The new Haval H7 has been officially launched in South Africa. Unlike the domestic Chinese Haval H7, this version is a rebranded model of the second-generation Haval Big Dog, tailored specifically for international markets and poised for gradual expansion worldwide.
The H7 (Big Dog) measures 4,705 mm in length, 1,908 mm in width, and 1,780 mm in height. The ground clearance is 210 mm while the approach and departure angles are 24 and 30 degrees, respectively.
The Haval H7 is offered in two premium trims: Luxury and Super Luxury. It comes equipped with an impressive 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument display, a panoramic sunroof, and front seats with electric adjustability. While the Luxury trim boasts faux leather upholstery, the Super Luxury variant upgrades to leather trim and adds front seat ventilation. The boot offers a spacious 483 liters of capacity.
The H7 for the South African market offers two engine options: a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 228 hp and 380 Nm of torque, available with either front-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and a 1.5-liter hybrid powertrain delivering 240 hp and a staggering 530 Nm of torque, exclusively paired with front-wheel drive via the automaker’s Direct Hybrid Transmission (DHT). The 2.0-liter models come with a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission. Haval claims an average fuel consumption of 12.35 km/l for the front-wheel-drive 2.0-litre version, 10.99 km/l for the four-wheel-drive variant, and 17.54 km/l for the hybrid model.
Haval H7 Pricing in South Africa
The H7 range starts at ZAR 601,950 (approximately PKR 8,920,000) for the entry-level model, with the top-tier version priced from ZAR 730,950 (approx PKR 10,840,000). All models come with a standard 7-year/200,000 km warranty and a service plan covering the same period or 75,000 km. The petrol-electric variant also includes an additional eight-year/150 000 km warranty for the hybrid battery.
- Haval H7 2.0T Luxury DCT: ZAR 601,950 (approximately PKR 8,920,000)
- Haval H7 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury DCT: ZAR 671,950 (approximately PKR 9,960,000)
- Haval H7 1.5T HEV Super Luxury DHT: ZAR 730,950 (approximately PKR 10,840,000)
Speaking at the launch, Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM South Africa commented:
“The design of the all-new 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 4×4 models in the GWM stable.”
South Africa, a key right-hand drive (RHD) market, often serves as a precursor for car launches in Pakistan, especially for Chinese automakers. Models like the FAW Sirius, BAIC BJ40, Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, and GWM’s H6, Jolion, and Tank all debuted in Pakistan shortly after their South African launches, establishing a clear pattern. Based on this trend, it’s likely that GWM will introduce the Haval H7 (Big Dog) in Pakistan following its South African debut.
Could this rugged SUV be the next big hit in Pakistan’s auto market? Only time will tell.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
