2024 Tank 300 Review

In recent years, the rugged style SUVs have been gaining popularity in the Malaysian market. More and more consumers are seeking vehicles that can deliver both daily commuting comfort and the capability to handle light off-road adventures on weekends. The 2024 Tank 300, as a strong contender in the C-segment SUV market, targets these needs with its tough exterior, rich configurations, and excellent four-wheel drive performance as its core selling points. In this test drive, we mainly evaluate its performance on urban roads, highways, and light unpaved terrain to see whether this model, priced at 250,000 MYR, can stand out among its peers in the same class.

From the exterior, the design of the 2024 Tank 300 completely adheres to the rugged SUV style with its boxy and muscular outline. The front features a large trapezoidal grille with thick chrome accents, and the TANK logo embedded in the center enhances its recognition. The angular LED headlights seamlessly connect with the grille, and round fog lights below further emphasize its off-road character. The body side lines are simple and straight, and the pronounced muscle lines around the wheel arches, paired with 265/65 R18 tires and silver side steps, not only ensure excellent passability but also enhance its visual appeal. At the rear, the iconic external spare tire design of rugged SUVs is present, the vertically aligned LED taillights look striking when illuminated, and the silver skid plate under the rear bumper complements the overall design of the vehicle.

Inside the car, the interior style of the Tank 300 balances technology with practicality. The dashboard adopts a symmetrical design and is covered with soft materials at the top, complemented by silver trims and piano black panels in the middle, giving it a refined look. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen and full LCD instrument panel are connected, offering high resolution and smooth operation. They support functions such as Bluetooth and CarPlay, and the car is also equipped with a 9-speaker Infinity sound system, delivering impressive sound quality. The multifunctional steering wheel is wrapped in leather for a comfortable grip; the left side integrates buttons for cruise control and the voice assistant, while the right side features multimedia controls and paddle shifters. For seating, the front seats support electric adjustment and provide excellent support and comfort. The rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, expanding the trunk space to meet the storage needs of families. Additionally, the car comes with automatic air conditioning, rear air vents, and a 220V power socket among other features, reflecting thoughtful attention to detail.

In terms of space, the Tank 300’s dimensions are 4760×1930×1903mm with a wheelbase of 2750mm, positioning it on the larger side of mid-sized SUVs in its class. Front passengers can easily find a comfortable sitting posture, with ample head and legroom. The rear seating space is equally impressive; a passenger with a height of 175 cm would still have about two fists of legroom and over one fist of headroom, ensuring a spacious and non-restrictive experience even on long journeys. Regarding storage space, the door panel storage slots, center armrest console, and front cup holders are all quite practical. The trunk offers sufficient capacity for daily usage, and folding down the rear seats creates additional space for large items, such as baby strollers or camping gear.

In terms of dynamic driving, the Tank 300 is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, with a maximum power of 162kW (220PS) and a maximum torque of 380N·m. It is paired with an 8AT transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. When driving on urban roads, the power response is relatively quick during the starting phase. A light press on the accelerator provides a noticeable push-back feeling. Mid-range and high-range acceleration also feels strong, giving you great confidence when overtaking. The gear shifts smoothly with almost no noticeable jolts. Even at low speeds, it maintains good smoothness. On highway cruising, the vehicle's stability is impressive; even at speeds of up to 120 km/h, there is no significant slack in the steering wheel, and the chassis feels solid. When the ACC adaptive cruise control function is activated, the vehicle can automatically follow traffic, reducing driver fatigue on long journeys.

In terms of handling, the Tank 300's steering wheel is precise, with minimal slack and good directional accuracy. The suspension system features a combination of front double-wishbone independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, effectively absorbing road bumps in urban driving. Passengers inside the car won't feel significant vibrations. However, when passing over speed bumps or larger potholes, the suspension will still transmit some fine vibrations into the cabin, but overall, the performance remains within an acceptable range. On mild off-road terrain like muddy roads or gravel paths, the Tank 300's four-wheel-drive system performs well, offering decent passability. The minimum ground clearance of 224mm also ensures the vehicle's off-road capability.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 9.8L/100km. In our actual tests, fuel consumption on urban roads ranged around 11-12L/100km, while cruising on highways reduced fuel consumption to below 9L/100km. Such performance is within the normal range for an SUV weighing 2,187kg. As for braking, the vehicle features front and rear ventilated disc brakes, with responsive braking and a linear braking force that instills enough confidence.

Regarding noise insulation, the Tank 300 performs commendably. When driving on city roads, engine noise and tire noise are well-controlled. On highways, wind noise slightly increases but does not affect normal in-cabin conversations. The seat comfort is also good, ensuring that passengers don't feel fatigued even over long durations, making it suitable for long-distance travel.

Overall, the 2024 Tank 300 performs well in terms of exterior design, configuration level, and power performance. Compared with other vehicles in its class, its rugged exterior and four-wheel-drive system are key advantages. Additionally, its comprehensive tech features and comfortable interior can meet the needs of family users. Priced at 250,000 Malaysian Ringgit, the Tank 300 offers relatively outstanding value in the C-segment SUV market, especially in terms of features, surpassing some models from joint-venture brands.

This vehicle is ideal for consumers who emphasize daily commuting comfort while also having mild off-road requirements. For instance, families who enjoy weekend camping or outings, or young people looking for a practical vehicle with a unique style. If you're looking for an SUV with a rugged look, rich features, and the ability to balance city driving with off-road performance, the Tank 300 is worth considering.