Why buy Haval F7? We went to the salon to look at it.
Back in the summer of 2019, Havale Motor Rus officially opened its Tula plant, putting its F7 crossover on a conveyor smelling new. The world has survived the pandemic, we have increased the queues for new cars and prices for them, and he is still the most popular Chinese car in recent times. We understand why this is so, and at the same time we list 4 qualities for which we love crossovers.
Practicality
Inside, the F7 is roomy in all directions. With a wheelbase of 2725 mm, it would be strange to complain about tightness in the back, but some classmates have less legroom, and there is still a “hump” from all-wheel drive. Here the floor is flat and three of us can fit in the shoulders. “On your own” with a height of 184 cm, you also sit down without problems. The back of the rear sofa can be adjusted in terms of the angle of inclination. The range is not very large, but it is better than the hard-fixed option.
The minimum boot volume is 723 liters. In reality, these are figures “under the ceiling”, and up to the curtain there are 400 liters, no more. Under the raised floor, along with a dokatka, there are compartments for small items. If you expand the seats will be 1443 liters (as it is written on the manufacturer's website). In fact, it turns out a large “van”, just as much as other mid-size crossovers. The floor comes out without steps, but with a slight slope. For daily tasks, there is enough space even with the back row unfolded. The only pity is that the loading height will seem a bit high to many.
The F7 has excellent overhang angles. In the language of reality, this translates as 24 centimeters under the front lip and more than 30 from the edge of the rear bumper to the ground. Snow dumps and high curbs are not terrible. Clearance 190 mm official, in fact, less because of the protection. You can't call it off-road, but for urban crossovers this is the norm.
Appearance
This is a very subjective paragraph, so all advocates of unequivocal facts can skip it. The rest need to know that outside and inside the Haval F7 gives the impression of an “independent” car. Let's decipher: he has an original appearance, not borrowed from someone. This is a design designed from the ground up, without a lot of glitter and contrived lines.
Inside, a well-watched driver will find references to BMW (outside – to Mazda), but only in general terms, and again everything is his own in details. Moderately aggressive, without excess chrome, with a large grille between the squinting headlights, well-developed muscles of the side lines and, in the latest fashion, large brake lights.
Probably, the F7 sells well because you can no longer talk about it as a copy. Among our compatriots, this fact is important. We recently talked about the most affordable Haval Jolion in the lineup and the same situation with it. At the Chinese headquarters, they finally realized that the markets of developing countries need beautiful cars without parodies of other brands.
Comfort
Haval F7 has equally pleasant upholstery whether it is fabric or eco-leather. The first is non-marking, the second is soft, pleasant to the touch. The seats are well-knit in profile, the pillow is of medium length, but it seems that those who are fuller will be more comfortable. Some reviewers after the premiere of the crossover complained about the short travel of the head restraints. Now such a problem has not been noticed, but maybe for two this nuance was quietly corrected. Plastic parts have recently been made within the framework of 30% localization, they do not creak in the hands, they are assembled tightly, only easily soiled.
The steering wheel is thick and comfortable, as auto journalists say, grippy, with a rim truncated from below. All important functions are placed on it.
Last but not least, the center console has a large (thank you!) tray for wireless charging, below it is a USB output and a 12V socket. There is another USB output on the rearview mirror (thanks again!).
The electronic instrument panel is visual, the screen is bright, it remains visible in the sun. The menu is beautifully visualized, without protruding ears of clumsy adaptation to our market, everything is simple and clear. It can be customized.
The standard audio system has 6 loud speakers. For the unpretentious listener, even a great option. You can adjust the sound with the built-in equalizer.
Haval F7 equipment
The mid-size crossover is well equipped in all trim levels – this distinguishes it from competitors. In the basic version, the motion selection system, heated seats, steering wheel and wiper rest area, climate control, rain sensor, rear parking sensors, engine start button, 9-inch multimedia screen and 17-inch alloy wheels.
In richer trim levels, LED optics with automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, inflatable interior curtains, an all-round visibility system with excellent picture quality, a panoramic roof, electric driver's seats with heated rear seats appear. The car is also equipped with a lane control assistant and assistance when reversing out of the parking lot, warns of obstacles in the “blind” zone, warns of road signs and, if necessary, knows how to urgently brake in front of pedestrians.
In total, it turns out that in all positions the Haval F7 is a strong good rider. There are some points to which you can substitute a question mark, but it is this balance that makes it a bestseller on the market. Plus the price. At least 1,559,000 conditional units will be asked for a car – against the background of the current price tags for such a “number” of an equipped car, the offer is good.