First Drive: GWM Haval H7

GWM adds another bow to its SUV ribbon with the H7

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The past 24 months or so have seen a raft of manufacturers from China making windfall into the South African market. A good omen for overall market growth means buyers are more spoilt for choice, which is always welcome. One of the longest-standing Chinese marques, GWM (Great Wall Motors), looks set to have a busy 2025 bolstered by new products entering the market. The Haval H7 is the first of these, and it sits above the current H6 SUV, which will be replaced by a new model soon. 

A rugged, boxy-looking thing, the H7 is built on the H6 platform but widened and heightened. It spans a total width of 1,908mm, while its height measures 1,780mm. The ride height is a usable 210mm, which came in rather handy during our gravel travel excursions just outside of Cullinan, Tshwane. The model represents a noteworthy departure from the brand in terms of design and functionality and will likely be the model’s unique selling point. Those squared-off, Jeep Renegade-mimicking wheel arches are home to 19-inch alloy wheels and are also standard fitment across the model range. 

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The cabin is equally interesting, and taking centre stage is a mini TV-like 14.6-inch infotainment screen that controls a number of the vehicle’s functionalities, including pairing and mirroring one’s smartphone (Android Auto or Apple CarPlay). A 12.3-inch screen sits behind the wheel and beams vital information to the driver. It is fairly legible and also integrates the gear selector indicators, which is a cool idea, but not necessarily practical. The rest of the interior is minimalistic in architecture, while the tactile build quality is decidedly solid. Chinese cars have definitely come a long way in this regard, and the H7 is a case in point. 

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Two model derivatives are on offer at launch and are all highly specified with features that include a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats, and 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 a memory function. Boot space is usable 480-litres in standard form and can be expanded - with the rear seats folded forward - to 1,362-litres. 

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Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 170kW and 380Nm that drives the front or all-wheel drive via a 9-speed automatic gearbox. At the model’s launch in Gauteng recently, we managed to drive both front- and all-wheel-drive models, and both models were fit for purpose, while the latter was particularly surefooted on loose gravel roads. My biggest gripe is the engine’s glaringly apparent turbo lag. This means pulling away from stationary is not an instantaneous enough affair, and overtaking requires some careful planning to execute safely. However, once the turbo spool and the engine are on the boil, it pulls with convincing conviction.

Handling is neutral for the most part with relatively good body control. The 4X4 models offer an Off-Road mode, replete with an electronic diff-lock, so you can venture a little further off the beaten track. Of course, we'll put the vehicle through the wringer when we get it on test to see how it fares in some predetermined off-road situations. 

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There’s a suite of active and passive off-road assistance systems, including Hill Descent Control and Hill Hold Control, and a myriad of cameras to help you navigate treacherous terrain. A full array of ADAS—Advanced Driver Assistance Systems—is featured as standard across the range.

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A hybrid model will arrive around Q2, packing the familiar 1.5-litre turbo petrol paired to an electric motor to push out 179kW and 530Nm. 

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A sizable mid-size SUV, the GWM H7 will likely fill a very niche segment of the market and will appeal to those with an active and outdoorsy lifestyle. A solid proposition from our first impressions of the vehicle, it is well specified with every conceivable accoutrement you can expect in this segment. Whether it will upset the apple cart of European marques remains to be seen, but in isolation, this new addition to the GWM stable makes a very compelling case for itself. 

Pricing:

GWM HAVAL H7 2.0T Luxury 9DCT: R601,950

GWM HAVAL H7 2.0T Super Luxury 9DCT 4WD: R671,950

GWM HAVAL H7 1.5T Super Luxury DHT Hybrid: R730,950

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