Haval’s 2021 SUV onslaught: ‘Nothing is ruled out’ for Australia from brand’s flashy Chengdu motor show stand

Making a big deal of its 30th anniversary, Great Wall and its SUV sub-brand Haval has showcased a new model onslaught for 2021 at the Chengdu motor show.

Pride of place was the much publicised, retro-looking, and off-road focused “Big Dog” SUV.

A large, almost Toyota Prado-sized SUV, the Big Dog is understood to be pitched as a youthful offering from the brand which will also have a solid dose of off-road capability by way of computer controlled four-wheel drive and optional rear differential lock.

In its home market, power will come from either a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four cylinder (125kW/285Nm) or 2.0-litre turbo petrol (165kW/385Nm). There’s no word on a diesel drivetrain which it would require for widespread success in Australia.

CarsGuide understands that the Big Dog name was chosen in a vote put to the Chinese public, and the SUV will carry a different name in markets other than China.

It was shown alongside its Jeep Wrangler-esque spin-off from its Wey premium arm, dubbed the Tank 300 which will share engines and technology, but with different styling elements and a more premium interior treatment.

When queried on the topic of right-hand-drive production and a potential Australian arrival, the brand’s local representative, Edward Mason-Jeffries told CarsGuide that “there could be a spot in our line-up” for a vehicle like the Big Dog, and that it is “not ruled out for an Australian introduction”.

“This is the cool thing about the new products shown at the Chengdu show,” he said. “Nothing is ruled out for us. The new platforms are flexible, and we’re looking at everything.

“We have to consider things like size, and it can’t be too niche. It has to be right for Australia and New Zealand, but the right vehicle, we’ll be keen to have it in our line-up.”

While Mr Mason-Jeffries wouldn’t be drawn further on other new models shown, his comments certainly don’t rule out an introduction of other models wearing Haval’s latest and far more modern design language, like the 2021 F7 large SUV.

Currently no vehicles in the Australian market wear Haval’s updated styling language and fresh approach to cabin technology, but before long that is set to change.

“We look forward to talking to you soon about 2021,” Mr. Mason-Jeffries said. “It’s going to be an exciting year for us.”

If we had to guess what would be the next Haval SUV to hit our market , it would certainly be the 2021 H6 mid-sizer to replace the dated model of the same name.

We know the next vehicle to arrive from the Great Wall group will be the much-hyped Cannon ute, which was delayed due to the current global pandemic circumstances.

CarsGuide understands it is still on track to arrive for a 2021 model year, and has just launched in China with the Australia-bound 2.0-litre diesel engine option.