{
  "id": 12849661,
  "title": "Almost here: GWM confirms new Haval H7 launch date",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/08/almost-here-gwm-confirms-new-haval-h7-launch-date",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-08T11:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/motoring/new-gwm-haval-h7-launch-date-confirmed/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Great Wall Motors (GWM) South Africa has officially announced the launch date of the new Haval H7. The new model, set to debut on October 22nd, replaces the current H7 which premiered two years ago. The H7 will be built on the Chinese market Haval Raptor Menglong Plus platform instead of the present-day Big Dog. This new generation model will be available with petrol and self-charging hybrid powertrains, as well as a first-time plug-in hybrid option.\n\nThe H7 is expected to seat five and will feature a boxier design compared to its Big Dog-derived predecessor. Its dimensions include a length of 4,912 mm, a wheelbase of 2,850 mm, a height of 1,905 mm, and a width of 1,950 mm. This makes the H7 207 mm shorter and 125 mm lower than the Big Dog, with a shorter wheelbase of 40 mm and a narrower width of 44 mm.\n\nPowertrain options for the H7 will initially mirror the Australian versions, with the same 2.0 T-GDI unit of 170kW/380Nm for the combustion side. The front or all-wheel drive will be provided through a nine-speed automatic gearbox. On the hybrid side, the self-charging HEV will combine a smaller 1.5 T-GDI engine with a 1.53-kWh battery pack, producing a total output of 182kW/670Nm. The dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT) will deliver power to the front wheels only. For the plug-in hybrid, the Hi4 model will combine the 1.5-litre unit with a 33.7-kWh battery pack, powering two electric motors. The plug-in hybrid is expected to deliver a combined output of 320kW/750Nm, an all-electric range of 137 km and an overall range of 844 km when the combustion engine is included.\n\nFinal pricing and specifications for the new Haval H7 will be revealed at the official launch on October 22nd, but it is anticipated to carry a substantial premium over the current Big Dog-based model, which retails for R604,950 to R734,950.",
  "summary": "Based on the Haval Raptor Menglong Plus sold in China, the new H7 will launch on 22 October.",
  "key_points": [
    "Great Wall Motors confirms Haval H7 launch on October 22nd.",
    "New model replaces current H7 with Chinese market platform.",
    "H7 offers petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid options."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}