Edgy Haval H-Dog plug-in hybrid SUV revealed

GWM’s seemingly never-ending range expansion continues with the newly revealed Haval H-Dog appearing at the Guangzhou Auto Show.

The GWM Haval H-Dog SUV – reportedly a touch bigger than a Toyota RAV4 – revealed in Guangzhou uses a potent 1.5-litre, 240kW and 530Nm turbocharged plug-in hybrid drivetrain.

The new SUV’s name isn’t so strange when you consider the new model will be positioned above the similarly boxy Haval Big Dog and Haval Cool Dog SUVs at home in China.

These two existing models are both on the Australian radar, particularly the (larger) Big Dog which is on track for a late 2023 arrival, renamed as the GWM Haval Dargo.

As to the H-Dog’s chances at an Australian launch: that remains unknown for now. Stay tuned.

The H-Dog runs the signature rounded headlights of the other ‘dog’ vehicles, placing them in a wide rectangular (ish) grille insert with interesting rectangular patterns.

The circa 4700mm long (according to Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology filings) H-Dog’s profile is improved by its long 2810mm wheelbase, with rather Hyundai Tucson-like metal shaping and bold wheel arch flares adding some toughness.

“The backrest of the rear seats supports multi-angle adjustment, creating a sofa-level comfort,” GWM Haval claims of the interior.

Details are light, but there’s an airplane-inspired gear shifter, massive centre touchscreen, and brash tan leather trims.

More product information will be announced in the first quarter of 2023, GWM claims.

The Haval H-Dog was but one launch from the company in Guangzhou, another being the GWM Shanhai Cannon – a “new large-scale high-performance luxury pickup” with twin-turbo V6 petrol power, or a ramped-up 2.4-litre diesel option.

GWM Australia had a massive 2022, hitting the top 10 brands list a few times in the final quarter and launching hybrid versions of the Haval Jolion and H6 SUVs, plus the H6 GT.

Its planned 2023 launches include the GWM Tank 300 hybrid off-road SUV, the larger GWM Tank 500 luxury 4×4, the Haval Dargo (Big Dog) medium SUV, and the GWM Ora Good Cat and Ora Next Cat electric cars.

MORE: China’s GWM breaks its export record, helped by Australia