GWM gives Haval H7 the black treatment and hybrid powertrain

The Haval H7 is now offered in a Black Edition. Picture: Supplied Great Wall Motors (GWM) has spruced up the Haval H7 by not only introducing the Black Edition to the range, but also a hybrid powertrain (HEV) for the first time. The Black Edition treatment features various exterior styling enhancements over the standard model.

The package is offered on all model derivatives, which has grown from two to three with the addition of the HEV. The Black Edition models will cost the same as the standard models. Compared to the standard model, the Haval H7 Black Edition features a black grille, black diamond-cut alloy wheels, black exterior mirrors and black roof rails.

It also features blacked-out taillights, darkened windows, blacked-out badges and black fender rivets. Like it’sHaval H6 HEV sibling, H7 HEV is a self-charging hybrid which combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with an electrical motor and battery pack. It produces a total of 179kW of power and 530Nm sent to the front wheels via two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT).

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The two petrol models features a blown 2.0-litre mill which produces 170kW/380Nm. The twist is sent to the front wheels in the case of the Luxury model and to all four wheels in the Super Luxury derivative via nine-speed automated dual-clutch transmission. GWM claims that the HEV will only sip 5.7 litres per 100km compared to the 8.1L/100km of the 4×2 petrol model and the 9.1L/100km of the 4×4 derivative.

This will enable a range of just over 1 000km on the HEV’s 60-litre fuel tank. The HEV features a towing capacity of 1 500g which is similar to that of the 4×2 2.0-litre model. The 4×4’s towing capacity is 2 000kg.

Offered in Super Luxury trim, the HEV is packed with creature comforts. These include heated and ventilated front leather seats, heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof and cooling compartment in the centre console. The cabin also features a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen withwireless Apple CarPlayand Android Auto paired with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and head-up display.

There is also a 50w wireless charging pad and an eight-speaker DTS audio system. In addition to standard safety equipment like six airbags and electronic stability control, advanced driver assist systems include lane departure warning, forward collision warning and autonomous emergency braking. The Citizen Motoringgot to sample the Haval H7 HEV during a short launch drive out the Hartbeespoortdam on Wednesday. While the power uptick of 9kW from the petrol is not huge, the additional 150Nm of torque makes a notable difference during acceleration.

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