The success of SAIC (Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation) with its subsidiary MG Motor India has inspired other Chinese automakers such as Great Wall Motors (GWM) and Haima Automobile to make a beeline for the Indian market.
Haval, a brand of GWM, will enter India in 2021 with a couple of SUVs and electric vehicles. It will display a slew of SUVs at Auto Expo 2020 from its H series, and now we know, even the F series.
For the first time, the Haval F5 (orange-coloured model) and the Haval F7 (brown-coloured model) have been spotted in India, ahead of their Auto Expo 2020 debut. Interestingly, if you recall, the teaser of the Haval Concept H that will debut there appears to be inspired by the Haval F7.
The F series is targeted at young customers who prefer a more upmarket design and want more advanced technologies in their vehicles. The F5 and F7 models seen here, in that spirit, have a sharper and sportier design and equipment compared to similar models in the H series.
Like other models in the F series, the F5 is a very neatly designed SUV with angular cuts and creases, which contribute to its much modern-looking design. Its sharply crafted headlamps at the front complement the immaculately designed front grille with plenty of chrome treatment. Moreover, the diamond-cut alloy wheels, coupe-like sloping roofline and sharp rear-fascia make it a very appealing SUV.
The Haval F5 is a 4,470 mm long SUV with a width and height of 1,857 mm and 1,638 mm, respectively. It uses 1.5L GDIT engine developed by GWM and producing a maximum power of 124 kW/169 PS and a maximum torque of 285 Nm. This engine comes mated to a 7-speed DCT. An AWD system is not offered in this SUV.
The bigger Haval F7 SUV fares similar design lines but in a more sophisticated package. It goes with out saying that it has a bigger body, spanning 4,620 mm in length, 1,846 mm in width and 1,690 mm in height. It can be had with the 1.5GDIT engine from the smaller H5 and also a 2.0L GDIT engine delivering 165 kW/225 PS and 385 Nm of torque.
Also Read: Great Wall Motors seizes the deal for GM India's Talegaon plant
Whether the Haval F5 and/or Haval F7 will be launched in India is yet to be known.
[Source: YouTube]