New Haval H7 for South Africa: what to expect

The new Haval H7 is set to launch in South Africa in January 2025. Here’s a closer look at what we can expect, including likely powertrain options for the local market…

GWM South Africa plans to kick off the New Year with the launch of the new Haval H7, which is scheduled to hit the local market in January 2025 (having earlier been tipped for a 2024 arrival). So, what can we expect from this newcomer?

Well, though this SUV wears the “Big Dog” nameplate in its domestic market of China, it will be badged as the H7 here in Mzansi. This is despite GWM having earlier applied to protect the “Haval Dargo” moniker (another export name for this model) in South Africa, a trademark that was officially registered as recently as March 2024.

*The new H7 is known as the “Big Dog” in China.*

GWM first mentioned the H7 at its “Brand Renewal Conference” in February 2024. Then, during an interview conducted in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s South African Auto Week 2024 in Cape Town in October 2024, Desmond Els, Sales Director at GWM SA, confirmed the “H7 is on its way and will be introduced in Q1 [2025]”.

Now the Chinese firm’s local division has commenced a social-media teaser campaign for its latest boxy SUV, while also adding a dedicated H7 page to its website (with the latter confirming a local market launch is planned for January 2025).

*The new H7 is scheduled to hit the local market in 2025’s opening month.*

Featuring a unibody configuration, the 2nd-generation Haval H7 (the first having never made it to local shores) measures 4 705 mm from nose to tail, with a wheelbase of 2 810 mm. That makes it some 52 mm longer than the closely related H6, a facelifted version of which is expected to arrive in South Africa in the 2nd quarter of 2025.

What sort of powertrains can we expect? Well, based on information released by GWM SA earlier in the year, we believe the H7 will offer a similar engine line-up to that of the H6. As such, we anticipate the H7 will be available with the automaker’s familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol engine.

*Unlike the larger Tank 300 and Haval H9, the H7 is a unibody vehicle.*

In the current SA-spec H6, this 2.0-litre motor generates 150 kW and 320 Nm, though these peak outputs rise to 175 kW and 385 Nm in the Chinese-spec “Big Dog”. The latter furthermore upgrades from the former’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to a 9-speed item.

In addition, a hybrid option at some point seems exceedingly likely considering GWM SA currently offers a dual-powered version of each of its other nameplates (bar the Ora, which is fully electric). Again, the H7 HEV could simply inherit the H6 HEV’s powertrain, which combines a turbocharged 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder petrol mill with hybrid gubbins, resulting in total system outputs of 179 kW and 530 Nm.

*Here’s a look at the Chinese-spec Big Dog’s interior.*

Another option, of course, is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, though this is a configuration not yet offered by GWM SA anywhere in its range – but one that is certainly in the company’s plans. In China, the Big Dog is available in a pair of PHEV configurations (each based on a 1.5-litre petrol unit), offering either 240 kW and 530 Nm (with a single electric motor on the front axle) or 278 kW and 750 Nm (with an electric motor fitted on each axle).

Expect the new H7 to be positioned above the H6, where it will likely serve as Haval’s flagship offering until the scheduled arrival of the larger H9 later in 2025. That said, the newcomer will surely be positioned below the body-on-frame Tank 300, which is incidentally in line to receive a turbodiesel engine in the opening quarter of 2025.

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December 2025 – Featured Product

Many people say that Tiktok is a platform for teenagers to practice their dance moves? We say that these people do not understand social media in 2025.

Tiktok is actively used by more than a 3rd of Mzansi. It is the 2nd largest social media platform after Facebook and larger than Instagram. It has “aged up” dramatically in the last 2 years to reflect a large cross-section of the car-buying public.

Cars.co.za original content reaches over 7 million of these people monthly. The TikTok algorithm rewards great content by spreading it quickly. Cars.co.za content gets attention and Tiktok is central to our strategy of using content to bring leads into your dealership.

Every day, our users see thousands of ads. They drive past billboards, they listen to the radio and they see ads on TV. Do they remember any of them? We don’t think so. We know they do spend time on social media and Cars.co.za content gets attention.

That is why Cars.co.za is the premier content channel of any business in South Africa.

The journey to help Msanzi find the car that moves them starts with the content we post on TikTok. Cars.co.za is the expert in linking social media to cars to leads.

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October 2025 – Featured Product

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September 2025 – Featured Product

Facebook is actively used by more than half of our country. Cars.co.za original content reaches over 11 million in Mzansi each month.

From De Aar to Johannesburg, from Richards Bay to Somerset West. Facebook is everywhere. It is used daily – for hours every day. If any brand wants to talk to the whole country, then Facebook is a great place to start.

Why does Cars.co.za create “content”? Anyone with a credit card can put ads on Facebook. Every Facebook user sees these ads every day and scroll straight past them.

It takes the experience, knowledge and talent of the Cars.co.za team to create a piece of content that makes people stop scrolling and watch.

Every day, our users see thousands of ads. They drive past billboards, they listen to the radio; they see ads on TV. Do they remember any of them? We don’t think so. Cars.co.za content gets attention. It brings people to our website which brings leads into your dealership.

That is why Cars.co.za is the premier content channel of any business in South Africa.

The journey to help Msanzi find the car that moves them starts with the content we post on Facebook. Cars.co.za is the expert in linking social media to cars to leads.

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August 2025 – Featured Product

When your dealership pays to advertise on Cars.co.za, you are trusting that we will bring millions of users to our site and turn these users into leads to your dealership.

Our billboards are part of the work we do to reward you for your trust. They make sure that Mzansi knows who we are and what we do. They are part of the equation of media that we use to drive millions of eyes to our site and onto the pages where your cars are displayed.

Did you know that Cars.co.za’s billboard campaign was a finalist in the 2024 Loerie Awards? It sounds impressive, but what on earth are the Loeries?

They are the biggest event of the year for any Advertising Agency in South Africa. The movies have the Oscars and the Ad industry has the Loeries. In 2024, Cars.co.za reached the shortlist of finalists for 2 of the categories from thousands of entries.

Next time you drive past one of our billboards, remember that billboards turn traffic on our roads into traffic on the Cars.co.za site and more leads for you, our valued dealers.

By standing out boldly, we connect buyers with your vehicles faster. Cars.co.za – Driving traffic straight to your showroom.

July 2025 – Featured Product

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June 2025 – Featured Product

At Cars.co.za, we work to give our 4 million monthly users the biggest choice of new and used vehicles in Mzansi. More than 75k vehicles can be searched for on our site, and this abundance of choice brings those users to our site each month.

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April 2025 – Featured Product

At Cars.co.za, we love our website so much that we change it regularly based on the feedback from our 4 million monthly users and 1 800+ dealers. Great design means more viewers to your cars and more leads.

Here’s a quick summary of recent improvements we’ve made to our site to improve its user experience:

Consumer Login

A step towards personalising your vehicle search based on your preferences. Users can now see recently viewed vehicles, create their wishlists, see all the enquiries they’ve submitted and save their searches.

Quick Search

A new, search engine-like feature to help users find vehicles faster and more efficiently.

Search by Monthly Payments

This search option (as shown above) allows potential buyers to filter vehicles based on estimated monthly payments, making it easier for them to find options that fit their budget.

Enhanced Vehicle Images

We’ve increased the size of vehicle images to showcase the details of our listings better.

Whatsapp the Dealer

This feature allows consumers to contact you directly via WhatsApp, streamlining communication and increasing lead conversion rates.

Featured listings

We now offer Featured Listings to give your vehicles more visibility on our platform. Apart from this more prominent placement, these also appear on the homepage of desktop-based users.

Vehicle Variant Database Update

Our comprehensive review ensures greater accuracy and cleaner naming conventions, helping you present your inventory in the best possible light.

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Always remember that your listings are your own piece of real estate on our site.

The quality of the images you load and the quality of the description of the vehicle that you provide – these are the things that you control on our site and there is nothing that is more important than these things in the customer journey to providing a lead.

If you’d like us to assist you with this, please email us at [email protected] or call 011 450 2450.

Driving this Festive Season? Here’s What You Need to Know

The 2024 festive season is underway and many South Africans will still be travelling to destinations across Mzansi. Here’s some important information to be aware of before you take to the road!

The Christmas holiday season is upon us and many holidaymakers will be heading out onto South African roads to destinations around the country for rest and relaxation.

More so, traffic volumes on all major routes are also expected to increase over this period and as a road user, it’s your responsibility to ensure that you do what is necessary to get you and your family to your destination safely.

Busy holiday periods are a notoriously dangerous time to be on the road and every year, hundreds and thousands of lives are lost on our roads. With planning and preparation, you needn’t become a statistic…

To help you prepare for your trip, we have compiled a list of holiday tips for you to consider before you depart, along with the necessary emergency numbers should you need them.

Things to do before leaving for holiday

Make sure your car is in full working order before you depart

Check that your brakes, fluid levels and all your lights and indicators are working properly. This is particularly important for older used cars.
Be sure that you have a spare tyre as well as a wheel spanner and car jack in case you need to change a tyre.
Check that all your tyres, including the spare, are inflated correctly and have sufficient tread.
Be sure that all seat-belts and baby-seats are in working order and the correct size.
Have your car serviced if necessary.

If you are towing a trailer or caravan

Ensure the rearview mirrors on your car are properly adjusted.
Check the tyre pressure of the trailer/caravan’s tyres.
Check that the lights and indicators of the trailer/caravan are working correctly.
Ensure the towbar and the towing equipment is secure.

Plan your route beforehand

Be sure you know exactly where you are going and how to get there. Getting lost can be very dangerous, as well as time-consuming. Use the website Google maps (maps.google.co.za), or conventional maps to check and plan your route.
Make sure you have the necessary cash available for any toll roads and fuel.
Let a friend or loved one know where you are going, what route you are taking and what your estimated time of arrival will be. Also, let your family know when you have arrived at your destination safely.
Plan your stops carefully and book accommodation in advance if required. Getting accommodation en route can be difficult during the peak holiday season.
Check the weather report before you embark on your journey (www.weathersa.co.za).
Take note of potential roadworks along your route and plan accordingly.
If you get stopped at a roadblock, Know Your Roadblock Rights

Additional important items to have in the car

2-litre bottle of water (for emergency drinking, or to be used for the car if necessary)
Hand sanitiser
First aid kit
Motor oil
Food (padkos)
A fully-charged cell phone
Cell phone car charger
Traditional map, or GPS navigation system, or both
Emergency triangle and a flashlight

Get your documents in order

Make sure your driver’s license has not expired and that your vehicle license disc is still valid.
If you have an AA membership, make sure it has been renewed.
Check your car insurance policy and be aware of exactly what is covered, what emergency services they provide and what their emergency numbers are.
If you are crossing any borders, make sure your passport or other required documents are up to date and that you have them with you.

Things to consider while on the road

General driving rules

KEEP LEFT, PASS RIGHT.
Do not overload your vehicle.
Don’t drink and drive.
Drive with your headlights on, even in the day.
Obey the speed limit.
Don’t use your cellphone while driving. Always use a hands-free kit or connect your phone via Bluetooth.
Avoid distracted driving including eating while driving etc.
Every person in the car must be wearing a seatbelt.

Avoid fatigue while driving

Take breaks often or every 200 km.
If you are feeling tired, rather find a place to rest and do the trip in multiple phases.
The effects of caffeine and other stimulants used to keep you awake are only temporary. People often feel more tired once the initial effects wear off. Use such stimulants carefully, and remember they are not a substitute for quality rest.

Navigation devices and applications

There are many GPS Navigation systems available to keep you on the right track during your trip.
Check out www.garmin.co.za or www.tomtom.co.za for a range of devices.
These navigation systems can also point out places of interest, restaurants along the way and places to rest.
If you have a smartphone, download the Trip Advisor app for travel-related information.

Useful South African emergency numbers

Emergencies	10111
Ambulance	10177
The AA	0861 000 234
National 24-hour emergency	112
Crime Stop	086 001 0111

The Cars.co.za team wishes you a safe and wonderful festive season. Please drive safely and take care on the roads.

See you in 2025!