Overview

GWM Haval Australia decided not to go for the Big Dog name used elsewhere for this interesting-looking mid-sized hybrid SUV, but we think it would be super cool to arrive somewhere “spesh” in your cuddly ‘Big Dog’.

Instead, we get the sterile sounding ‘H7’. Whatever… We dubbed the distinctive vehicle Big Dog during our week behind the ‘wheel because it’s a good fit. And we like it.

The NVES friendly, Big Dog is a good thing by most measures – squared-off and not a replicant rounded style, it's priced in the thick of the action from $46,990 driveaway for the sole H7 Vanta spec’ fitted with almost everything except the kitchen sink.

Hybridised alternatives include the MG HS Essence (from $46,990), Haval’s similar H6 Ultra (from $43,990) and the Hyundai Tucson Elite (from $48,350), with plenty of other choices including some plug-ins at similar money.

GWM Haval pitches the model as a “bold new choice for Australians seeking space, versatility and standout personality,” and we would have to agree.

The ruggedised look to its flanks are complemented by a seriously practical five seat interior with chunky, robust looking features just like a real Jeep and even cup holders with strap retainers. Practicality is further enhanced by a removable boot floor that doubles as a picnic table.

Tech’ includes the latest GWM has to offer on the smart connectivity front and advanced safety features.

Slotting in between the Haval H6 and the GWM Tank 300, Big Dog runs the same powertrain as the H6 hybrid built around a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with attached electric traction motor via a dedicated hybrid transmission.

Combined output is 179kW and 530Nm that GWM Haval say “ensures plenty of punch for highway driving while maintaining impressive fuel efficiency in urban environments”.

It is said to be able to attain a combined fuel consumption rate of 5.7 litres per 100km with the powertrain providing a smooth, quiet, and responsive drive, “effortlessly adapting between petrol and electric power for optimal performance and reduced emissions”.

Top whack Vanta spec’ dictates premium material inside and GWM’s signature black aesthetic to badges, grille, mirror caps, window trims, taillights and roof rails.

The model is replete with plenty of standard features like round LED headlight, 19-inch machined alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, digital instrument cluster and large touchscreen infotainment system, integrated head-up display with connectivity and convenience front and centre via wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The Big Dog also has multiple charging points and climate control and thanks to its boxy styling, offers generous shoulder and head room, along with excellent visibility.

On the safety front we are looking at a comprehensive suite of features that combines both passive and active safety technologies including seven airbags and ADAS including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system with transparent chassis view.

Convenience features include Auto Parking Assist and Reverse Assist technology for those who can’t really drive, and it is rated to tow up to 1500kg braked.

As is the case with all GWM Haval products, the Big Dog is backed by the comprehensive GWM Care program which includes a seven year/unlimited-kilometre new car warranty, eight-year/unlimited-kilometre battery pack warranty, five-year roadside assistance with 24/7 support, and five-year Capped Price Servicing delivered through the manufacturer’s network of 116 dealerships nationwide.

Driving Impressions

Aside from choosing to turn off intrusive (potentially dangerous) ADAS before every drive – because we can actually drive a car – we like the H7 on a number of levels not the least being its strong performance and impressive fuel economy that saw 5.0L/100km at one stage and settled in the mid-5.0s.

We reserve comment on its Jeepish exterior looks suffice to say there are plenty of challenging styles out there from many manufacturers, some downright offensive. Inside is a case of function following form which is fine by us in a time of overcomplicated-ness. 

After you become accustomed to the occasional “faux” start and tardy selection of gears via a rolling toggle selector, on a positive note there’s plenty under your right foot thanks to the healthy 179kw/530Nm combined powertrain output.

However, we suggest the car-maker might be over calling the output numbers a tad but the H7 is nevertheless, quite punchy across a wide range.

Off the line is OK thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor and we chose Normal most of the time which made the H7 pretty good to drive in the get-go department while not being over eager and all tense. 

The engine chimes in and out often and EV-only is available for short stints. You can feel the four-pot mill get on boost as there’s extra kick propelling the weighty 1810kg H7 under maximum acceleration while on the other side of the coin, it has a one-pedal driving facility via three mode regenerative braking.

Minimal engine (or road) noise permeates the cabin apart from a muted growl as the engine revs up and down the scale as is characteristic of vehicles with a continuously variable transmission.

Moving to the dynamics we find what you could call a “family” calibration to the suspension, steering and brakes which combined, offer a high level of driving ease for general duties that is entirely appropriate for a vehicle like this.

The suspension soaks up rough roads without flinching, the chunky Giti tyres have decent grip and high side walls, the steering provides reasonable feel, turning circle and engagement though nothing near “sporty”. 

GWM is in the process of localising its cars Down Under particularly in the area of dynamics, but we feel the compromise here is fine for general driving duties in what is after all, a family hack.

It’s a good size, roughly the same as a RAV4, offering room and seats for five and a large load space down the back.

During out test drive, the practical layout and features inside the cabin rang a bell in particular the large chunky door handles with easy to operate latches, large door apertures, adequate analogue switches under the big centre screen and multi-function wheel (with some illegible/unintelligible icons).

It has a decent audio system, effective climate control and generous standard equipment with the large panoramic sun roof a waste of space as far as we are concerned.

Some of the tech offering is faddish tending towards gimmicky such as the connected car features and of course the over-the-top ADAS mandated these days for a five-star crash rating.

On reflection, the H7 (Big Dog) is a slightly green, practical, reasonably economical and affordable family carry-all with an excellent warranty and looks that set it apart from the madding crowd.