What is it?

This all-new SUV model is the new flagship for the Haval range – slotting in above the Haval H6 – and it brings together two of GWM’s areas of technical mastery: luxury and off-road capability, the manufacturer claims.

Exterior:

From the first glance, it is clear that there is nothing else quite like the GWM HAVAL H7 on South African roads.

The new model departs from the design language of the other Haval models and opts for a squared-off shape, round headlights, large alloy wheels in bold wheel arches and a deeply sculpted side-profile.

It is an SUV with enough space for a family and all their kit, with luxury to match that exceeds that of the H6 and off-road capabilities that come close to those of some of our professional 4x4 models in the GWM stable.

The H7 shares the same platform as the H6, but in its application it has been widened (1 908mm), lengthened (4 705mm) and lifted higher off the ground (1 780mm high with a 210mm ground clearance).

Interior:

The first item to catch the eye is the large, floating 14.6” infotainment system and the 12.3” instrument cluster. Both screens have a brightness of over 1 000 nits, which is double that of most modern laptop screens.

The instrument cluster is fully customisable with a dedicated off-road screen mode on models with four-wheel drive. This screen is complemented by a large head-up display system on the Super luxury models.

The infotainment screen is not only one of the largest of its kind in this vehicle segment, but also one of the brightest and with the densest pixel count (1920 x 1080).

Lower down, the centre-console is dominated by a unique aviation-style gearshift with controls for the drivetrain, terrain assist system and some of the many dynamic safety features that are standard across the range.

The H7 has integrated grab-handles for the front and rear passengers, doors that offer the widest opening in its segment (over one metre from head to toe for both front and rear doors), and many storage spaces and even a removable rear luggage floor that can double as a camping table, complete with retractable legs.

The rear luggage compartment can extend from a large 483 litres to 1 362 litres with the seats folded away.

Equipment:

The entire range of three model derivatives offers luxury features that include a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats and full leather upholstery (synthetic leather on the Luxury model).

Super Luxury models add additional features, which include front seat cooling, an inductive function for opening the tailgate when your hands are full as well as seat and mirror adjustment with memory function.

Engine:

Two different powertrain options will be available at the launch. The first engine is a two-litre turbo delivering 170kW and 380Nm.

It will be offered with 4WD or standard 2WD system, with the latter offering its power through the 9-speed transmission to the front wheels.

The second drivetrain configuration on offer (in 2WD only) is a turbo-petrol Hybrid powertrain with a Dual Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with 179kW and 530Nm.

Price:

H7 2.0T Luxury 9DCT (R601 950), H7 2.0T Super Luxury 9DCT 4WD (R671 950), Available in Q2 of this year: H7 1.5T Super Luxury DHT Hybrid (R730 950).