Johannesburg – The GWM Haval H7 is making waves in Eswatini with a bold design that sets it apart from the growing number of SUVs on local roads. The 4 705mm unibody SUV features a square front end with round headlights, a rounded rear and extended wheel arches with square mouldings, giving it a rugged yet refined appearance.
The H7 sits above the H6 and Jolion models in the Haval range but below the ladder-frame Tank 300 in terms of off-road ruggedness. Despite being only 2mm longer than the H6, its boot space is slightly smaller at 483 litres.
The model tested by The Citizen Motoring was the 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury variant, the only version with all-wheel drive. The system includes an electronic locking rear differential, five off-road modes, Comfort, Eco and Sport driving modes, and off-road cruise control, though it does not have a low-range transfer case.
Power comes from a 2.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine paired with a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission, producing 170kW and 380Nm. The all-wheel-drive system improves traction and reduces wheelspin compared to the front-wheel-drive H6, making acceleration smoother and more controlled.
While GWM claims fuel consumption of 9.1 litres per 100km, tests in urban traffic returned closer to 12 litres per 100km. Inside, the H7 combines rugged touches with luxury, including a 14.6-inch infotainment system, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, aircraft-style gear lever, panoramic sunroof, leather seats, and ambient lighting.
Safety features are extensive with six airbags, a 540-degree surround-view camera system, Lane Departure Warning and Reverse Automatic Braking. Other comforts include a hands-free electric tailgate, wireless phone charging, heated and ventilated seats, and dual-zone climate control.
The Haval H7 is designed more for city roads than hardcore off-roading, with wheels better suited to paved streets. Its price of R674 950 makes it a competitively equipped family SUV in Eswatini, offering distinctive styling, solid power and practical luxury for daily driving and occasional gravel roads.
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