With the retro-styled Tank 300 coming to South Africa later this year, the high-end Haval division of Great Wall Motors (GWM) is preparing to unveil another SUV as evidenced by new spy images spotted in China.
What is that?
Spotted in underground parking areas, then on the streets, the slightly disguised SUV, known by the internal moniker P04 for now, will replace some older models such as the H6 when it debuts in a few months’ time.
Like the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Isuzu MU-X and Mitsubishi Pajero, the P04 will ride on a body-on-frame platform derived from the King Kong Cannon bakkie that went on sale in China two years ago.
Also read: Haval H6 HEV makes a strong statement in the hybrid SUV space
A model positioned between the Poer, known in South Africa as the P-Series, and the higher-end Shanhai Cannon that entered the Australian market last month, the King Kong Cannon-based SUV will be under the special off-road Tank model that has the potential to be. Haval’s new bakkie-based model is the successor to the soon-to-be-completed H9.
Compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado-sized Tank 600, the ultra-luxury three-row SUV launched in 2021, and has been marked for South African introduction, P04, based on images and information by carnewschina.comwill be less premium inside and with some four-cylinder engines.
Machine
In accordance with King Kong Cannon, P04 will have a choice of one 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine in two states of tune; 147 kW and 169 kW.
Outside of China, a turbodiesel of the same size can be used, which, in the Cannon delivers 110 kW or 120 kW. Regardless of the power unit though, expect an eight-speed automatic to be the sole transmission option along with standard four-wheel-drive.
In contrast, both Shanhai Cannon and Tank 600 will have access to a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 petrol outputting 260kW/500Nm, followed at a later stage by the reported 2.4-liter turbodiesel rated at 135kW/480Nm.
Seven seats
Inside, the rough description looks like the P04 brand’s touchscreen infotainment system and instrument cluster, minimalistic center console and three-spoke steering wheel very much like a Ford Mustang.
In China, seats for seven will be provided along with features and technology taken from the King Kong Cannon.
Unveiling in August
It is set to be officially unveiled at the Chengdu Auto Show that starts in August before sales begin, more information about the Haval P04, including the official name and the possibility of a South African market, is expected to emerge in the coming months.
Additional information from carsales.com.au and images plus info from drive.com.au.