Today, a prudent buyer choosing a car gives its technology as much weight as engine power and fuel consumption. How the car reacts to the risk of a collision, whether its systems help the driver on a difficult road and how comfortable the cabin is all have a big influence on how pleasant the car will be to drive over the years.
Today, Chinese cars offer one of the best balances of technical innovation, quality and price. Great Wall Motor (GWM) is one of China’s leading carmakers. GWM’s official representative office has been operating in Georgia since 2026. The current line-up includes conventional internal combustion cars with petrol and diesel engines as well as innovative hybrid and plug-in hybrid models.
In this blog post, we look at the most interesting features of GWM’s technical systems.
Hi4-T: GWM’s hybrid technology
GWM introduced its Hi4 technology in 2023. The TANK 500 PHEV (plug-in hybrid) uses a specific version of it, Hi4-T, designed especially for difficult terrain. The system combines a turbocharged petrol engine and an electric motor with a mechanical four-wheel-drive system built for off-road use. The combined output is 408 hp and maximum torque is 750 Nm. High torque is especially useful when climbing slowly uphill and getting over obstacles.
The same technology is fitted to the TANK 400. The TANK 400 has a 37.1 kWh battery and can cover up to 110 kilometres on electricity alone in the WLTC test cycle. Hi4 technology lets the driver use less energy on difficult terrain.
HEV DHT: how does a hybrid transmission reduce fuel consumption?
The HAVAL H6‘s HEV DHT system splits the work between the petrol engine and the electric motor depending on driving conditions. This type of hybrid does not need to be charged from an external source. The 2.0-litre petrol H6 with all-wheel drive uses 8.3 litres of fuel per 100 km, while the 1.5-litre front-wheel-drive hybrid uses 5.2 litres.
Regenerative braking also helps a hybrid save fuel. When the car slows down, the system converts part of its kinetic energy into electricity and returns it to the battery.
Keep in mind, however, that charging works differently from model to model. For example, the HAVAL H6 HEV charges its battery by itself, while the TANK 400 PHEV needs external charging to make full use of its electric range. If you are interested, see GWM’s hybrid models here and learn more about their fuel consumption, drivetrain and charging requirements.
CRAWL CONTROL and the turning assistant
GWM’s TANK models feature dedicated assistance systems for driving on difficult terrain. CRAWL CONTROL manages acceleration and braking at low speed so the driver can concentrate on steering. The TANK 300 and 400 also offer front and rear differential locks. Differential locks help the car distribute engine power between the wheels. A model with this feature keeps its balance better when one wheel loses grip in mud or on a slippery surface. The turning assistant, in turn, reduces the turning radius in tight spots.
This equipment matters most if you often drive on difficult terrain, such as mountain routes. In GWM’s catalogue, you can also choose a model based on the routes you need. The TANK 400 has 235 mm of ground clearance (the distance between the car’s lowest point and the road), while the TANK 500 offers the driver 11 driving modes, including ones for rocky, sandy and snowy roads.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for the safest possible driving
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) help the driver recognise and react to hazards on the road. The HAVAL Jolion and H6, as well as the TANK models, feature adaptive cruise control, a lane keeping assistant and autonomous emergency braking (AEB). The HAVAL H6’s AEB, for example, is also designed to detect pedestrians and cyclists.
Adaptive cruise control adjusts the speed to keep a distance from the vehicle ahead, the lane assistant helps the driver stay on course, and AEB responds to a collision risk by braking under certain conditions. When choosing a new car, be sure to check which of these features are available in the trim level you want. And remember: a driver assistance system is only an assistance system. None of them can fully replace the driver’s attention.
360° and 540° cameras
360° cameras combine images taken from different angles around the car. This is especially convenient when parking and manoeuvring in tight spaces. A similar system is available in HAVAL models, the passenger version of the POER, and the TANK 300 and 500.
The TANK 400 has a 540° HD system. Using camera images, it also creates a virtual view of the area under the car. With this information, the driver can judge more accurately whether the car will clear obstacles on difficult terrain.
How useful the cameras are depends on the size of the car and the road. A 360° view is perfectly sufficient for city driving. A 540° system is especially useful if you often leave the city and drive off-road.
ESP (Electronic Stability Program) and the hill start and descent assistant
During a sharp manoeuvre on a wet road, a car can lose grip. In this situation, electronic stability control (ESP) compares the car’s direction of travel with the direction chosen by the driver and, if necessary, brakes individual wheels to correct the course. The system is designed to reduce the risk of skidding and make it easier for the driver to stay in control.
The hill start assistant stops the car from rolling backwards, while hill descent control helps the driver regulate speed on steep roads.
Digital screens and Head-Up Display
The touchscreens in GWM models support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver can display smartphone navigation, music and other compatible apps directly on the car’s screen. In some models, a Head-Up Display shows speed and other important information on the windscreen.
Besides the screen, it is worth paying attention to the layout of the buttons and how easy the information is to read from the driver’s seat, as well as wireless charging and heated or ventilated seats. If you would like details on a particular model or trim level, you can visit GWM Georgia’s car centre in Tbilisi at 244 Aghmashenebeli Alley and talk to a representative.
When choosing a new Chinese car, think about the roads you drive on most often. In the city, fuel economy and multimedia usually come first, while for regular driving on difficult terrain, all-wheel drive, ESP and stability on climbs and descents matter most.
GWM’s Georgian representative office lets you try the model you are interested in for yourself. Simply call us on the number provided or book a test drive directly on the website. After driving the car, you will have a much clearer idea of how well a particular model suits your everyday life and how much you will use its key technologies.
When you buy from an official dealer, you get the original manufacturer’s warranty. HAVAL, TANK and POER standard and hybrid models come with a 7-year or 200,000 km warranty, whichever comes first, and electric vehicles with an 8-year or 150,000 km warranty. Before buying, check with the official representative office exactly which services the specific terms cover.
