“Early 2018” now, but might just be worth it.
The 2018 Haval H7 was previously pipped to make an appearance on our shores by the second-half of this year. The large seven-seater SUV, sized against cars like the Toyota Kluger and Mazda CX-9 but undercuts them on price, has been detailed ahead of its local launch, and promises to pack plenty of kit and offer great value (as is the Haval way). However, it's running a little late, with a local introduction expected only in Q1 2018.
With an elongated ‘L’ wheelbase, the H7 measures in at 4900mm between the wheels, which puts it right up with cars like the Kia Sorento. Power will come from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, good for 170kW and 350Nm, sending power to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The value proposition put forward by the H7 is very strong, with a laundry list of standard kit that would give some premium cars a run for their money. ‘Lux’ variants will come with things like a fully-digital instrument display (measuring in at 12.3-inches), an electric tailgate, blind spot monitoring and lane change assist, semi-autonomous parking, a 360º camera system and rear cross-traffic alert.
When it arrives, the H7 will possibly make the H8 SUV (which has a wheelbase almost 100mm shorter) feel a little uncomfortable, but it’s rumoured that the H8 will grow in size in its next iteration. While the H7 does appear to offer great value, it’s worth noting that Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is still missing from the speclist, though Haval says that it’ll be there when the car goes on sale, whenever that is.
We look forward to seeing the H7 when it arrives, if anything just to see if it can deliver on the promises it’s making.
For more information on Haval, check out our Showroom.
