Haval debuts Cool Dog SUV

Chinese automaker Haval has debuted an all-new SUV in China called the Cool Dog.

Great Wall Motors, which owns Haval, already offer a variety of SUVs to the Chinese market but have positioned the Cool Dog under the brand’s larger Big Dog SUV.

The new model takes on rugged styling cues you may deem similar to other popular all-terrain SUVs found around the world.

Starting at the front, a wide front grille echoes that of the US-market Ford Bronco while pumped fenders remind us of GMC Hummer’s new EV pickup.

A rear bump in the tailgate refers to a spare tyre cover, a feature which is also present on the Korean-made Ssangyong Torres.

Side-on, the rear of the Cool Dog almost looks Land Rover Defender-esque with its double-stacked vertical taillights.

Measuring in at 4520mm long, 1875mm wide, and 1745mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2710mm, it is just shorter than the Big Dog.

Inside, a simple dashboard layout with a 12.3-inch touchscreen accompanies a digital instrument cluster. The Cool Dog also features a Land Rover-style steering wheel, portraying the model’s ‘go-anywhere’ intent.

In terms of the powertrain, the Cool Dog receives a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that makes 135kW and 275Nm. A seven-speed DCT gearbox sends power through either a front or all-wheel-drive system to the road.

The new SUV is expected to launch in China by Q3 2022, but there’s no word on whether we’ll see this new Haval model in New Zealand.