Tank 300 Got Even Cooler, But No Diesel or "Chinese" Interior Was Brought to Russia: First Test of the Restyled SUV

Tank 300 (original version review) once burst into the Russian market as a daring newcomer and instantly became one of its own. Frame construction, honest all-wheel drive, victory in the Silk Road rally — all this made it a favorite of those who appreciate real SUVs. The restyling in China was radical: a new interior, a 2.4 turbodiesel, and a bunch of other changes. But in Russia, they decided otherwise — the update turned out to be as careful as possible, almost jewelry-like. And, as it turned out in the first test, this only benefited the car.

The most noticeable external difference is that now it is immediately clear from the appearance what kind of transmission is inside. The City version with Torque-on-Demand intelligent all-wheel drive received body-colored handles and mirrors, shiny 18-inch wheels, and painted arch extensions with a thin black edge. It turns out stylish, but there is no choice: if you want part-time and a brutal look, you will drive the "old" design. If you want a beautiful City, you lose the contrasting black plastic that saves you from branches. But it was the "city" version that unexpectedly received the most delicious technical update.

The new transfer case with the M-lock mechanism has turned the City into an even more versatile fighter. Now 2H (rear-wheel drive only), 4H with a rigidly locked center (up to 80 km/h!), regular AWD, and 4L modes with an increased reduction gear ratio (2.64 instead of 2.48) are available. In fact, it is the City after the restyling that has become preferable for serious off-road driving, although marketers position it as an "asphalt" vehicle. Part-time, however, remained unchanged — only the price speaks in its favor.

The interior is a separate story of the Russian office's victory. In China, the Tank 300 received a fashionable "tablet" interior, which almost all local brands have done. Our buyers said a firm "no", and the brand accommodated them: the "turbine" deflectors, twin screens under one visor, and the overall architecture remained the same. There were minor changes: multi-layer front windows, a 50-watt charging with cooling, burgundy nappa leather instead of boring black, new round instrument scales, and a thicker steering wheel. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto are now available in all trim levels, although it sometimes glitches with the iPhone.

The 2.4 diesel (186 hp), which appeared in China, will not be available in Russia yet — officially "no comment". It's a pity, because it would have been ideal for long-distance expeditions and fuel economy. But the 2.0 turbo petrol (220 hp) with an 8-speed automatic transmission remained the same in terms of characteristics, but now it drives noticeably quieter thanks to acoustic windows and, it seems, improved sound insulation. On the highway at 120 km/h, the cabin is really quiet even with studded Nokian Nordman 7 SUV tires.

On the move, the Tank 300 is still pleasing: resilient, assembled, with lively reactions for a frame SUV weighing 2.2 tons. The 18-inch wheels (only on the City) made the steering wheel a little sharper, but on a broken road you want to return to the "seventeenth" wheels with a high sidewall. But in corners, the car has become a little more exciting, and the new transfer case gives more confidence on slippery surfaces and in the mud.

Prices have increased by exactly 100 thousand: from 4,299,000 rubles for the Adventure to 5,049,000 for the top-end Premium City. For this money, you get a slightly more stylish, noticeably quieter, and technically more advanced (in the City version) SUV, which has retained everything that it was loved for. Diesel, of course, would be great, but even without it, the updated Tank 300 remains one of the most honest and charismatic offers in the class. The main thing is to успеть, while the entire print run has not been разобрали.