GWM Haval H7

If the GWM Haval H7’s exterior design exudes a rugged aura, its interior offers a plush and premium feel. In terms of practicality, its cabin comfortably accommodates five passengers, while its trunk offers ample cargo space for a family’s groceries and luggage. Its leather seats are soft and supportive, with front-row occupants also benefiting from ventilated seats. Drivers of the 4WD variant can also enjoy a memory function with a welcome assist for their seat. 

Up front, the driver has access to a high-tech cockpit consisting of a 12.3-inch coloured instrument panel, a heads-up display (for the 4WD trim only), and a multi-control steering wheel wrapped in leather. For added convenience, this SUV is also fitted with front and rear 12V power outlets, a 220V power outlet, front and rear USB ports (USB-A + USB-C), and a wireless charger.

Aside from that, the Haval H7 features a 15.6-inch Coffee OS 3.3-supported touchscreen infotainment system that has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and offers Bluetooth connectivity. The 2WD variants’ infotainment are linked to an 8-speaker sound system, while the top-of-the-line 4WD trim offers the more premium 10-speaker version. The top-of-the-line variant also gets a panoramic sunroof and an LED ambient lighting system with rhythm and breathing modes, delivering an elevated cabin experience on the road.

The GWM Haval H7 features a boxy SUV design that exudes a mix of modernity and ruggedness. Its bold-looking front end is flanked by rectangular LED headlamps with auto on/off functionality, level adjustment, and daytime running lights (DRLs). It sports a black chrome front grille and a two-tone geometric bumper underneath, enhancing its rugged appeal on the road.

Moreover, its muscular side profile is highlighted by prominent wheel arches, bulged side skirts, and a robust set of 19-inch alloy wheels for the 4WD trim. Meanwhile, the 2WD variants are fitted with the 18-inch counterparts. This SUV also gets power-adjustable and folding mirrors with integrated signal lights, adding a more modern touch to its overall silhouette.

Aside from that, its modern-classic styling extends to the rear. Its rear end features modern-looking D-shaped LED tail lamps, an LED high-mounted third brake light, and rear fog lamps for enhanced visibility at all times. A full-size spare tyre cover gives it a timeless off-road appearance overall.

In terms of dimensions, the GWM Haval H7 measures 4,800 mm in length, 1,950 mm in width, and 1,843 mm in height. This SUV also comes with a 2,738-mm wheelbase. The 4WD trim offers 210 mm of ground clearance, while the 2WD trims provide 200 mm.

The GWM Haval H7 comes with a MacPherson independent suspension at the front and a Multi-Link independent-type at the rear. Thanks to this suspension setup, this SUV delivers great adaptability both on- and off-road. It offers a comfortable experience, whether you are commuting in the city or navigating rocky and muddy trails. However, it is important to note that this is not a sporty car in any way. Hence, it is better to hit sharp turns and corners in this SUV with extra precaution.

The GWM Haval H7 model line offers three powertrain options. First, the top-of-the-line 4WD trim features the brand’s plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 1.5L 4-cylinder, 16-valve turbocharged engine with front and rear-mounted electric motors, producing 109 PS and 204 PS of maximum power, respectively. Its dual-motor setup is powered by a 19.09-kWh battery that offers a 91-km NEDC electric range. Combined, its dual-motor-powered plug-in hybrid powertrain delivers 364 PS of power and 760 Nm of torque. The top-of-the-line variant utilizes a four-wheel drivetrain (4WD) and comes mated to a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission system.

Second, the mid 2WD trim is powered by another plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines the same engine with a front-mounted electric motor (fed by the same 19.09-kWh battery), producing 177 PS of power while offering a better 105-km NEDC pure electric range. Combined, its single-motor-powered plug-in hybrid powertrain produces 326 PS of power and 540 Nm of torque. Both PHEV variants feature a Type 2/CCS2 charging port standard.

Finally, the base 2WD trim is fitted with a self-charging hybrid powertrain that combines the same engine with a 1.53-kWh battery-powered front-mounted electric motor, producing the same amount of power as the mid-trim's. Its hybrid powertrain generates 247 PS of combined power and 540 Nm of combined torque. Both the base and mid trims utilize a two-wheel drivetrain (2WD) and run on single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.

That said, the Haval H7 can get up to speed without much effort. Its electrified powertrains offer smooth, linear power delivery, allowing you to overtake slower vehicles on free-flowing highways or tackle steep rural inclines. Its performance can also be adjusted depending on the driver’s preference and current driving conditions, thanks to its selectable driving modes: Standard, Sport, and Economy. The 4WD trim also gets Snow, Sand, Mud, and AWD driving modes.

The GWM Haval H7 is equipped with front and rear ventilated disc brakes. In terms of safety, this SUV is fitted with an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, cornering brake control, a rollover mitigation system, an electronic stability program with intelligent cornering, multiple airbags, a 540-degree view camera, and a total of eight parking sensors (front: 4, rear: 4), among others.

The 4WD trim also features a comprehensive suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including intelligent cruise control, a blind spot information system, forward collision warning with auto emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and rear collision warning, to name a few.

In my opinion, the GWM Haval H7 has the potential to become a competitive nameplate in the country’s SUV segment. It delivers impressive versatility and safety while undercutting many of its competitors in terms of price.