The Haval H7 introduces a rugged design and stance while playing to Haval’s core strengths. We drove the new model at its recent local introduction.
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Haval H7 Fast Facts:
- Price: R601 950 – R730 950
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine
- Transmission: 9-speed DCT
- Power: 170 kW
- Torque: 380 N.m
- Driven wheels: FWD/ AWD
What are we driving?
The introduction of the Haval H7 aims to strengthen GWM’s impressive showing on the South African market. This new entry aims to appeal to owners who enjoy mild off-roading, complementing the rugged-looking, hybrid-powered GWM Tank 300 on local showrooms.
What’s new on the Haval H7?
The Haval H7 has a boxy, retro-inspired profile primed for rugged adventure. Standard 19-inch alloy wheels in flared wheel arches and functional roof rails add a sense of presence. The vehicle features a distinctive 3-tier grille and round headlights framed with dark trim. The FWD Luxury and 4WD Super Luxury variants share a near-identical exterior design.
The forthcoming flagship HEV (mild-hybrid) Super Luxury will introduce a slightly different design including a blacked-out grille and prominent “HAVAL” lettering.
A large 14.6-inch central touchscreen that supports wireless CarPlay and Android Auto is complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. GWM has also incorporated its signature Aviation gear lever, along with a panoramic sunroof and heated and ventilated leather seats. The 5-seater H7 offers a boot capacity of 483 litres, which expands to 1 362 litres when the rear seats are folded down.
How much does the Haval H7 cost?
- Haval H7 2.0T Luxury DCT — R601 950
- Haval H7 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury DCT — R671 950
- Haval H7 1.5T HEV Super Luxury DHT — R730 950
The warranty and service plan package includes a 7-year/200 000 km warranty, 7-year unlimited roadside assistance, and a 7-year/75,000 km service plan. Additionally, there is an 8-year/150,000 km warranty covering hybrid high-voltage components. GWM has announced that the flagship 1.5T HEV Super Luxury model will debut in Q2.
What are the Haval H7’s rivals?
The H7 takes on the likes of the Ford Territory, VW Tiguan, Kia Sportage, Toyota RAV4, Chery Tiggo 7 and Hyundai Tucson.
Related: New Haval H7 Launches in SA — Pricing and Specs
What is the Haval H7 like to drive?
I started by driving the front-wheel-drive version and was immediately impressed by the interior configuration. The synthetic leather seats in the base model are surprisingly comfortable, offering a premium feel for an entry-level trim. It’s worth noting that while the Haval H7 is built on the same platform as the popular H6, it is significantly larger by every dimension. The H7 measures 4 705 mm in length, 1 908 mm in width and 1 780 mm in height, with a ground clearance of 210 mm, making it impressively spacious and versatile.
The H7 is offered initially with a 170 kW/380 Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine in either front- or all-wheel drive configuration. The car is fitted with a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission that enhances overall comfort with smooth, responsive gear shifts. Despite its size, the H7 feels suitably manoeuvrable around town.
The AWD variant includes nine all-terrain driving modes with off-road cruise control. Modes include Auto, Eco, Sport, Grass/Gravel, Uneven Road, Snow, Sand, Mud, and Standard. Sport mode stands out with an altogether sharper throttle response.
Verdict:
The Haval H7 presents a compelling proposition in the South African market, building upon the strong foundation laid by the immensely popular H6 and Jolion models. With an attractive price point, starting at R601 950, the H7 is competitively priced compared to similarly sized and equipped SUVs in the local market.
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