Haval - Australian launch range

In line with the official launch of the Haval brand in Australia this week, Haval have released basic details on the three models that make up the debut range.

 

All three models now available carry what the Chinese brand call European looks, but the lack of a diesel engine - at least for now - may be a deal-breaker for a number of potential customers.

 

The breakdown of the three locally-available Haval models is as follows:

 

Described as an "urban SUV", the five-seat H2 rolls on a 2560mm wheelbase, with LxWxH dimensions of 4335mm x 1814mm x 1695mm. Available in "Premium" or "LUX" grades, both versions are also available with 2WD or AWD.

 

Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine producing 110kW and 210Nm, matched to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

 

With styling described as "European", as well as "fashionable, sporty and highly appealing", the H2's front end features a large, U-shaped grille and what the Chinese brand call "phoenix-shaped" LED-framed headlamps. Dual waistline creases deliver a streamlined side profile.

 

Interior trim features two-tone options and a choice of cloth or Comfort-Tek premium eco-leather.

 

Standard features include keyless entry and start, cruise control, Bluetooth with audio streaming, reversing camera, rear parking sensors and an 8.0-inch touch screen.

 

Safety kit includes six airbags, ESP, active headrests and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

 

 

Expected to be the volume seller in the Haval lineup, the family-sized H8 is available in Premium (2WD and AWD) and LUX (AWD only) variants, like the H2, but its 2915mm wheelbase and 4806x1975x1794mm (LxWxH) dimensions puts it in the medium segment, or "large urban" as Haval puts it.

 

Powered by a 2.0-litre direct injection turbo petrol engine, matched to a six-speed ZF auto transmission (no manual trans available), the H8 outputs 160kW and 324Nm. A Borg-Warner transfer case automatically detects wheel slip and can direct the drive to the front wheels in a 50:50 split.

 

The H8's interior comfort and refinement features include leather trim on all five seats, sunroof, 18-inch alloy wheels, Xenon headlamps, satellite navigation, three-zone air conditioning and parking sensors front and rear.

 

Safety features include six airbags, ESP, Hill Descent Control, driver condition monitoring and reversing camera.

 

Optional features on the LUX grade include heated, ventilated and massaging seats ($1,000), adaptive front headlamps, rear DVD player, and an electronic tailgate.

 

 

Available in Premium or LUX grades, the range-topping H9 features seven seats, a rugged ladder frame chassis and dual range powertrain, making it more off-road ready than the other models.

 

Longer and taller than the H8, but with a shorter wheelbase, the H9 uses the H8's 160kW/324Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, but a turbo diesel and larger petrol powerplants are expected to be offered in the future.

 

A ZF six-speed auto transmission is standard, as is a dual range transfer case. The LUX grade boasts an electronic all terrain control system, plus a Borg Warner torque-on-demand intelligent 4WD system, including 4L mode, for maximum traction.

 

The H9 comes with AFS smart lighting, which automatically curves around corners and adjusts the Xenon headlamps up and down when ascending or descending.

 

Inside, the H9 is trimmed similarly to the H8, but the larger size means more interior space, including a listed cargo capacity of 1457 litres.

 

 

Haval's four foundation dealerships: Berwick Haval (Berwick, Victoria); King's Haval (Geelong, Victoria); Lansvale Haval (Sydnney, NSW); and Autostrada Haval (Perth, WA) are soon to be joined by others, with ten dealerships expected to be up and runnign by the end of the year.

 

Further details available at: haval.com.au.