Haval unleashes the Big Dog into the untrodden wilderness

Chinese carmaker Haval is getting an off-road-ready version of its crossover SUV DaGou (“Big Dog”) ready to rumble. The fresh patent pics show it with a bull bar, a spare wheel at the tailgate, a winch, towing hooks, and a roof rack with a light bar attached.

Right now, the DaGou only ships with a 1.5-liter, four-cylinder GDIT engine rated at 169 hp (126 kW) and 285 Nm (210 lb-ft) of torque. It packs a seven-speed DCT box and front-wheel drive.

In contrast, the off-roader will debut with a different two-liter engine known as 4N20. The 4N20 comes in two variants: one is capable of 204 hp / 152 kW and 320 Nm / 236 lb-ft, while the other can produce 245 hp / 183 kW and 385 Nm / 284 lb-ft. A nine-speed semi-auto transmission will send the momentum to all four wheels using a Borg Warner coupling and inter-axle / rear diff locks. Tweaks to suspension, chassis and ground clearance are also expected.

The standard Haval DaGou will become available to pre-order during the Auto Show in Beijing starting on Saturday, September 26, 2020.