GWM South Africa has introduced the new-generation Haval H7, with six derivatives spanning petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains. Prices start at R554,900, with the range-topping plug-in hybrid producing 280kW and 670Nm.
The new H7 features a boxy exterior design and a cabin equipped with a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 9-inch head-up display. The range is aimed at buyers looking for a family SUV with a mix of everyday practicality and off-road capability.
Three powertrain options
The Haval H7 range includes three powertrain options, with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive configurations available depending on the derivative.
The entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine produces 170kW and 380Nm. It is paired with a nine-speed wet dual-clutch transmission and is available in two-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive versions.
The 1.5-litre turbocharged hybrid combines a dedicated hybrid engine with a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. It produces 182kW and 540Nm, with claimed fuel consumption of 5.3L/100km on the NEDC cycle.
The plug-in hybrid range uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and is offered in two configurations. The front-wheel-drive model produces 240kW and 540Nm, while the flagship Hi4 all-wheel-drive version delivers 280kW and 670Nm.
The latter can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in a claimed 5.8 seconds. GWM also claims an electric driving range of up to 130km for the front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid and 115km for the all-wheel-drive version, both measured on the NEDC cycle.
Both plug-in hybrid derivatives support vehicle-to-load (V2L) power discharge of up to 6kW, allowing owners to power compatible external equipment.
Off-road capability and towing
The H7’s four-wheel-drive models use different systems depending on the powertrain. The 2.0-litre petrol 4WD employs a BorgWarner sixth-generation electronically controlled system, while the flagship plug-in hybrid uses GWM’s Hi4 system, which drives the rear axle through a dedicated 150kW electric motor.
Both four-wheel-drive versions feature an electronically controlled rear differential lock designed to distribute torque across the rear wheels when additional traction is needed.
The petrol 4WD model also features an Off-Road Cruise function, which manages throttle and braking to maintain speeds between 7km/h and 15km/h on technical terrain.
GWM lists a 25-degree approach angle, a 32-degree departure angle, 210mm of ground clearance and a 580mm wading depth. The 2.0-litre petrol 4WD also offers nine driving modes: Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, Grass/Gravel, Rough Road and Auto.
All derivatives ride on 19-inch wheels with 255/60 R19 tyres and come with a full-size spare wheel.
Interior technology and practicality
Inside, the H7 features a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen and a 9-inch head-up display. The infotainment system includes voice control covering 17 functions, while a 50W wireless charger and a 10-speaker sound system are also fitted.
A panoramic sunroof is standard across the range. Front seats offer three-level heating and ventilation, while the driver’s seat on the Hi4 Ultra Luxury model adds electric adjustment and memory settings.
The cabin includes 43 storage areas, while the boot provides 586 litres of luggage space with the rear seats in place. Folding the rear seats increases capacity to 1,404 litres.
A 220V outlet in the boot provides up to 400W on petrol and hybrid derivatives, increasing to 2.2kW on plug-in hybrid models.
Safety and driver assistance
Standard safety equipment includes six airbags and a suite of driver assistance systems supported by 13 sensors.
These include automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise control with lane centring, lane-keeping assistance, lane departure warnings, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and rear cross-traffic braking.
The H7 also features a 540-degree camera system with a transparent-chassis view to assist with low-speed manoeuvres.
Pricing
H7 2.0T Super Luxury 4×2 9DCT R554,900
H7 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4×2 9DCT R594,900
H7 1.5T HEV Super Luxury 4×2 DHT R624,900
H7 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4×4 9DCT R654,900
H7 1.5T PHEV Super Luxury 4×2 DHT R734,900
H7 1.5T PHEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 DHT R794,900
Five exterior colours will be offered: Hamilton White, Night Black, Cloud Stream Grey, Matte Grey and Emerald Green. All derivatives feature a black interior.
The Haval H7 comes with a seven-year/200,000km vehicle warranty, a seven-year/75,000km service plan and seven years of unlimited-kilometre roadside assistance. Hybrid models also receive an eight-year/150,000km battery warranty. Service intervals are every 15,000km or 12 months.
