Auto Expo 2020: GWM’s mid-size SUV Haval F7 revealed

KUALA LUMPUR: One of the numerous models revealed by the Chinese automaker at the Auto Expo 2020 is the Haval F7, which is a mid-size SUV with a seating configuration of five seats unveiled worldwide in 2018. There is a high possibility that it will be Great Wall Motors first offering in the Indian market.

Upfront, the Haval F7 gets a honeycomb hexagonal grille flanked by a quad-headlamp design and fog lamps with LED DRLs. The rear section, on the other hand, features wrap-around taillights that are connected with a chrome strip and body-coloured skid plate along with sporty vents on either end. Overall, the design is quite muscular, with prominent character lines visible on the front as well as rear wheel arches.

When compared with the rivals like Tata Harrier, Hyundai Tucson and MG Hector, dimensionally, the Haval F7 is taller than the Tucson and shorter than the Harrier and Hector (tallest of them). Notably, aside from being the tallest contender, the Hector has the longest wheelbase (2750 mm). The Haval F7’s wheelbase sits at 2725 mm, the Harrier’s at 2741 mm and the Tucson’s at 2670 mm.

On the features front, the Haval F7 gets driver-angled 9-inch touchscreen infotainment, power-adjustable front seats, panoramic sunroof and faux leather upholstery. For safety, the company has blessed it with features like six airbags, 360-degree parking camera, electronic parking brake, tyre pressure monitoring system, adaptive cruise control, and front collision alert system.

Under the hood, the Haval F7 comes with 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engine options, both coupled with a 7-speed DCT along with a choice of FWD or 4WD option. While the smaller displacement engine generates a max power of 150 PS and a peak torque of 280 Nm, the larger 2.0-litre unit is good for 190 PS of power and 340 Nm of torque. The company might consider introducing a diesel engine for the Indian market along with a manual gearbox, but nothing is evident on that part as of now.

The Haval F7 is expected to go on sale in India in 2021, with a starting price of Rs 16 lakh (RM 92,559 approx).

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