Tough new GWM Haval H9 revealed
China’s next answer to the Toyota Prado busts out and is under consideration for AustraliaThe 2024 GWM Haval H9 has been revealed in China this week and hasn’t been ruled out for re-introduction in Australia.
The GWM Haval H9 large off-road SUV was discontinued in early 2022 but could return to Australia brandishing a boxy new shape and improved technology.
Originally pitched as a cut-price Toyota Prado rival – albeit without the ground clearance or refinement levels – the GWM Haval H9 never took off in Australia, but Chinese brands have been experiencing a sales surge Down Under over the last year as consumer perceptions change.
GWM Haval Australia hasn’t yet confirmed the new three-row family SUV for local release, but says the Haval H9 is under consideration for the this market, joining a growing list of vehicles the importer is evaluating.
If it was sold in Australia, theHaval H9 would join the Haval H6 wagon and H6 GT mid-size SUVs and the Jolion small SUV, all of which grew in popularity with Aussie buyers in 2023.
In terms of the design, the big Chinese chariot is much less radical than some of GWM’s bolder SUVs such as the Tank 700. New-look LED headlight and tail-light designs are integrated within the H9’s blocky body style that’s peppered with straight lines and looks built for purpose.
Photos of the interior show a pair of large digital screens, large leather-clad seats and the jet fighter-inspired gear shifter from the GWM Tank 300.
Beyond the new exterior and interior designs, not a great deal is known about the just-revealed Haval H9.
According to Chinese media reports, the large SUV is based on the same underpinnings as its predecessor, which means a rugger ladder chassis or body-on-frame construction.
When combined with a 4x4 driveline that reportedly features locking front and rear diffs and a choice of turbo-diesel or turbo-petrol four-cylinder engines, it could be a capable and efficient family-hauler.
The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine hooks up to an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel mill links up with a nine-speed automatic transmission. If the diesel donk is the same unit powering the upcoming GWM Cannon Alpha, expect to see power and torque of around 135kW and 480Nm.
The Haval H9 is very much on GWM Haval Australia’s hit list, but since the brand is almost certain to launch the similarly-sized GWM Tank 500 later this year, the need for another big three-row SUV could be limited for the Chinese challenger brand.
Stay tuned for more.
Related: GWM Cannon Alpha ute here this year
Related: VFACTS 2023: Chinese cars now a dominant force in Australia
Related: GWM Tank 700 debuts with monster 386kW/750Nm PHEV powertrain
Related: GWM Tank 500 HEV approved for sale in Australia
Related: Haval H9 to exit Australia
Related: Haval H9 v Toyota LandCruiser Prado 2018 Comparison
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