Haval V7 First Drive in Ain Sokhna: Two Hybrid Versions and 244 hp

Al Mal conducted a first drive test of the new Haval V7 in Ain Sokhna, at the invitation of GBAUTO, the brand's exclusive distributor in Egypt, coinciding with the official local market launch. The headline number? 244 hp from the hybrid version. The SUV enters Egypt with two distinct powertrain options.

A boxy design with generous exterior dimensions

4800 mm long, 1950 mm wide, 1822 mm tall, with a 2738 mm wheelbase. Those figures give the Haval V7 a clear road presence. The boxy shape is reinforced by a vertical front grille, front and rear LED lights. 19-inch sport alloy wheels. But does styling alone seal the deal? Rear cargo space ranges between 586 and 1404 litres depending on seat configuration, numbers that serve family use and long trips requiring more luggage room.

Competition in the SUV segment has shifted in recent years toward vehicles combining larger dimensions, electronic features, and hybrid powertrains instead of relying solely on conventional combustion engines. Haval is clearly moving in that direction by offering two V7 versions with different drivetrains.

Hybrid version: 244 hp with front-wheel drive

The drive started with the Hybrid version, powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine within a hybrid system sending power to the front wheels. Total system output reaches around 244 hp with 540 Nm of torque, mated to a two-speed DHT hybrid transmission. The Haval H6 was the brand's first step in the Egyptian market, but the V7 arrives with a larger dimension package and a stronger engine in a different guise.

This version targets daily use and paved roads with front-wheel drive, while the Plug-in Hybrid variant adds all-wheel drive, a larger battery, higher capabilities, and equipment tailored for unpaved terrain. The difference between them isn't just numbers. The use case is entirely different. That's why the company offers two options rather than a single uniform-spec version.

Where the V7 sits in Egypt's SUV market

A car measuring 4.8 metres long and 1.95 metres wide is neither small nor light. Weight and aerodynamics affect both performance and consumption. That's where the hybrid system matters most, offsetting some of those challenges. Egypt's SUV market sees growing competition among brands like Toyota, Hyundai. Kia on one side, and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and Jetour X70 on the other.

Testing the Haval V7 in Ain Sokhna provided a chance to evaluate the car on highways and rougher surfaces alike. Early impressions suggest the brand is targeting buyers seeking generous interior space and a hybrid system producing over 240 hp without stepping into the luxury segment. The direction is clear.