2017 4X4 Of The Year finalist: Haval H9

HAVAL is Great Wall’s SUV offshoot brand, and the H9 is the only proper 4x4 in the Haval range.

While a ‘take’ on the Toyota Prado in general size and layout, thanks in part to Haval’s recruitment of former Toyota chief engineer Suguya Fukusato, the H9 is petrol-fuelled only.

The engine in question is a 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder, reportedly designed in-house at Haval. The 4x4 system uses a self-locking and self-proportioning electronic transfer case (built under license from Borg Warner) much like that used in the Ford Everest.

The model supplied for 4X4OTY was the top-spec Luxury. The cheaper Premium loses the sunroof, leather, electric-seat adjust and has 17s in place of 18s and no terrain settings for the otherwise similar 4x4 system.

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The winner of the coveted 4X4 of the Year award will be announced at the Australian Motoring Awards (AMAs) on February 1.

The AMAs, to be held at Crown Casino in Melbourne, will also present the WhichCar Style award, the MOTOR Performance Car of the Year and the Wheels Car of the Year awards.

Keep an eye on 4X4 Of The Year throughout the night on February 1 to be the first to find out which vehicle has been awarded the 2017 4X4OTY award. Or tune in to our Facebook page!

2017’s strong field of 4X4OTY contenders includes: Haval H9, Holden Colorado, Holden Trailblazer, Mercedes-Benz G300, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Toyota Land Cruiser 79 Series and the Volkswagen Amarok V6.

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