SPY PICS: Haval H2 hits Melbourne

Haval's smallest model – for now – has been spotted in Melbourne by regular motoring.com.au reader Roo months before its Australian release this year.

After two false starts, China's largest SUV brand, which has boldly stated it will also become the number one-selling SUV brand in Australia, has committed to releasing a number of models Down Under in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The H2 you see here, believed to be one of two currently undergoing local evaluation by senior Haval Australia executives, will be among the, alongside the larger H8 and top-shelf H9.

According to federal transport department documents lodged by Haval, the H2 rides on a 2560mm wheelbase and measures 4335mm long, 1814mm wide and 1695mm high, making it somewhere between the Mazda CX-3 and CX-5 in size.

The documents indicate the H2 will be available with just one engine – a 105kW 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine – but both 2WD and AWD drivetrains, the former with six-speed manual and automatic transmission, the latter auto-only.

They state the compact five-door, five-seat wagon's base kerb weight is just 1529kg, braked towing capacity is 1200kg (750kg with an unbraked trailer) and ground clearance is only 169mm.

Two well-specified variants are likely to be offered – 'Premium' and 'Lux' – both equipped with six airbags include side curtains, electronic stability/traction control, anti-lock brakes, 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55-series tyres, air-conditioning, power windows/mirrors and a host of others features.

Haval – Great Wall's premium SUV brand – has also received Australian Design Rule Certification for the large seven-seat H9 flagship, which will be powered by a 155kW 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and AWD, and the slightly smaller H8 five-seater, which will be the last to arrive here this year, powered by the same engine.

Pricing is not yet known but expect it to be sharp, with the H2 likely to be priced close to $20,000, the H8 below $40,000 and the Toyota Prado-sized H9 flagship around $45,000.

Motoring.com.au understands Haval will stage a local brand launch in October, followed by the release of all three models by December, and the arrival of a fourth SUV – the mid-size H6 – in the first quarter of next year

As we revealed exclusively in October 2014, Haval had initially planned to launch Down Under by the end of 2014, but those plans were delayed until June this year and then again to late 2015.

Haval's wholly owned Melbourne-based distributor says it has finally signed up four dealers and is on track to have 10 retailers by the end of the year, when Australia will be among its first export markets.