Confirmed: GWM Haval H9 SUV coming to PH

We can expect more Haval models to make their way to the Philippines soon. This comes after GWM distributor Luxuriant Automotive Group Inc (LAGI) officially confirmed that the all-new H9 is coming to the Philippines.

You read right, the boxy 4WD SUV from GWM is set to arrive later this year. Recently revealed in China via press images, the H9 will serve as GWM Philippines’ other 7-seater offering besides the Wey Gaoshan luxury MPV and will combine SUV rugged looks, high-tech amenities, and a turbocharged heart.

No official specifications are available yet as of this writing. Heck, the vehicle has yet to be officially launched in its home market. However, based on our previous reports, the Haval H9 will reportedly measure 5000mm long, 1976mm wide, 1930mm tall, and will have a 2850mm wheelbase.

As mentioned earlier, the H9 will feature a boxy exterior design that appears to borrow inspiration from several vehicles like the Toyota Land Cruiser and the Nissan Patrol. The front end is dominated by a distinct grille complete with the Haval logo and is paired with eye-catching LED headlights. It will also be available with massive 19-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, flared wheel arches, and what appears to be a swing-out tailgate with a rear spare tire carrier.

Pictures of the interior have yet to be revealed although it’s expected that the cabin could be similar to the Haval Raptor, an electrified boxy SUV that bears an uncanny resemblance to the H9.

Under the hood, the H9 will supposedly be available with two engine options. One is a 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline inline-four that puts out 224 PS with 480 Nm of torque. It is then saddled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The other engine is a 2.0-liter turbo-diesel inline-four that produces 186 PS with 480 Nm of torque and is paired with a 9-speed automatic gearbox. Both variants are available with a 4WD system courtesy of BorgWarner.

With the H9 set to arrive later this year, could this 7-seater SUV put up a good fight against the established stalwarts of the Philippine market?