HOT WHEELS

Great Wall shows new streamlined SUV

[April 20, 2013]  SHANGHAI (AP) -- China's most successful SUV producer, Great Wall Motor Co., is coming out with a model that offers the room of a luxury SUV at a mid-range price.

The Chinese brand, which exports SUVs to 80 countries, unveiled the H7 and its sister sport model, the H6, on Saturday ahead of the Shanghai auto show. Great Wall is one exception to the trend of independent Chinese brands struggling against foreign competition in their home market.

Great Wall says the H7 will be sold under its Haval brand starting next year in markets including Australia, Italy and Russia.

The H7 has all-wheel-drive capability and 21-centimeter (8.3-inch) ground clearance for off-road use.

Highlights of the Haval H7:

UNDER THE HOOD: A 2-liter engine with 200 horsepower that Great Wall says meets Europe's most stringent emissions standard, Euro V. The company says it can deliver a maximum speed of 220 kph (135 mph).

OUTSIDE: The streamlined exterior and slim profile take after American SUVs rather than the bulky, muscular shapes of Japanese and Korean brands.

INSIDE: Features include dual-zone air-conditioning, reversing radar, reversing video and a 12.3-inch LCD video screen.

GAS MILEAGE: Not announced.

PRICE: Great Wall says the H7 will sell for about 200,000 yuan ($32,000).

CHEERS: Cheaper than SUVs such as the Toyota Sequoia, which starts at about $42,000.

JEERS: More expensive than offerings from better established Japanese or Korean producers such as Toyota's RAV-4, which can cost as little as $23,000.

[Associated Press]

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