By Thatcar.co.za
SIX years ago, if you had a Chinese car, you were seen as a miser, a cheapskate.
If you went on a date and pitched up in a Chinese car, the girl would judge you and tell her friends:
Thembi: “Choma, he’s all fine, nice smile, funny, but he drives that car… the HONGQI!”
Lebo: “Ahhh, a-a-a, choma! Ha a, no o, becha!” 😂
If you don’t understand what I’ve just written, ask that girl next to you. She’ll laugh and say, “I’m not like that!” Ha ha ha!
Then came the T-Series Jetour, and suddenly we found Thembi saying:
“Choma, ke batla a n’ rekele T1, waitsi!”
And Lebo turning greenish-brown with envy, saying things like:
“Thembi, o nahana hore o betere!”
Again, ask that girl next to you! 😂
What am I saying?
Chinese cars are now competing with legacy brands when it comes to satisfying our egos.
Because, let’s face it, for most of us, a car is an extension of how we see ourselves.
Think about it. If a tall, handsome guy pitches up in a classic Mercedes-Benz SL — if you’re my age, the one Bobby Ewing used to drive in Dallas — he instantly becomes more attractive to the ladies’ ovaries!
Apparently, he looks like good genetic material! 😂
For all we know, he could have the IQ of his shoe size, but that car has already become an extension of who he is.
Why am I saying this?
Well, with the Jetour T1 and my favourite, the iCAUR V23, people now want a Chinese car not simply because it’s cheap, but because they see themselves in these cars.
(iCAUR, be a darling and let us test the cars!)
So, not to be left behind, GWM had to come up with a well-designed, appealing car. And if all else fails, go square!
If you’ve read our articles, you’ll know we always say that square works on cars.
And, well, voilà! GWM has launched the…
HAVAL H7
TAKE A SECOND AND LOOK AT THOSE PROPORTIONS!
It’s a handsome brute. (Maybe not a brute, but handsome nonetheless!)
I’ll give you a second. Have a look…
Let’s tell you more.
Interior
I’m going to stop talking about interiors because I think car manufacturers have lost all creativity when it comes to this department.
It’s a screen in front of the driver, a BIG screen in the middle, generally no buttons, and, if you’re lucky, the temperature will be controlled by actual buttons rather than hidden away in a submenu.
Thank goodness, this one has buttons for the temperature controls!
You also get wireless charging, plus heating and ventilation for the front seats.
And that’s basically it.
Space and seating
It’s square, so it should have plenty of space.
We’ll wait for GWM to give us a go so we can tell you more about the space. But if it’s competing with the Jetour T1, we expect it to offer sufficient room.
Engines
The H7 will be offered with three powertrain choices, namely:
1. 2.0T ICE
GWM’s self-developed 4N20A turbo-petrol engine produces 170 kW and 380 Nm, paired with a self-developed nine-speed wet dual-clutch transmission — a world-first in a transversely mounted application.
The 2WD derivative reaches 100 km/h in 9 seconds, while the 4WD version does it in 8.6 seconds. Both have a top speed of 200 km/h.
2. 1.5T HEV
A dedicated 1.5T hybrid engine and two-speed DHT gearbox combine to produce 182 kW and 540 Nm.
It reaches 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds while returning a claimed 5.3 litres/100 km (NEDC) at minimum state of charge.
3. 1.5T PHEV (Hi4)
This is available in two states of tune.
The 2WD derivative combines 240 kW and 540 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 8.4 seconds and offers a claimed electric range of 130 km (NEDC).
The range-topping Hi4 4WD derivative increases output to 280 kW and 670 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 5.8 seconds and offers a claimed electric range of 115 km (NEDC).
The petrol engine is available as backup for longer journeys.
Pricing
This is where the Chinese give the legacy brands a nosebleed — and a punch so hard they’re all running to their mommies, screaming, “UNFAIR!” 😂
The H7 pricing, as you know, includes all the extras:
| Model | Price |
| 2.0T Super Luxury 4×2 9DCT | R554,900 |
| 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4×2 9DCT | R594,900 |
| 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4×4 9DCT | R654,900 |
| 1.5T HEV Super Luxury 4×2 DHT | R624,900 |
| 1.5T PHEV Super Luxury 4×2 DHT | R734,900 |
| 1.5T PHEV Ultra Luxury 4×4 DHT | R794,900 |
Maintenance and warranties
All models come with a 1 MILLION engine warranty — remember, though, that it applies to the first owner only.
You also get:
- 7 years / 200,000 km vehicle warranty
- 8 years / 150,000 km battery warranty for hybrid models
- 7 years / unlimited kilometres roadside assistance
- 7 years / 75,000 km service plan
- Service intervals: Every 15,000 km or 12 months
VERDICT
We’re at a point where young boys will argue for years about which is better: the H7 or the Jetour T-Series.
Just as we used to argue about BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz.
My age group… well, at least my friends and I — or maybe THEY — still don’t want to admit that Audi is king! 😂 talking to you T and you L and you M all yous’ and especially you K
How the world has changed!
The good thing is that, at least, these kids arguing about their favourite cars will actually be able to afford them.
Well done, GWM. Thank you for really taking the time to design a desirable object.
