This is the recently unveiled Haval Chitu and while it’s not immediately on the cards for SA, we think it could be the perfect replacement for the ageing Haval H1.

The Haval Chitu is yet another great-looking modern SUV from China. Underpinned on the same platform as the Jolion, this newcomer is interestingly a similar size to the popular model. We think the arrangement will be like Volkswagen T-Cross/Taigo and Renault Captur/Duster – cars that overlap but surely target different markets.

The Haval Chitu name is an interesting one. It translates to Red Rabbit and it’s not the first time we have encountered a unique naming structure. Jolion means first love, and the Big Dog range of SUVs are already on sale globally, under the name Dargo in certain countries.

Physically, the Haval Chitu is 4.45 metres long, 1.84 metres wide and features a wheelbase of 2.7 metres. The Jolion is near identical, but is just 2 cm shorter. Looks-wise, we’d say that the Chitu is the sportier and more youthful of the two.

Inside, there are more shared common elements, like the 10-inch digital dashboard and large 12.3-inch colourful high-res infotainment screen. The Haval Chitu gets a proper gear selector stick, as opposed to the Jolion’s rotary dial.

The level of standard specification looks impressive and while this model has yet to be approved for export out of China, things like a full-colour heads-up display, level 2 autonomous driving (adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist) as well as a 360-degree camera are standard.

The Haval Jolion shares its engine range too, with the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine on duty. It is paired to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Outputs of 105 kW and 210 Nm are on offer. There’s even a hybrid version that dials in 140 kW and 370 Nm, plus the additional benefit of enhanced economy meaning more kilometres between refuels.

As of February 2022, Haval SA no longer sells the H1 as a new car, but there are still plenty of units floating around tagged as 2021 nearly new. The Haval Jolion price starts from R310k and goes to R409k, and we reckon there’s a market for an SUV that sits from R250k to replace the H1. Could the Haval Chitu be the right vehicle for the job? Certainly it could be when you consider its list price is under R300k when converted in Rands

The latest specs and prices for new Haval vehicles

Further Reading

Toyota Corolla Cross versus Haval Jolion – What should you buy?