Haval H7 in Brazil: PHEV powertrain, Hi4 AWD and pre-order dates

© gwm-global.com

The same Haval H7 name now covers markedly different vehicles. In Brazil, GWM has opened pre-orders for a new H7 with a 1.5-liter turbo flex engine, a plug-in hybrid system and Hi4 all-wheel drive, while the H7 sold in Russia remains a gasoline crossover with a 2.0T engine rated at 231 hp.

From October 5, existing GWM customers can order the Brazilian vehicle with priority access. From October 7, ordering opens to other buyers. In its official announcement, GWM Brazil confirms a PHEV setup, a 1.5-liter turbo flex engine that can run on gasoline or ethanol, and the Hi4 architecture, which uses electric drive on both axles for intelligent all-wheel drive.

Price remains the key missing detail. GWM has not disclosed it yet, even though pre-orders have already started. Brazilian automotive media expect pricing to be announced around the opening of orders to the wider public on October 7.

The H7 nameplate now differs substantially by market. The Russian-market H7 uses a 2.0-liter turbo gasoline engine with 231 hp and 380 Nm, a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronically controlled on-demand all-wheel-drive system. The Brazilian model follows a very different flex-PHEV concept with Hi4. Europe is also getting its own H7 range, with gasoline, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, including Hi4.

GWM already uses Hi4 on several electrified models and is expanding the technology to more markets. However, the company has not yet published the complete specifications of the Brazilian H7, so the power output, battery capacity or driving range of other Hi4 models should not be applied to it.

The next milestone comes on October 7, when the Haval H7 becomes available to all Brazilian customers. The official price and further technical details will show where it sits between the H6 and the larger H9 in GWM's local line-up.