Haval H5 SUV caught testing in the NCR!

ICML’s upcoming SUV, Haval H5 was caught testing in the NCR. A couple of weeks ago, CarToq reported the possibility of the Havel H5 being launched in India.

The H5 five-seater SUV will be ICML’s answer to the upcoming SUVs such as the Ford Eco Sport and the Renault Duster.

The H5 test mule had no camouflages, clearly revealing its exterior styling. The H5 has a car-like front face with curvy headlamps and a smiling grille which resembles the Maruti Suzuki Swift and the upcoming Ertiga MPV from some angles. The H5 measures 4,649 mm in length, 1,810 mm in width, 1,745 mm in height and a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. The H5 has a ground clearance of 180 mm. Size-wise; the H5 is longer and taller than the Skoda Yeti.

The side profile is conventionally designed with a large glass area aiding all round visibility. Turn indicators on the outside mirrors give the H5, a contemporary look. The rear ends with unconventionally designed tail lamps that mildly resemble that of the Mahindra Scorpio. The large wheel arches, chunky 17-inch wheels and skid plates make the H5 look sporty.

The interiors of the H5 are unexciting. The dashboard has oval shaped AC vents, while the minimalistic central console is uninspiring. The instrument cluster is conventionally designed and lacks visual appeal.

The interiors of the H5 houses five seats and a boot space of 460 litres which we feel is quite adequate for long journeys. The cabin looks dark due to extensive use of grey and black interiors. We hope that the production models will have different combination of interior colors depending on the variants.

The H5 test mule had a 2-litre CR (Common Rail) engine under the hood. The spy photo of the engine bay suggests that ICML is using the same CRD-Fi engine that powers the Rhino Delite MPV in the H5 test mule. The 2-litre CRD-Fi engine puts out 120 bhp of power and 285 Nm of torque and the same power-torque configuration may likely be sufficient to pull the 5-seater H5 SUV.

Expect the H5 to have features such as central locking, Bluetooth connectivity, rear wiper, 4WD, ABS with EBD and Traction Control System (TCS).

Conclusion

It is clear that ICML wants its share in the 5-seater entry-level SUV segment by launching the H5. The H5 will have to compete with upcoming small SUVs such as the Ford EcoSport and the Renault Duster. Price of the H5 will be a crucial factor in determining its sales in India. Since, ICML will most likely use Rhino’s 2-litre CRD-Fi engine in the H5, we can expect the price of H5 to be in the range of Rs. 8 lakh- 10 lakh.

ICML has to establish a wider sales and service network than it has today and boost its brand image, in order to reach out to customers. Do you think the H5 will pose a threat to the EcoSport and the Duster?

(Photo Courtesy: Goa on wheels)