Haval Tank 300 one step closer to Australian showrooms

Haval has moved one step closer to launching the Tank 300 on to the Australian market, with the Chinese brand filing a patent application for the rugged-looking medium SUV.

As reported by CarAdvice in December, Haval had canvassed existing Australian customers and potential buyers about whether they were in market, or would consider, one of two Jeep-rivalling options – the Haval Big Dog or Haval Tank 300.

Now, after filing an application with IP Australian, the Australian government’s patent office, it seems the Haval Tank 300 could be heading to local showrooms.

The Haval Tank 300 appears to be a rugged off-roader, built on a ladder-frame chassis. It measures 4670mm in length and 1930mm high, and along with its boxy styling, is reminiscent of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

According to the customer survey sent by Haval late last year, the Tank 300 will have a choice of a 167kW/387Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol and a 135kW/480Nm 2.4-litre turbo diesel, matched to either an eight-speed or nine-speed automatic gearbox, sending power to all four wheels.

The Tank 300 also promises to be a serious off-roader, with 224mm of ground clearance, front winch compatibility and an off-road cruise control function,. The Tank 300 sits on a multilink live rear axle and an independent front end.

Haval currently offers three SUVs in Australia: the LandCruiser Prado sized H9, the Haval H6 medium SUV and the smaller Haval H2.

The company is enjoying a surge in sales so far in 2021, up 125 per cent over the same time last year, with a total of 851 vehicles reported as sold.