GWM Haval H7: what if Chinese brands are bringing back what we used to love about cars?

That the arrival of Chinese brands in our country is unstoppable no longer even deserves debate. Even for me, who dedicates myself to this, it is already difficult to keep track of all of them. Mostly complicated names, automotive groups that bring together several brands, and an ever-growing range of models.

Well then, although it may sound like a cliché, it could be said that GWM (Great Wall Motors) is not just another one. Or at least not if we take into account that its origins date back to the 1980s and that it has been building cars for decades for the Asian market and for many other countries around the world. So, given that Spain is becoming a major market for brands of Chinese origin, it was only a matter of time before it arrived here. Although it is precisely time that will tell us whether it earns its place in a perhaps somewhat saturated market or, on the contrary, passes by without fanfare or glory -which, of course, would not be the first time-.

Not long ago I was able to attend a technology day with the brand in Milan and get to know the GWM Haval H7. And very soon, I will be able to test it. But first, to put this model in context, I should say that it belongs to the Haval family, which specializes in SUV models.

Large SUVs with off-road aspirations

The GWM Haval H7 measures 4.80 meters in length and opts for a robust styling, with an image reminiscent of traditional off-roaders. It is not just a matter of appearance: depending on the version, it can feature all-wheel drive, up to 210 mm of ground clearance and a wading depth of up to 380 mm.

In a market where much of the new releases are concentrated in urban and compact SUVs, there are still drivers looking for larger cars with certain capabilities off the asphalt. And it is not always easy to find alternatives at reasonable prices. Because, of course, many dare to compare it -for better and for worse- with a Toyota Land Cruiser, but certainly in price the Toyota have become almost prohibitive.

A large car from 28,000 euros

Price is another point that deserves attention. The GWM Haval H7 announces a starting price of 28,000 euros for the full hybrid version with front-wheel drive. If we want all-wheel drive, the price starts at 32,500 euros. These prices include brand discounts, financing and the current Plan Auto+; so the final price may differ depending on the conditions.

One version is not the same as another, and it is worth being clear about that, but these figures put an important question on the table: given how much the prices of new cars have risen, finding an SUV nearly five meters long for under 30,000 euros is starting to be something rather unusual.

What if not everything had to be on a screen?

Another detail that caught my attention is inside. The H7 combines a 15.6-inch central screen with physical controls for various functions -and not precisely small ones-. It may seem like a minor thing, but more and more drivers miss the traditional buttons, especially for handling everyday functions without having to navigate through different menus. And it is curious that a brand like this is the one bringing them back, because it was the Chinese brands who started the minimalism trend.

There are also practical details, such as the rear compartment, which allows you to carry a spare wheel or use the space to store items, and which, when opened, gives us a table that holds up to 10 kg. It even incorporates a removable light, a quite useful feature if we use the car for trips to the countryside. This is exclusive to the 4×4 versions.

Five mechanical options and up to 435 CV

The Haval H7 range also stands out for its variety of configurations. GWM announces five mechanical alternatives, among petrol engines (2.0 engine with 215 CV), full hybrids (both versions with 247 CV) and plug-in hybrids, with front-wheel and all-wheel drive options.

The most powerful version is the Hi4 plug-in hybrid, with 435 CV and an acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. A rather striking figure for an SUV of this size and appearance.

Does this proposal make sense?

The GWM Haval H7 puts several things on the table that many drivers still value: space, a robust styling, mechanical variety, physical buttons and a competitive starting price for its dimensions.

That does not mean it is better than its European rivals nor that we should take for granted that its capabilities, finishes or behaviour live up to what it promises on paper. For that I will have to test it thoroughly. And I will tell you about it.

But it does raise an interesting question: have we grown used to giving up certain things in new cars, or had we simply stopped having alternatives that offered them?