GWM Mzansi has started the year with a bang with the local launch of the unique design Haval H7 offering a wide variety of features and drivetrain options. We attended its launch in Jozi.

The front seas the H7 get dominant round headlights with LED technology with a prominent grille. The headlamps and fog lamps are recessed in black surrounds on the split front bumper.

All versions of the H7 ride on 19” alloy wheels with a futuristic, dual-spoke design. The wheels are housed in squared-off wheel arches with riveted overfenders.

Functional roof rails are complemented by a shark fin antenna with a spoiler on the rear boot opening. LED rear lights come standard with a GWM badge placed above the rear door handle.

The first item to catch the eye in the interior is the large, floating 14.6” infotainment system and the 12.3” instrument cluster. 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. It features a full wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The centre-console gets an 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 interior has been designed with practicality in mind featuring many storage spaces that include multiple cup holders, hidden storage compartments and even a removable rear luggage floor that can double as a camping table, complete with retractable legs. The entire range offers a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats, 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 (all models have electrically adjustable seats and mirrors and a fully adjustable steering wheel). The rear luggage compartment can extend from a large 483 litres to 1 362 litres with the seats folded away.

Two different petrol powertrain options will be available at the launch of the GWM HAVAL H7. There is a 2.0 Turbo with 170kW and 380Nm of torque offered with the choice of a 4WD or standard 2WD system. A 9-speed wet dual-clutch transmission is offered on this model. The second drivetrain configuration on offer as 2WD only, is a 1.5 Turbo Hybrid with 179kW and 530Nm driven through a Dual Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The all-wheel drive system on the 2.0 Turbo HAVAL H7 is controlled by an All-Terrain Mode system. It caters for Grass/Gravel, Convex Roads, Sand, Snow, Mud and for Sporty, Standard or Economical driving.

Range, service plan and warranty
Two models of the GWM HAVAL H7 will be available from the onset.
- GWM HAVAL H7 2.0T Luxury 9DCT – R601 950
- GWM HAVAL H7 2.0T Super Luxury 9DCT 4WD – R671 950
Available in Q2 of this year:
- GWM HAVAL H7 1.5T Super Luxury DHT Hybrid – R730 950
Warranty plan details:
- 7-year 200 000km Warranty
- 7-year unlimited road-side assistance
- 7-year/75 000km Service Plan
- 8-year/150 000km Hybrid High Voltage components Warranty.