Ronnie Xaba|Published
GWM has just unleashed the all-new Haval H7 in South Africa. Boxy and bold, the second-generation H7 replaces the old model with a tougher silhouette, sharper presence, and a powertrain line-up that gives buyers a choice between petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid.
Six derivatives stretch from a keenly-priced 2.0T, at R554,900, to a 280kW Hi4 flagship that cracks 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds for an asking price of R794,900.
The previous H7, based on the Big Dog platform, only arrived in South Africa in early 2025 and is already being replaced after less than two years on the market. GWM has moved quickly to launch this refreshed model that it says better matches local expectations.
Design and Stance
The new H7 features long bonnet and upright stance, measuring 4,800 mm in length and featuring a 2,738 mm wheelbase. It sits on 255/60 R19 rubber with a full-size spare as standard rather than those temporary space-savers that leave you stranded.
Ground clearance is a usable 210 mm, the approach angle sits at 25 degrees, departure at 32 degrees, and wading depth reaches 580 mm, aiming to deliver proper weekend-warrior numbers for the platteland, the farm gate, or a coastal track. Like its rivals, though, the H7 is a modern unibody SUV rather than a hardcore off-roader.
Powertrain Choices
Three powertrains deliver one clever strategy. The 2.0T ICE uses GWM’s 4N20A turbo-petrol that delivers 170kW and 380Nm through a world-first transversely mounted nine-speed wet dual-clutch. The 2WD version does the sprint in 9.0 seconds while the 4WD drops that to 8.6 seconds, and both reach a top speed of 200km/h, making this the choice for drivers who want response and towing muscle.
The 1.5T HEV hybrid package makes 182kW and 540Nm, claims 5.3 L/100 km on the NEDC cycle and still hits 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds, all without needing a cable and simply offering better economy plus stronger low-speed pull.
The 1.5T PHEV Hi4 sits at the top of the range. Its 2WD version serves up 240kW and 540Nm with an 8.4-second sprint and 130km pure-EV range, while the range-topping 4WD Hi4 jumps to 280kW and 670Nm, a 5.8-second acceleration figure and 115km of electric range. Both PHEV models offer Vehicle-to-Load power up to 6kW, perfect for running a fridge, lights or small tools when loadshedding hits or you’re camped out.
Off-Road Hardware
The 4WD systems are properly sorted. ICE 4WD uses BorgWarner’s sixth-generation Haldex that can shift torque in 200 milliseconds, while the Hi4 PHEV drives the rear axle with a dedicated 150kW electric motor that pushes weight rearward for better traction and that rapid launch feel.
Both get an electronically controlled rear differential lock that sends 100 percent of available torque to both rear wheels and automatically disengages above 40km/h.
The ICE 4WD adds Off-Road Cruise so you can set a speed between 7 and 15km/h and let the car manage throttle and brakes while you focus on the steering. Up to nine drive modes, including Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, Grass/Gravel, Rough Road, and Auto, make it one of the most versatile systems in the class.
Cabin and Daily Usability
The cabin works for real life. Dual screens combine a 12.3-inch digital cluster with a big 15.6-inch anti-glare, anti-fingerprint touchscreen while a 9-inch head-up display keeps speed and navigation in your eyeline.
Voice control covers 17 functions, so your hands stay on the wheel. A 50W wireless charger, a proper 10-speaker system on the top grades and a panoramic sunroof that blocks 90.5 percent of UV come standard across the range. Front seats get three-level heating and ventilation.
The boot holds 586 litres and expands to a massive 1,404 litres, enough for camping gear, bikes or a week’s luggage, while a 220 V outlet in the boot rated at 400W on ICE and HEV models or up to 2.2 kW on the PHEV versions is pure gold for outdoor types. Forty-three storage points keep the clutter under control.
Safety is thorough with six airbags, Level 2 ADAS that includes automatic emergency braking, full-speed adaptive cruise with lane centring, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert and braking, plus a 540-degree camera system with transparent chassis view for tight manoeuvres.
Pricing
- 2.0T Super Luxury 4x2 9DCT – R554,900
- 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4x2 9DCT – R594,900
- 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4x4 9DCT – R654,900
- 1.5T HEV Super Luxury 4x2 DHT – R624,900
- 1.5T PHEV Super Luxury 4x2 DHT – R734,900
- 1.5T PHEV Ultra Luxury 4x4 DHT – R794,900
Five colours are available: Hamilton White, Night Black, Cloud Stream Grey, Matte Grey, and Emerald Green, with a single black interior.
Ownership
- 7 years / 200 000 km vehicle warranty
- 8 years / 150 000 km high-voltage battery warranty on hybrids
- 7 years / unlimited km roadside assistance
- 7 years / 75 000 km service plan
- Service every 15 000 km or 12 months
IOL Motoring