Launched: The Haval H7 from GWM. Very Impressive!

First impressions last, as the saying goes. And that is exactly the case with the first launch of 2025 with the impressive Haval H7. Aesthetically good exterior rugged looks, easy on the eye well laid out interior, an easy to use 14inch centre consoled tablet and superb road handling and comfort. Oh! And, great off-road capabilities. In fact, on any off-road terrain. I was behind the wheel for about two hours recently and enjoyed every minute.   

This all-new model is the new flagship for the HAVAL range – slotting in above the perennially popular HAVAL H6 – and it brings together two of GWM’s areas of technical mastery: luxury and off-road capability. From the first glance, it is clear that there is nothing else quite like the GWM HAVAL H7 on South African roads.

 

“The design of the all-new GWM HAVAL H7 proudly displays its capabilities. It is an SUV with enough space for a family and all their kit, with luxury to match that exceeds that of the H6 and off-road capabilities that come close to those of some of our professional 4x4 models in the GWM stable,” says Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM South Africa.

 

Superior exterior and luxury interior

The new H7 shares the same platform as the H6, but in its application it has been widened (1 908mm), lengthened (4 705mm) and lifted higher off the ground (1 780mm high with a 210mm ground clearance). All versions of the H7 ride on 19” alloy wheels with a futuristic, dual-spoke design. The wheels are housed in squared-off wheel arches with riveted over fenders. The vehicle’s driving lights are all LED-powered, and the headlights feature unique deep-wall technology that has, to date, only been used on premium German vehicles. The headlamps and fog lamps are recessed in black surrounds on the split front bumper.

 

Float On!

The floating screen has to be one of my favourite features of the H7. The interior is the product of many hours of meticulous study of human ergonomics and typical family needs. The first item to catch the eye is the large, floating 14.6” infotainment system and the 12.3” instrument cluster. Both screens have a brightness of over 1,000 nits, which is double that of most modern laptop screens.

The instrument cluster is, as can be expected from HAVAL, fully customisable with a dedicated off-road screen mode on models with four-wheel drive. This screen is complemented by a large head-up display system on the Super luxury models.

The infotainment screen is not only one of the largest of its kind in this vehicle segment, but also one of the brightest and with the densest pixel count (1920 x 1080). It features a full wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto experience, and it houses all the features and functions that one can expect from GWM.

Wide Open

With its focus on practicality and off-road capability, the HAVAL H7 has integrated grab-handles for the front and rear passengers, doors that offer the widest opening in its segment (over one metre from head to toe for both front and rear doors), and many storage spaces that include multiple cup holders, hidden storage compartments and even a removable rear luggage floor that can double as a camping table, complete with retractable legs.

The entire range of three model derivatives offers luxury features that include a panoramic sunroof, electrically adjustable front seats, full leather upholstery (synthetic leather on the Luxury model) and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

 

Power and Performance

A real pleasure to drive. Two different powertrain options will be available at the launch of the GWM HAVAL H7. The first engine is the high-power HAVAL 4N20A two-litre turbo engine, which was designed by GWM and which has won the Chinese Heart Award for engine technology multiple times.

The engine delivers a maximum of 170kW and 380Nm of torque, which is 6% higher than the average power output for the segment.

The transmission is a unique, self-developed 9-speed wet dual-clutch transmission that is smaller than the DCT transmissions that precede it.

The second drivetrain configuration on offer (in 2WD only) is GWM’s Turbo-petrol Hybrid powertrain with its unique Dual Hybrid Transmission (DHT).

Final Word!

Says Floyd Ramabulana, Head of Marketing: “The all-new H7 marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for GWM South Africa. With its blend of luxury, performance and safety, it’s designed to meet the needs of modern adventurers. “We invite South Africans to visit their nearest dealership to explore the Haval H7 and experience a vehicle that lets you to write your own story.”

And now for the Price:

H7 2.0T Luxury 9DCT – R601 950

H7 2.0T Super Luxury 9DCT 4WD – R671 950