Selling points
Launched in South Africa in early 2025, the Haval H7 is a departure for the brand, which has traditionally done rounded-off city crossover-styled SUVs that would baulk at a gravel road. The H7 takes a page from a sister brand, Tank, and brings to market a big, chunky, offroad and ready machine that will appeal to South African consumers.
Related: GWM Haval H7 (2024) First Drive Review
A lot is going on under the skin of the new H7, but here are three important things to remember if you're considering one of these mighty machines for your driveway.
Haval H7 vs Kia Sportage vs Volkswagen Tiguan: Who has the lowest running costs?
1. Offroad design and styling
At first glance, one could be forgiven for thinking this is a copy of the Tank 300; although the styling is similar, the Tank range is a ladder frame while the Haval employs a monocoque chassis. The H7 looks chunky and fit for purpose with its large grille, bolted-on plastic cladding and 210mm elevated ride height.
2. High level of safety
The Haval H7 has achieved a 5-star rating in the Chinese C-NCAP crash tests, demonstrating a high level of safety performance in its category; this rating was based on its outstanding performance with a score of 57.4 points, surpassing many joint venture models in the market. The H7 is also very equipped in terms of its standard safety equipment, featuring the following:
- All models have six airbags
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).
- Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
- TCS (Traction Control System)
- Anti-Roll System (RMI)
- Brake Assist (BA)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- Hill Descent (HDC)
- Hill-Hold Control (HHC)
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
- Blind-Spot Monitoring
- Lane Change Assist
There's also a 360-degree (540-degree in 4WD model) camera
3. Engine and gearbox
A 2.0l turbo petrol engine powers the Haval H7 mated to a 9-speed DSG transmission. The combination produces 170kW and 380Nm, a fantastic output for a vehicle of this type. It also incorporates an AWD system with a locking differential and 9 offroad drive modes. You can expect 8.0 L /100km, roughly 600km, from a tank of premium 95 oct fuel.
Verdict
Haval has done a fantastic job on the H7, elevating the new model range from what we've expected from the brand to a higher level. It may share its drivetrain and chassis with the H6 and H6 GT but this is such a departure from what we've been seeing from Haval that it is a standout product. now we need to test the H7 in a diesel!
