Haval H7 to arrive early 2018

Having arrived here barely two years ago, Chinese SUV brand Haval is gearing up to launch its fifth model line, the H7, and introduce various upgrades to existing models, including an Australian suspension tune for its large H9.

The H7, a seven-seat wagon that sits between the mid-size H6 and large H8, will arrive here in the first quarter of next year.

While the H7 was unveiled at Beijing in April in five-seat H7 and seven-seat H7L (Long) forms, Australia will only get the seven-seat version (although it will simply be called H7, losing the Long moniker for the Aussie market).

The H7 measures 4900mm long, has a 2850mm wheelbase and is powered by a 170kW/350Nm direct-injection turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine linked to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission. No all-wheel drive version of the H7 will be available; drive is via the front wheels only.

The top-shelf LUX model will be loaded with features including a panoramic sunroof, power tailgate, 12.3-inch virtual instrument panel and semi-automatic parking.

Safety features will include blind-spot monitoring, lane-change assist, rear cross-traffic alert and a 360-degree camera. Haval also hopes to include autonomous emergency braking and forward collision warning in the H7’s safety bundle when it arrives in first quarter of 2018.

Wheels offered include either 19- or 20-inch alloys, depending on model, running 235/55 R19 or 255/45 R20 tyres.

Meanwhile, Haval’s large H9 SUV will be upgraded with the arrival of a 2018 model in the fourth quarter this year. While the exterior will be treated to a new grille, fog lights and new alloy wheels, inside there’s a new instrument panel with digital speedo.

The main changes to H9 involve the powertrain. Power from the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder is up from 160kW to 180kW, while torque has increased from 324Nm to 350Nm.

The six-speed auto has been replaced by a ZF eight-speed unit and as a result fuel economy has improved, going from 12.1 to 11.0L/100. Acceleration from rest to 100km/h has been slashed from 13.4 to 10.6sec.

Lane departure warning and blind spot monitoring will be standard inclusions for the MY18 H9, while the top-shelf LUX model will come with a new inclusion, a panoramic sunroof.

Haval Australia has also been working with local suspension company Ironman 4X4 to develop an Australian suspension tune for its LandCruiser rival, with the revisions including heavier springs, upgraded shock absorber valving and minor changes to toe-in.

The Aussie-tuned suspension is in the prototype stage and it is believed that Haval aims to have it ready for the MY18 H9.

Meanwhile, running changes have been made to all models, starting with a new anti-lock brake system module with re-calibrated electronic stability control. This is to address complaints of an ESC system too eager to activate hazard lights when slight yawing is detected.

The reverse camera voice feature has been removed from 2017 H2 and H6, and will be removed from H9 with the arrival of the 2018 model.

The H6 has had a running change to update the rear seatbelt sensor, while satellite-navigation has become available as an accessory for H2 and H6 for the first time.

Haval’s local dealer network stands at 15 nationwide, growing from four dealers at the brand’s launch here in 2015. A further 10 dealers are expected to join the fold by the end of this year and Haval is aiming to have a total of 50 dealers by 2020.

Haval sells its SUVs in more than 30 countries worldwide including Australia, Russia, Ecuador, Chile, Malaysia and South Africa, Its annual global SUV sales have grown from 281,000 to 938,000 over the past five years.