GWM started the pre-sale of the Haval H7 in Brazil this Monday, the 5th, although initially access is limited only to existing brand customers. This new SUV is equipped with a 1.5 turbo flex engine, a plug-in hybrid system, and all-wheel drive. Sales to the general public are scheduled for Wednesday, the 7th.
Customers participating in this initial phase will have priority in receiving the first units, which will be imported from China. To guarantee the reservation, a deposit of R$ 9 thousand is required. Currently, GWM has not disclosed the final price or the specific technical data for the Brazilian version.
In the brand's portfolio, the H7 is positioned between the H6 and H9 models. It incorporates the design of the H6 and the electrification technology of the H6. The mechanical unit combines the 1.5 turbo engine, capable of running on gasoline or ethanol, with an electric propulsion system. Being a plug-in hybrid, the vehicle allows the battery to be recharged by connecting to the electrical grid, using energy stored during driving.
The management system controls the contribution of both the combustion engine and the electric motors, adjusting itself to usage conditions and available charge. Built on the Hi4 hybrid architecture, with electric propulsion acting on both axles, the H7 performs electronic power distribution to the wheels, providing all-wheel drive as needed. According to GWM, this technology also adapts to adhesion conditions, and the model has several driving modes suitable for different types of terrain.
Although the manufacturer has not confirmed the exact data of the flex system, in the Philippines, where the H7 is also on pre-sale, GWM specifies a combined power of up to 375 hp and 76.5 kgfm. The vehicles can come with 18.7 kWh or 27.5 kWh batteries, offering an electric range of up to 150 km under the Chinese CLTC cycle, which is considered more favorable than the standard established by Inmetro.
The H7's design features a more robust aesthetic, characterized by straight lines, a square body shape, and a spare tire located on the rear lid. The influence of the Haval H9 is a notable difference of the SUV, but the similarity is only in appearance: while the larger model has a body-on-frame construction, the H7 uses a monocoque construction. In the market, it is expected to compete with other plug-in hybrid SUVs, such as the BYD Song Plus.
In terms of safety, GWM listed features such as forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, and lane keeping assist. The complete list of equipment for the national version is still pending disclosure. Furthermore, the Haval H7 was selected for the 4,000th collision test conducted by GWM's safety laboratory in Baoding, China. The automaker reported that the cabin maintained its integrity after the impact, the airbags and seatbelts functioned as planned, and there was no fuel leak. After the collision, the high-voltage electrical system was automatically deactivated. However, this test is internal to the automaker and does not correspond to evaluations carried out by independent entities, such as Latin NCAP.