Chinese SUV manufacturer, Haval, has revealed an SUV coupe concept at the Auto Shanghai.
The hybrid-powered SUV coupe concept would give Haval a model to rival cars like the BMW X4.
Coupe styling is nothing new for an SUV in the premium segment, Mercedes-Benz and BMW have models for sale, however, Haval can bring the styling to market at an affordable price.
Haval Design Director Pierre Leclercq has experience with designs of this nature, he was formerly at BMW and designed the original BMW X6.
Leclercq said the design team was proud to produce an “expressive’ concept vehicle.
“HAVAL remains dedicated to building SUVs and developing different products that meet the different needs of all our customers.
“Within this palette of vehicles some of them should be more expressive than others and this is certainly the case with the HB-03 concept – the HAVAL Blue 03.”
Leclercq went on to say the HB-03 concept was true to his philosophy of “simple, but strong”.
“The design expression should never be over explained. The best products speak for themselves. As a designer, I feel fortunate to work for a company that understands the importance of bringing such exciting vehicles to market.”
The interior brings bold and modern styling to the brand and looks considerably more flamboyant than its current models.
The concept vehicle is powered by the intelligent hybrid unveiled in Beijing in 2016, which delivers more than 200kW and 450Nm while claiming fuel consumption of 2.1 litres for every 100 kilometres travelled.
The figures released by Haval are impressive. In Pure Electric mode, drive is provided solely by the electric motor. The 95kW/278Nm motor is fuelled by a large 13 kilowatt/hour battery, providing a range of 65 kilometres while producing zero emissions.
HAVAL claim the battery can be recharged in about four hours from a standard household power point.
It will be interesting to see if Haval can stay true to the concept’s design and bring a production version to Australia.
