Automaker Haval has posted photos of a new Dargo (a.k.a. DaGou/Big Dog) generation for the domestic market. The car packs a tri-motor powertrain called the Hi4, which outputs 378 PS (373 hp / 278 kW) to the four wheels – a marked improvement over the old Dargo DHT. The sales start on March 25, AutoHome says.
Judging by the photos, the SUV looks like any other Dargo out there. You’ll need to spot the blue badge to realize that it’s the second generation. The interior also stays stock, although the company promises us smarter navigation and a wider selection of driving assists.
Compared to the old DHT spec, the new Hi4 powertrain outputs 52 PS (51 hp / 38 kW) more from an internal combustion engine and two electric motors. The torque peaks at 750 Nm (553 lb-ft). The manufacturer-rated average fuel consumption is as low as 1.83 liters per 100 km, which translates into 128.5 miles per U.S. gallon.
The Hi4 is the new flagship spec. As such, it offers a total of seven drive modes, including two off-road ones. The electronics on board can be set to perform automatic torque vectoring and distribute the momentum on the per-axle basis.
All other details remain to be revealed. Haval is already using the Hi4 powertrain in its similarly sized Raptor SUV. The latter needs roughly six seconds for a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) and can cover 100 km (62 miles) on a charge.
