2025 GWM Haval H7 review
Shame it won't be called that in Australia.
Nope, this new GWM Haval SUV will be sold as the H7, and – predictably – it'll sit just above the H6, which is a subtler, more conventional crossover.
The H7 is, by contrast, a rough-and-ready looking character, with bold design elements that might appeal to those who want something a bit more off-road-looking, and it's a similar size to a Subaru Forester and Toyota RAV4.
Or, perhaps an alternative to the Tank 300, for those who know they won't actually go off-roading.
It will arrive in Australia in the next few months, and you can expect pricing to be close to the existing H6 hybrid SUV, which starts at $42,490 drive-away.
A new version of that model is also on its way, if the macho machine vibe of this one doesn't do it for you.
You mightn't be hot on the bolt-on fender flare look, which is overselling the idea of its capability somewhat, but with a distinct look to it including Mustang-inspired nostrils in the grille, a Pajero-like rear window line, and tail-lights that are reminiscent of a mix of Mazda and Infiniti SUVs, it cuts a different shape to the other, some might say, cookie-cutter options in the mix.
That boldness and differentiation continues inside the cabin, with big chunky grab handles on the doors, a mix of durable feeling materials, and – of course – a couple of big screens thrown in.
The driver gets a 12.3-inch display with a level of configurability, while the infotainment unit is a huge 14.6-inch touch system with new software and the expected smartphone apps, and an array of buttons below the screen for quick aircon adjustments.
Back seat space is impressive for a midsize SUV, with easily enough head, leg, foot and shoulder room for larger adults to fit in the second row.
There are some Jeep-like practicality touches, including a removable torch that sits near the passenger's knee, and the interior storage is great too, with a huge open trench below the gear selector, a shelf in front of the front passenger, and neat elasticated bottle holders for all four doors – great for those active lifestyle families, presumably.
And if you're a camper, there's a decent size boot as well – 483 litres of capacity with the seats up, and 1362L with them folded down.
Nice.
Spare wheel?
Not likely, sadly.
That's partly because of the powertrain.
The H7 we're expected to get is the petrol-electric hybrid, which employs a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that combines with an electric motor and two-speed hybrid transmission, with oomphy maximum outputs of 179kW and 530Nm.
It has the battery under the rear of the vehicle, and it's front-wheel drive only … so, it might have Big Dog aspirations until it gets stuck in the mud at the dog park.
There's another model with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol and all-wheel drive, but strict new vehicle emissions regulations have essentially nixed the chance of that one heading Down Under.
The 'drive' program I partook in outside Shanghai, China, was more like a car park full of witch's hats.
In fact, that's exactly what it was.
So it's hard to say what the actual drive experience is like, however my initial limited impressions included that it felt easy enough to steer and soft in its suspension tune, but strong in its acceleration and dependable in braking – a hard balance for modern hybrids with regenerative braking.
You can expect the H7 to continue on with Haval's seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty plan, and seven years of capped-price servicing with roadside assistance.
Pricing and spec details for the new H7 are due in by the middle of 2025.
GWM Haval H7
P OWERTRAIN: 1.5-litre turbo-petrol hybrid, 2-speed hybrid transmission, FWD
OUTPUTS: 179kW/530Nm
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The Advertiser
14 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Honda says it's no longer a ‘volume brand'
Honda says it's not a 'volume brand', but it's not using its upmarket status as a reason not to grow sales in Australia, where it says the CR-V has the potential to topple the Toyota RAV4 from its throne. The Japanese brand's local sales in the first seven months of 2025 have put Honda on target to sell more than 15,000 vehicles this year, which would would be its best result since adopting a controversial agency sales strategy in the middle of 2021, a year in which it sold 17,562 vehicles. But that's still a far cry from its pre-COVID days when it consistently sold more than 40,000 vehicles annually, including a peak of over 60,000 sales in 2007. While the switch to agency sales, which introduced fixed drive-away prices nationally and ownership of vehicles by Honda rather than its dealers, came with a lower annual sales forecast of around 18,000 vehicles, Honda Australia is still to reach that number. However, under the new leadership of CEO Jay Joseph and managing director Rob Thorp, both of whom took up their respective positions in April 2025, Honda says it has no intention to become a volume brand once again. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Honda. Click here to get a great deal. "We've earned this niche of not just being a mainstream brand that's just selling volume on price, but because of the inherent qualities and tech innate qualities of our products," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "We've earned a spot where there are premium mainstream products. Honda is not trying to reposition itself as a volume brand – that is not our aspiration – but as far as the space we occupy here, we don't behave like a volume brand because we don't need to, because our value proposition is not just the product and not just the price, but it's how we take care of customers. "[But] Don't get me wrong – we have volume potential." Mr Joseph spoke of "aggressive" sales growth for the brand, but – while many auto brands including new Chinese entrants publicly state their sales forecasts and even their desired rank on the Australian sales charts – Honda will not. "We're not putting a number on it, but we're quite ambitious with our growth plan," Mr Thorp told CarExpert. "We think we've got a current product portfolio, plus a range of models that we're able to bring to market that's going to give us the opportunity to extract more growth out of this brand, and particularly the growth I think it deserves. "It all comes down to our ability to execute on the quality of the product that we're going to have access to – that becomes the challenge in the current environment." Honda Australia currently sells only five models – the small Civic hatchback, the mid-size Accord sedan, and the HR-V small SUV and ZR-V and CR-V mid-size SUVs – but it recently outlines a future product plan including the release of more hybrid powertrain options for its best-selling CR-V lineup to tackle the top-selling, hybrid-only Toyota RAV4. It also confirmed the born-again Honda Prelude sports car – with a hybrid powertrain – for Australian release in 2026, when it will also launch its first electric vehicle (EV). While Mr Thorp and Mr Joseph confirmed the company is keen on the Honda 0 Series range of EVs for Australia, they cautioned that the 0 Series (and the Prelude) won't be volume-sellers. Instead, the Honda Australia leadership team pointed to hybrid-powered mid-size SUVs, specifically the CR-V, as its biggest growth potential. "We know that the CR-V is the best vehicle in this segment – the CR-V hybrid is the absolute best vehicle in the segment in terms of driving performance and versatility, and the overall value proposition," Mr Joseph said. "When we look at how we take care of the customer after the sale – low-cost servicing, resale value – when you look at all of that together, aside from the fact it's the best driving vehicle in its segment… if it's the best vehicle in its segment, why wouldn't it be the best-selling vehicle in that segment? "I think that's the starting point. We look at those things and then if we can make the adjustments that can be the best-selling vehicle in the segment."That's our potential. That's how we look at that – and that's what we should achieve." To July this year the CR-V has notched up 3592 sales (down 11.2 per cent year-on-year), while the RAV4 – Toyota Australia's top-selling model and the nation's favourite SUV in 2024 – found 28,449 new homes (down 9.2 per cent). MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from: Honda says it's not a 'volume brand', but it's not using its upmarket status as a reason not to grow sales in Australia, where it says the CR-V has the potential to topple the Toyota RAV4 from its throne. The Japanese brand's local sales in the first seven months of 2025 have put Honda on target to sell more than 15,000 vehicles this year, which would would be its best result since adopting a controversial agency sales strategy in the middle of 2021, a year in which it sold 17,562 vehicles. But that's still a far cry from its pre-COVID days when it consistently sold more than 40,000 vehicles annually, including a peak of over 60,000 sales in 2007. While the switch to agency sales, which introduced fixed drive-away prices nationally and ownership of vehicles by Honda rather than its dealers, came with a lower annual sales forecast of around 18,000 vehicles, Honda Australia is still to reach that number. However, under the new leadership of CEO Jay Joseph and managing director Rob Thorp, both of whom took up their respective positions in April 2025, Honda says it has no intention to become a volume brand once again. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Honda. Click here to get a great deal. "We've earned this niche of not just being a mainstream brand that's just selling volume on price, but because of the inherent qualities and tech innate qualities of our products," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "We've earned a spot where there are premium mainstream products. Honda is not trying to reposition itself as a volume brand – that is not our aspiration – but as far as the space we occupy here, we don't behave like a volume brand because we don't need to, because our value proposition is not just the product and not just the price, but it's how we take care of customers. "[But] Don't get me wrong – we have volume potential." Mr Joseph spoke of "aggressive" sales growth for the brand, but – while many auto brands including new Chinese entrants publicly state their sales forecasts and even their desired rank on the Australian sales charts – Honda will not. "We're not putting a number on it, but we're quite ambitious with our growth plan," Mr Thorp told CarExpert. "We think we've got a current product portfolio, plus a range of models that we're able to bring to market that's going to give us the opportunity to extract more growth out of this brand, and particularly the growth I think it deserves. "It all comes down to our ability to execute on the quality of the product that we're going to have access to – that becomes the challenge in the current environment." Honda Australia currently sells only five models – the small Civic hatchback, the mid-size Accord sedan, and the HR-V small SUV and ZR-V and CR-V mid-size SUVs – but it recently outlines a future product plan including the release of more hybrid powertrain options for its best-selling CR-V lineup to tackle the top-selling, hybrid-only Toyota RAV4. It also confirmed the born-again Honda Prelude sports car – with a hybrid powertrain – for Australian release in 2026, when it will also launch its first electric vehicle (EV). While Mr Thorp and Mr Joseph confirmed the company is keen on the Honda 0 Series range of EVs for Australia, they cautioned that the 0 Series (and the Prelude) won't be volume-sellers. Instead, the Honda Australia leadership team pointed to hybrid-powered mid-size SUVs, specifically the CR-V, as its biggest growth potential. "We know that the CR-V is the best vehicle in this segment – the CR-V hybrid is the absolute best vehicle in the segment in terms of driving performance and versatility, and the overall value proposition," Mr Joseph said. "When we look at how we take care of the customer after the sale – low-cost servicing, resale value – when you look at all of that together, aside from the fact it's the best driving vehicle in its segment… if it's the best vehicle in its segment, why wouldn't it be the best-selling vehicle in that segment? "I think that's the starting point. We look at those things and then if we can make the adjustments that can be the best-selling vehicle in the segment."That's our potential. That's how we look at that – and that's what we should achieve." To July this year the CR-V has notched up 3592 sales (down 11.2 per cent year-on-year), while the RAV4 – Toyota Australia's top-selling model and the nation's favourite SUV in 2024 – found 28,449 new homes (down 9.2 per cent). MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from: Honda says it's not a 'volume brand', but it's not using its upmarket status as a reason not to grow sales in Australia, where it says the CR-V has the potential to topple the Toyota RAV4 from its throne. The Japanese brand's local sales in the first seven months of 2025 have put Honda on target to sell more than 15,000 vehicles this year, which would would be its best result since adopting a controversial agency sales strategy in the middle of 2021, a year in which it sold 17,562 vehicles. But that's still a far cry from its pre-COVID days when it consistently sold more than 40,000 vehicles annually, including a peak of over 60,000 sales in 2007. While the switch to agency sales, which introduced fixed drive-away prices nationally and ownership of vehicles by Honda rather than its dealers, came with a lower annual sales forecast of around 18,000 vehicles, Honda Australia is still to reach that number. However, under the new leadership of CEO Jay Joseph and managing director Rob Thorp, both of whom took up their respective positions in April 2025, Honda says it has no intention to become a volume brand once again. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Honda. Click here to get a great deal. "We've earned this niche of not just being a mainstream brand that's just selling volume on price, but because of the inherent qualities and tech innate qualities of our products," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "We've earned a spot where there are premium mainstream products. Honda is not trying to reposition itself as a volume brand – that is not our aspiration – but as far as the space we occupy here, we don't behave like a volume brand because we don't need to, because our value proposition is not just the product and not just the price, but it's how we take care of customers. "[But] Don't get me wrong – we have volume potential." Mr Joseph spoke of "aggressive" sales growth for the brand, but – while many auto brands including new Chinese entrants publicly state their sales forecasts and even their desired rank on the Australian sales charts – Honda will not. "We're not putting a number on it, but we're quite ambitious with our growth plan," Mr Thorp told CarExpert. "We think we've got a current product portfolio, plus a range of models that we're able to bring to market that's going to give us the opportunity to extract more growth out of this brand, and particularly the growth I think it deserves. "It all comes down to our ability to execute on the quality of the product that we're going to have access to – that becomes the challenge in the current environment." Honda Australia currently sells only five models – the small Civic hatchback, the mid-size Accord sedan, and the HR-V small SUV and ZR-V and CR-V mid-size SUVs – but it recently outlines a future product plan including the release of more hybrid powertrain options for its best-selling CR-V lineup to tackle the top-selling, hybrid-only Toyota RAV4. It also confirmed the born-again Honda Prelude sports car – with a hybrid powertrain – for Australian release in 2026, when it will also launch its first electric vehicle (EV). While Mr Thorp and Mr Joseph confirmed the company is keen on the Honda 0 Series range of EVs for Australia, they cautioned that the 0 Series (and the Prelude) won't be volume-sellers. Instead, the Honda Australia leadership team pointed to hybrid-powered mid-size SUVs, specifically the CR-V, as its biggest growth potential. "We know that the CR-V is the best vehicle in this segment – the CR-V hybrid is the absolute best vehicle in the segment in terms of driving performance and versatility, and the overall value proposition," Mr Joseph said. "When we look at how we take care of the customer after the sale – low-cost servicing, resale value – when you look at all of that together, aside from the fact it's the best driving vehicle in its segment… if it's the best vehicle in its segment, why wouldn't it be the best-selling vehicle in that segment? "I think that's the starting point. We look at those things and then if we can make the adjustments that can be the best-selling vehicle in the segment."That's our potential. That's how we look at that – and that's what we should achieve." To July this year the CR-V has notched up 3592 sales (down 11.2 per cent year-on-year), while the RAV4 – Toyota Australia's top-selling model and the nation's favourite SUV in 2024 – found 28,449 new homes (down 9.2 per cent). MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from: Honda says it's not a 'volume brand', but it's not using its upmarket status as a reason not to grow sales in Australia, where it says the CR-V has the potential to topple the Toyota RAV4 from its throne. The Japanese brand's local sales in the first seven months of 2025 have put Honda on target to sell more than 15,000 vehicles this year, which would would be its best result since adopting a controversial agency sales strategy in the middle of 2021, a year in which it sold 17,562 vehicles. But that's still a far cry from its pre-COVID days when it consistently sold more than 40,000 vehicles annually, including a peak of over 60,000 sales in 2007. While the switch to agency sales, which introduced fixed drive-away prices nationally and ownership of vehicles by Honda rather than its dealers, came with a lower annual sales forecast of around 18,000 vehicles, Honda Australia is still to reach that number. However, under the new leadership of CEO Jay Joseph and managing director Rob Thorp, both of whom took up their respective positions in April 2025, Honda says it has no intention to become a volume brand once again. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new Honda. Click here to get a great deal. "We've earned this niche of not just being a mainstream brand that's just selling volume on price, but because of the inherent qualities and tech innate qualities of our products," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "We've earned a spot where there are premium mainstream products. Honda is not trying to reposition itself as a volume brand – that is not our aspiration – but as far as the space we occupy here, we don't behave like a volume brand because we don't need to, because our value proposition is not just the product and not just the price, but it's how we take care of customers. "[But] Don't get me wrong – we have volume potential." Mr Joseph spoke of "aggressive" sales growth for the brand, but – while many auto brands including new Chinese entrants publicly state their sales forecasts and even their desired rank on the Australian sales charts – Honda will not. "We're not putting a number on it, but we're quite ambitious with our growth plan," Mr Thorp told CarExpert. "We think we've got a current product portfolio, plus a range of models that we're able to bring to market that's going to give us the opportunity to extract more growth out of this brand, and particularly the growth I think it deserves. "It all comes down to our ability to execute on the quality of the product that we're going to have access to – that becomes the challenge in the current environment." Honda Australia currently sells only five models – the small Civic hatchback, the mid-size Accord sedan, and the HR-V small SUV and ZR-V and CR-V mid-size SUVs – but it recently outlines a future product plan including the release of more hybrid powertrain options for its best-selling CR-V lineup to tackle the top-selling, hybrid-only Toyota RAV4. It also confirmed the born-again Honda Prelude sports car – with a hybrid powertrain – for Australian release in 2026, when it will also launch its first electric vehicle (EV). While Mr Thorp and Mr Joseph confirmed the company is keen on the Honda 0 Series range of EVs for Australia, they cautioned that the 0 Series (and the Prelude) won't be volume-sellers. Instead, the Honda Australia leadership team pointed to hybrid-powered mid-size SUVs, specifically the CR-V, as its biggest growth potential. "We know that the CR-V is the best vehicle in this segment – the CR-V hybrid is the absolute best vehicle in the segment in terms of driving performance and versatility, and the overall value proposition," Mr Joseph said. "When we look at how we take care of the customer after the sale – low-cost servicing, resale value – when you look at all of that together, aside from the fact it's the best driving vehicle in its segment… if it's the best vehicle in its segment, why wouldn't it be the best-selling vehicle in that segment? "I think that's the starting point. We look at those things and then if we can make the adjustments that can be the best-selling vehicle in the segment."That's our potential. That's how we look at that – and that's what we should achieve." To July this year the CR-V has notched up 3592 sales (down 11.2 per cent year-on-year), while the RAV4 – Toyota Australia's top-selling model and the nation's favourite SUV in 2024 – found 28,449 new homes (down 9.2 per cent). MORE: Explore the Honda showroom Content originally sourced from:
7NEWS
7 days ago
- 7NEWS
BYD Sealion 6: New long-range option joins PHEV SUV lineup
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The Australian
07-08-2025
- The Australian
Japanese automakers face crisis as Trump imposes 15% US import tariffs
Japanese automakers are set to be hit hard after US President Donald Trump imposed sweeping new tariffs on Japan. The 15 per cent tariff, reduced from a 25 per cent tariff, was part of a new trade agreement that also forced Japan to pour US$550 billion into a US strategic investment fund in exchange for continued access to the American market. The new tariffs, which come into effect on August 7, have sparked concern among the Japanese automotive industry, once a global powerhouse. The sector, which employs nearly six million people, has faced a steady decline, hit hard by plummeting US sales and rising Chinese competition. Mazda alone estimates the tariffs will wipe 145.2 billion yen (AUD$1.41 billion) from its operating profits this year. MORE: Massive car companies stop all US imports Japanese automakers are bracing fur huge losses as a result of the tariffs. Picture: AFP MORE: Aussie car prices set to crash Exports from Mexico will be charged an even higher 25 per cent. Mazda, which produces vehicles in both Japan and Mexico, said it was rolling out cost-saving measures, including rerouted shipping, increased output at its Alabama plant, and adjustments to product volume. Without these changes, the company could have faced a loss of 233.5 billion yen (AUD$2.44 billion). Other automakers such as Toyota, Honda, Subaru and Nissan are also reassessing operations. The White House claims the deal will strengthen American manufacturing, especially steel and vehicle production. MORE: $9.1bn slide: Car giant hits the wall US President Donald Trump's new tariffs are now in effect. Picture: AP Photo MORE: Trump's war on 'world's worst car feature' But industry observers say the real winners may be US-based foreign automakers - like Toyota and Honda - who already have plants in North America. AutoForecast Solutions expects US light vehicle output to remain flat at 10.3 million units in 2025, with Japanese automakers investing further in local production rather than increasing imports. Mazda may consider producing the CX-5 domestically, while Toyota could bring 4Runner manufacturing to the US. Read related topics: Donald Trump Danielle Collis Journalist and Reporter Danielle's background spans print, radio and television, she has contributed to outlets such as The Age, ABC, Channel Nine and many more. For more than four years, Danielle has worked as Liz Hayes' producer and investigative journalist on her show 'Under Investigation', covering everything from corporate scandals to Australia's most baffling crime cases. Danielle's covered a range of topics from breaking news, politics, lifestyle and now motoring. Danielle Collis
