HAVAL pulled the covers off its Dargo SUV on the Jeddah Motor Present in Saudi Arabia this week and, in doing so, the Chinese language model introduced the worldwide identify of its H6-based newcomer.
The four-wheel drive mannequin, which premiered because the Large Canine idea on the 2020 Chengdu Auto Present, showcases what its maker says is a “hardcore and classy exterior” and an inside that resembles previous and current rivals, just like the Toyota FJ Cruiser, Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
The Haval’s front-end is distinguished by spherical headlights and a big, squared-off grille, which lend the Dargo a retro look, whereas exaggerated wheel arch mouldings, sensible facet steps and substantial roof rails add to the mannequin’s go-anywhere attraction.
Nice Wall Motors (GWM) mentioned the Dargo identify was based mostly on the Chinese language phrase for “massive canine”. Fittingly for a four-wheel drive mannequin, it additionally shares its names with an historic Australian pub that’s the final cease for a lot of four-wheel drivers as they head into the Victorian Excessive Nation.
“The Dargo seems to be very off-road (targeted) and it’s nicely suited to the Saudi terrain, with nice potential for market improvement,” a GWM spokesperson mentioned on the mannequin’s unveiling.
GWM added that the “three-quarter scale” automotive – extra generally known as a C-segment SUV – mixed the benefits of a metropolis SUV with the capabilities of an off-road mannequin.
The agency mentioned the Dargo would create a “model new class” by combining a excessive seating place, wagon-like practicality and four-wheel drive all-terrain means “for driving within the wild”.
Lending help for the mannequin’s availability in Australia, the GWM spokesperson mentioned the Dargo would go on sale in Saudi Arabia within the “very close to future” earlier than changing into obtainable in “Iraq, Chile, Russia and different international locations to accompany extra… customers within the world market”.
GWM informed GoAuto beforehand that the mannequin may very well be in Australia by as early as subsequent yr. The Haval Large Canine has already amassed over 100,000 gross sales in its residence market and just lately gained the title of 2021 Most Common SUV within the China Automotive Trade Buyer Satisfaction Index.
In its residence market, the Large Canine is priced from 119,900 Yuan (A$26,425) and powered by a direct injection 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine creating 126kW and 285Nm. The engine is paired with a seven-speed automated dual-clutch transmission (DCT) and is claimed to devour 6.9 litres per 100km on the mixed cycle. There is no such thing as a turbo-diesel choice listed.
There may be additionally a four-wheel-drive model of the Large Canine. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that develops 155kW/325Nm and is mated with a seven-speed automated DCT.
The five-seat Dargo measures 4620mm in size, 1890mm in width, 1780mm in peak and has a 2738mm wheelbase. By means of comparability, it’s 262mm shorter, 4mm narrower and 48mm decrease than the present Jeep Wrangler Limitless.
