Haval Cool Dog SUV Debuts In China As Big Dog’s Sidekick

Haval launched a new compact SUV in China, called the Cool Dog. As suggested by its name the new ICE-powered SUV is positioned below the Haval Big Dog with similarly rugged styling.

The Great Wall Motors brand is offering many different SUVs in China but there is always room for another one as proven by the Cool Dog. The new model measures 4,520 mm (178 inches) long, 1,875 mm (73.8 inches) wide, and 1,745 mm (68.7 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,710 mm (106.7 inches). This makes it 100 mm (3.9 inches) shorter than the Big Dog, but 133 mm (5.3 inches) longer than the Ford Bronco Sport.

Styling-wise, the Cool Dog integrates a few styling features from the popular Big Dog although the two SUVs are not sharing any body panels. At the front, the round LED headlights are enclosed within the boxy-shaped grille, for a rugged and aggressive look in combination with the unpainted bumpers and the aluminum-style skidplates.

The profile is more sculpted than other Haval SUVs, with boxy wheelarches and muscular fenders, similar to the dynamic lines of the bonnet. The windowline is narrow for Hummer-style looks and reaches all the way to the back thanks to the black or silver-painted pillars. At the back, the tailgate has a bump reminiscent of a spare tire cover, similar to the recently revealed SsangYong Torres. We can also see a very narrow rear windshield and vertically-arranged LED taillights.

Inside, the budget-friendly nature of the SUV is somehow evident with the dashboard of the Cool Dog looking less fancy than the Big Dog. Still, there is plenty of tech, with Haval’s digital instrument cluster, a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a Land Rover-style steering wheel, plus a brand new JVC sound system with 18 speakers including those mounted in the headrests. Higher trims also get carbon-style and piano-black accents, as well as two-tone leather seats.

Under the bonnet, there is a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 275 Nm (202.8 lb-ft) of torque. Power is sent to either the front or to all four wheels through a seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox. Don’t expect any electrified variants since the Chinese market doesn’t get the strict emission regulations applied in Europe.

As reported by Autohome, the Haval Cool Dog will be launched in China within the third quarter of 2022. Depending on the trim level, pricing will range between ¥120,000-¥150,000 which translate to $17,864-$22,330.