Reports out of China say a 2nd-generation Haval H9 will be revealed in the first quarter of 2024. Here’s what we know about the 7-seater family SUV.
The report from Chinese publication Autohome shared some extensive details about the new model. As a reminder, the first-generation Haval H9 arrived in South Africa back in 2018, priced at a competitive R599 000. While other Haval products enjoyed credible sales, the H9 never really troubled the established 7-seater bakkie-based rivals like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest, and it departed after a few years, despite a facelift being announced in 2021 which never came to SA.
Autohome has shared information on an all-new 2nd-generation Haval H9 that’s in development and going into production as soon as March 2024. The image below was taken at a dealership briefing in Russia that shows some design elements, powertrain information and trim levels. One of the big criticisms of the first-gen H9 was the lack of a diesel engine as the punchy turbocharged petrol engine was on the thirstier side.
The good news is there will be a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel 2-wheel drive model and a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol all-wheel drive derivative. Both engines are four-cylinder units and outputs of 137 kW and 180 kW are claimed for the diesel and petrol engines, respectively.
The petrol-powered 4×4 model will have an on-demand all-wheel-drive system complete with front and rear differential locks as well as a low-range transfer case. Offroad modes like Mud, Snow and Sand are expected. The 2nd-generation Haval H9 is expected to be built on a ladder-frame chassis and given the Tank sub-brand’s rising popularity, there should be some overlap in terms of design and interior appointments.
There are no official photographs of the new 2nd-Generation Haval H9 yet. Instead, Autohome has managed to secure some official-looking pictures of a still-camouflaged prototype, showing off some details like the headlights and offroad capabilities.
Will the 2nd-Generation Haval H9 come to South Africa?
At this stage it is too early to confirm anything as there’s no sign of other right-hand drive markets like Australia securing some units for retail. However, given South Africa’s appetite for Haval’s products, we would not be surprised if this new H9 was to arrive in SA showrooms.
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