Haval H7 lands in NZ from $49,990
Words: Kyle Cassidy
GWM is expanding its New Zealand SUV line-up with the Haval H7, a boxy five-seater offering hybrid and plug-in hybrid power, with prices starting at $49,990 plus on-road costs.
The first examples arrive at dealerships next week, although buyers wanting the entry-level Lux 2WD Hybrid will have to wait until approximately December. The initial arrivals are the Vanta Hybrid AWD at $55,990 and Vanta PHEV AWD at $61,990, both plus on-road costs.
Joining the H6 in the medium SUV segment, the H7 takes a more rugged approach to styling, with upright proportions, squared-off bodywork and black exterior detailing. There’s some substance behind the adventurous look too, with both AWD variants featuring a locking rear differential.
The Vanta Hybrid AWD combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with electric assistance, delivering combined outputs of 182kW and 670Nm through a four-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. GWM quotes a 0–100km/h time of 7.0 seconds and fuel consumption of 7.0L/100km on the WLTC test cycle.
The plug-in hybrid lifts combined power to 320kW, while torque remains at 670Nm. With front and rear electric motors working alongside the turbo petrol engine, it brings the claimed 0–100km/h time down to 4.9 seconds.
For most buyers, however, its electric range could prove more useful than its acceleration. GWM claims up to 137km of electric driving on the WLTC cycle, with a combined petrol and electric range of up to 844km.
DC fast charging is supported, with a quoted 30–80 per cent charging time of 18.6 minutes. The PHEV also provides up to 6kW of vehicle-to-load power for compatible external equipment, giving it another handy feature for camping trips.
Both Vanta models use GWM’s Hi4 all-wheel-drive system, with eight selectable driving modes covering normal road use, snow, sand, mud and towing. Independent suspension is fitted at both ends, while braked towing capacity is rated at 1500kg and payload at 500kg.
At 4800mm long, 1950mm wide and 1843mm tall, the H7 provides five seats within its upright body. A full-size spare wheel is included on both AWD variants.
Inside, the dashboard features a 15.6-inch infotainment touchscreen running GWM’s Coffee OS, alongside a 12.3-inch digital instrument display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging and a head-up display are included.
Vanta equipment also brings heated and ventilated front seats, electric front-seat adjustment, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof and a 10-speaker audio system. Rear passengers get manual window blinds, while privacy glass and black exterior trim complete the package.
Safety equipment includes seven airbags, a 360-degree camera, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert with braking.
Full specifications for the cheaper Lux 2WD Hybrid will be released closer to its December arrival.
GWM sees the H7 as another step towards becoming a top-five automotive brand in New Zealand, broadening its offering in one of the country’s busiest vehicle segments.
“Our ambition is clear – we want GWM to be a Top 5 automotive brand in New Zealand, and achieving that means continuing to broaden the choice we offer Kiwi customers,” says GWM New Zealand country manager Cameron Thomas.
