an already formed dealer network. Salons are opened in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Kemerovo and other cities.
Next came the brand ambassadors. Each spoke briefly about their difficult path to success in life. Apparently both “Tanks” will go over the same difficult roads. And when Dmitry Nagiyev invited those present to get acquainted with the cars, the broadcast was interrupted. It was not a technical glitch. Only the end. Glamorous SUVs were not shown to mere mortals. Prices and specifications were not mentioned.
Let’s try to figure it out for ourselves. According to various sources, the Tank 300 will be offered with a 220 hp 2-liter supercharged petrol engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. And the almost five-meter Tank 500 is equipped with a 3-liter bi-turbo unit with 299 “horses” and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Both new items are four-wheel drive, there is a “bearing” and locks.
In Russia, such large cars are used to buying with diesel engines. But the Chinese did not offer them. But off-road, a heavy fuel engine is better, because it has more grip on the ground. Just a minute. Angular body shapes do not contribute to good aerodynamics. That is, the fuel consumption of each “tank” will be quite large.
Next, let’s look at Chinese social networks, where bloggers have already disassembled the Tank 300. They write that polyurethane is used in the padding of the seats. A common solution, but over time it can be washed out and the chair loses its presentation. The seat ventilation system is very simple. There is no ventilation at all in the back and there is only one in the cushion. Since it is the back that sweats most often, this solution is not effective. The massager consists of only two pads that inflate and deflate. In warm clothes, their work is not felt. And Chinese owners also complain that the sunroof often leaks. Perhaps this is because the drain pipes are clogged with dirt. Suppose this becomes a real problem in Russia.
The frame design isn’t bad, but there’s no traditional rear bumper reinforcement. Instead, there is a crossbar. It turns out that when hit from behind, there is actually nothing to absorb the impact energy. As a result, repairs will be very expensive.
The Tank 500 has its drawbacks. Asians say there is only one towing eye on the front. But the car weighs almost three tons. If the SUV gets stuck in the mud, it won’t be easy to pull it out. You need a second loop.
Further. The power steering is low, which can damage it on the ground. The Chinese also saw a rusty CV joint of the drive shaft. From all that has been said, we conclude that it is better for our brother to buy a diesel Kruzak and not bother with the “Chinese”, who are trying to spend again.
Manufacturer’s photo
Manufacturer’s photo
Glamor and pathos almost fell from the screen. After the fanfare had blown, those present were told meager information, most of which had been known for a long time. Tank is a brand of the Chinese company Great Wall Motor under which they produce brutal models with high cross-country power. By the way, tanks have been produced in China since 2020 and have already sold more than 200,000 vehicles.
They brought us a mid-sized SUV with an index of 300 and a large five hundred. Sales will start in the first half of next year through an already formed dealer network. Salons are opened in Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, Kemerovo and other cities.
Next came the brand ambassadors. Each spoke briefly about their difficult path to success in life. Apparently both “Tanks” will go over the same difficult roads. And when Dmitry Nagiyev invited those present to get acquainted with the cars, the broadcast was interrupted. It was not a technical glitch. Only the end. Glamorous SUVs were not shown to mere mortals. Prices and specifications were not mentioned.
Let’s try to figure it out for ourselves. According to various sources, the Tank 300 will be offered with a 220 hp 2-liter supercharged petrol engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. And the almost five-meter Tank 500 is equipped with a 3-liter bi-turbo unit with 299 “horses” and a 9-speed automatic transmission. Both new items are four-wheel drive, there is a “bearing” and locks.
In Russia, such large cars are used to buying with diesel engines. But the Chinese did not offer them. But off-road, a heavy fuel engine is better, because it has more grip on the ground. Just a minute. Angular body shapes do not contribute to good aerodynamics. That is, the fuel consumption of each “tank” will be quite large.
Next, let’s look at Chinese social networks, where bloggers have already disassembled the Tank 300. They write that polyurethane is used in the padding of the seats. A common solution, but over time it can be washed out and the chair loses its presentation. The seat ventilation system is very simple. There is no ventilation at all in the back and there is only one in the cushion. Since it is the back that sweats most often, this solution is ineffective. The massager consists of only two pads that inflate and deflate. In warm clothes, their work is not felt. And Chinese owners also complain that the sunroof often leaks. Perhaps this is because the drain pipes are clogged with dirt. Suppose this becomes a real problem in Russia.
The frame design isn’t bad, but there’s no traditional rear bumper reinforcement. Instead, there is a crossbar. It turns out that when hit from behind, there is actually nothing to absorb the impact energy. As a result, repairs will be very expensive.
The Tank 500 has its drawbacks. Asians say there is only one towing eye on the front. But the car weighs almost three tons. If the SUV gets stuck in the mud, it won’t be easy to pull it out. You need a second loop.
Further. The power steering is low, which can damage it on the ground. The Chinese also saw a rusty CV joint of the drive shaft. From all that has been said, we conclude that it is better for our brother to buy a diesel Kruzak and not bother with the “Chinese”, who are trying to spend again.
Source: Avto Vzglyad
Donald Salinas is an experienced automobile journalist and writer for Div Bracket. He brings his readers the latest news and developments from the world of automobiles, offering a unique and knowledgeable perspective on the latest trends and innovations in the automotive industry.
