Driving the GWM Haval H7 Vanta Hybrid SUV – this newcomer takes to nine models from GWM, now our best-selling Chinese brand. Its had enormous success with its Haval Jolion and H6 SUV and rightly so but the H7 Vanta Hybrid SUV seems a misfit – a rugged looking medium SUV, that visually gives the impression of being a tough off-roader – however with the same excellent underpinnings of Haval H6 Ultra hybrid it’s a city slicker – sharply priced at $46,990 drive-away with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder engine mated to a 130kW electric motor – it’s loaded with safety, comfort and convenience features, the drive experience excellent with really good economy. Apart from rather annoying indicators there’s little to criticise but the big downside is the driver attention monitor that at the end of even a short drive nearly sends you crazy – its overdone and is simply a buyer turnoff. Momentarily look at the centrally located touchscreen and you’re meet by warning chimes that are just so annoying. How GWM could release a vehicle with this much intrusion to the driver beggar’s belief – at the end of just a short trip its tiring and counterproductive. It’s a shame and a total buyer turnoff to what is otherwise a nice SUV.

IMAGE CREDIT / GWS

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