Chity, Haval’s latest crossover SUV whose name means ‘Red Bunny’ in Chinese, is now less of a mystery thanks to new interior photos and specifications.
Apparently, the model had been originally called ‘Carnival’, but was renamed later – perhaps to avoid a collision with a minivan by Kia. The Chitu will be coming as a replacement for the F5 crossover SUV and a more upmarket alternative to the Chulian (see video). Like the Chulian, it will be based on the L.E.M.O.N. platform with 2.7 meters between the axles. The dimensions (L/W/H/) are 4,450, 1,841 and 1,625 mm.
The main visual difference from the Chulian is in the styling, which is more aggressive with radiator grille bars resembling teeth, a black body kit, a spoiler, a different glass dome and an LED stripe connecting the taillights.
Inside, the center console faces the driver, and the gear selector is a joystick, rather than a rotary knob. Out of the two usual touchscreen sizes, only the high-end 12.3-inch one is available. Digital dashboard and two-zone HVAC count as standard equipment, whereas options include automatic parking, power-assisted front seats and panoramic sunroof. A dedicated camera mounted on the a-pillar is used by the drowsiness alert system.
Buyers can choose from two available powertrains based on a 1.5-liter turbo-four engine. One produces 150 PS (148 hp / 110 kW) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) and the other manages 184 PS (181 hp / 135 kW) and 275 Nm (203 lb-ft). A seven-speed, dual-wet-clutch transmission sends the power to the front wheels, and only the front wheels.
Another spec is a 190-PS (187-hp / 140-kW) FWD mild hybrid based on a 1.5-liter naturally aspirated engine and a single electric motor. The engine produces 102 PS (101 hp / 75 kW), and the motor handles most of the propulsion with 136 PS (134 hp / 100 kW) and 250 Nm (183 lb-ft). The battery capacity is 1.8 kWh.
Sales in China will begin next month, with the hybrid spec set to arrive later on.