Mbabane – Great Wall Motors (GWM) has launched a refreshed Haval H7 in Eswatini, introducing the Black Edition across the range and adding a hybrid powertrain for the first time.
The Black Edition includes a series of exterior upgrades over the standard model, such as a black grille, black diamond-cut alloy wheels, black mirrors, black roof rails, blacked-out taillights, darkened windows, black badges, and black fender rivets. All model derivatives now come with this styling option, which is priced the same as the regular H7 variants.
The new Haval H7 HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) combines a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack, producing 179kW of power and 530Nm of torque to the front wheels via a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Petrol-only models feature a 2.0-litre turbo engine delivering 170kW and 380Nm, with front-wheel drive for the Luxury trim and all-wheel drive for the Super Luxury, paired with a nine-speed automated dual-clutch transmission. 
GWM says the HEV consumes just 5.7 litres per 100km, compared to 8.1L/100km for the 4×2 petrol and 9.1L/100km for the 4×4. The hybrid’s 60-litre fuel tank allows a range of over 1 000km, with a towing capacity of 1 500kg—matching the 4×2 petrol model, while the 4×4 can tow 2 000kg.
Inside, the Super Luxury HEV offers heated and ventilated leather seats, a heated steering wheel, panoramic sunroof, and a cooling compartment in the centre console. The cabin features a 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, 50W wireless charging pad, and an eight-speaker DTS audio system.
Safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, and autonomous emergency braking.
The Citizen Motoring tested the H7 HEV on a launch drive near Hartbeespoortdam. “While the power uptick of 9kW from the petrol is not huge, the additional 150Nm of torque makes a notable difference during acceleration,” the report said. Reviewers noted smooth power delivery, with seamless switching between petrol and electric modes, and praised the hybrid system for eliminating typical throttle calibration issues found in Chinese petrol cars.
The Black Edition design adds further road presence to the rugged SUV, making it stand out from typical SUV designs.
Haval H7 pricing in Eswatini:
- 2.0T Luxury 4×2 9DCT Black Edition – E604 950
- 2.0T Super Luxury 4×4 9DCT Black Edition – E674 950
- 1.5T HEV Super Luxury 4×2 DHT Black Edition – E734 950
Pricing includes a seven-year/200 000km warranty and seven-year/75 000km service plan, while the HEV adds an eight-year/150 000km high-voltage battery warranty.
