The car was released in 2009 as a result of restyling of the first generation Great Wall Hover, produced since 2005. And in July 2010, the Irito company presented the Hover H3 for the first time in Russia.
Great Wall Hover H3, with its dimensions of 4,620 x 1,800 x 1,800 mm, belongs to the class of full-size frame SUVs. At the same time, its price is at the level of a middle-class passenger car, which distinguishes it from its competitors.
Options and prices Great Wall Hover H3 2019
MT5 - 5-speed automatic, MT6 - 6-speed automatic, AWD - all-wheel drive
The Hover H3 interior has undergone slight changes and they affected, first of all, the controls and the instrument panel, which received a pleasant white backlight. The rear seats were equipped with a full-fledged fifth headrest, but were deprived of seatback adjustments.
And all-wheel drive is now connected using a round knob on the center console near the gear shift lever. By the way, the location of other controls has also changed somewhat, making their use even more convenient.
External changes to the Great Wall Hover H3 (2016-2017) are cosmetic in nature, but the overall silhouette of the car remains almost the same. The front bumper has become more road-style, the beak stamping on the hood has disappeared, and the radiator grille has become chrome-plated.
New lighting equipment, which received headlight range control and a new shape, made the Great Wall Hover H3 more modern and fresh. The ground clearance remains unchanged and is 180 mm. The frame design and modern all-wheel drive system still allow you to successfully tackle off-road conditions.
Under the hood of the Hover H3, instead of the previous 2.4-liter engine, there is a 2.0-liter gasoline unit manufactured under Mitsubishi license. Its power has decreased slightly and is 122 hp. versus 130 mil for its predecessor.
But now the engine complies with Euro-4 environmental standards and is characterized by better efficiency. The SUV's maximum speed of 150 km/h does not make it possible to talk about the sprinting qualities of the Great Wall Hover H3, but it is quite sufficient for confident movement along the highway.
On the Russian market, the car is offered in two trim levels - “Lux” and “Super Lux”. Both versions have airbags, climate control, full power accessories (including an electric sunroof), ABS, 17-inch design wheels, heated front seats and other useful little things.
In the basic configuration, the price of the Great Wall Hover H3 2019 is 885,000 rubles, and the cost of the SUV in the “Super Luxury” version reaches 899,000 rubles.
Updated Great Wall Hover H3
In the spring of 2014, sales of the updated Great Wall Hover H3 crossover began in Russia, which received a different front design with a massive radiator grille, a modified bumper and retouched optics.
In addition, the restyled Great Wall Hover H3 (2016-2017) received different linings on the sidewalls, and its overall length increased by 30 mm. Inside the car, the design of the center console has slightly changed, where round ventilation nozzles have been replaced by rectangular ones.
In terms of technology, everything remains the same, however, the power of the 2.0-liter gasoline engine is now declared not 122, but 116 hp, but the torque of 175 Nm remains the same. At the same time, prices have increased, and quite significantly. If for a pre-restyling car they ask from 869,000 rubles, then an updated one in a similar design costs 939,000 rubles.
Later, a modification appeared with a 2.0-liter turbo engine producing 150 hp. (250 Nm). There is also all-wheel drive and a non-alternative 6-speed manual transmission by default. The cost of such a Great Wall Hover H3 New 2019 varies from 989,000 to 1,029,000 rubles.
In the spring of 2014, the first copies of the New H3 SUV appeared in the showrooms of Russian dealers of the Chinese automaker Great Wall - which is the result of a “comprehensive modernization” of the Hover H3 model - it is important that, having changed “beyond recognition,” it remained the same “ successful off-road conqueror."
In terms of appearance, the Great Wall New H3 has noticeably “matured” - its appearance has noticeably added in “aggression and solidity”: a new massive radiator grille, a redesigned bumper and large headlights give the front of the SUV a “modern look with a masculine character.”
But in profile it has practically not changed, you can only note the roof rails... and at the back there are new lights and a bumper with a more pronounced trim (simulating a diffuser).
The dimensions of the “H3” remained virtually unchanged. The length has grown to 4650 mm, while the length of the wheelbase remains the same - 2700 mm, the width of the body fits within the framework of 1800 mm, and the height is limited to 1745 mm. The track width of the front and rear wheels is 1515 and 1520 mm, respectively. The minimum ground clearance (ground clearance under the engine crankcase) has increased to 240 mm. The curb weight of the updated Great Wall H3 SUV in the basic configuration is 1905 kg.
The “restyling” also noticeably affected its five-seat cabin. In addition to improving the quality of the materials used in finishing, we note the updated front panel with a modern center console, in which there is room for a touchscreen multimedia system and a small on-board computer display, located at the very top and able to display a wide range of information, up to altitude.
True, several disadvantages immediately emerged: the “multimedia” sensor does not always clearly respond to weak touches (which is not entirely convenient while driving), and the on-board computer display is so dimly backlit that it is almost impossible to make out anything on it during the day... Otherwise, the interior remained the same – even the trunk has not undergone any changes (it has never “learned” how to create a flat floor when folding the backrests of the rear row of seats).
Specifications. If previously the Great Wall N3 was offered with only one engine option, now there are two power plants:
- The role of the base engine is played by the already familiar naturally aspirated 4-cylinder unit “4G69S4N” with a displacement of 2.0 liters (1997 cm³), developed jointly with the Japanese concern “Mitsubishi”. The old engine remained unchanged. As before, its peak power is 116 hp. (although advertising brochures most often featured an overestimated value of 122 hp), which develop at 5200 rpm. The upper torque limit of this engine is 175 Nm, maintained in the range from 2500 to 3000 rpm. The base engine is paired with the old 5-speed manual transmission - so all fuel consumption parameters remain at the same level - about 11.0 liters in the city and about 8.5 liters on the highway.
- A little later, modifications with a “new engine” reached Russia. Well, as “new”... the engine is built on the basis of the old one, but received a redesigned fuel system, electronics reconfiguration and turbocharging from Shanghai MHI Turbocharger Co. (which is a subsidiary of Mitsubishi in China). As a result, with the same number of cylinders and the old volume of 2.0 liters, the engine, designated “4G63S4T”, can produce 177 hp. maximum power and about 250 Nm of torque (but in the Russian Federation it is certified as “150-horsepower”). Paired with this engine is a 6-speed manual transmission with “extended” gears - which should have a positive effect on the cross-country ability of the SUV (the 5-speed gearbox quite often could not withstand heavy loads - it smoked the clutch). As for fuel consumption, according to the manufacturer, within the city limits such a tandem will fit within the limits of 13.5 liters, and on the highway it will be limited to 10.0 liters of gasoline (grade no lower than AI-92).
There were no noticeable changes in the design of the Great Wall New H3 chassis - the Chinese only slightly reconfigured the suspension and replaced some of the elements with “reinforced versions”. As before, the SUV is based on a ladder-type frame made of high-strength steel. At the front, the massive body rests on an independent torsion bar suspension of a double wishbone design, complemented by an anti-roll bar. The rear of the SUV rests on a dependent spring suspension with a continuous axle and a transverse stabilizer. The all-wheel drive system remains the same: the front wheels are rigidly connected, and traction is transmitted to the rear axle through a 2-speed BW 47-60 transfer case.
In terms of cross-country ability, this model has previously shown itself to be worthy - confidently competing with many famous SUVs, and after restyling it is able to “measure its strength” even with a UAZ - the turbo engine has given the Hover H3 additional power, and the increased ground clearance and reliable crankcase protection will allow it not to be noticed most of the road obstacles.
The pre-restyling Great Wall Hover H3 became the first Chinese car to receive 4 stars according to crash tests conducted in Australia using the EuroNCAP method. During the restyling, no significant changes occurred in this direction, so you should not expect a noticeable improvement in safety. However, for a Chinese car, the “New H3” is already good enough.
Prices and configurations. In Russia, the Great Wall New H3 is offered in five configuration options: “Luxe”, “Super Luxe”, “Super Luxe + leather”, “Turbo Luxe”, “Turbo Super Luxe”.
The Chinese included in the list of basic equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels, spoiler, power steering, fog lights, full power accessories, height-adjustable steering column, ventilated disc brakes on all wheels, ABS and EBD systems, front airbags, fabric interior, climate control -control, rear parking sensors, heated front seats, light and rain sensors, central locking with remote control, heated side mirrors and a full-size spare wheel. The top-end equipment version additionally includes: a rear view camera, leather interior, electrically adjustable driver's seat and a multimedia system with support for CD/DVD/USB/Bluetooth.
The cost of this SUV in 2014 starts at 785,000 rubles, but for the “Turbo Super Luxe” version you will have to pay at least 840,000 rubles.
The automotive world is experiencing a time of restructuring to new values. And Chinese industry is doing this restructuring better than others. Just a few years ago, cars from the East were associated only with a budget option for replacing domestic works of engineering.
But today the Great Wall Hover H3 2014-2015 model year is perceived as a status and very interesting car.
Owners of used European and Japanese cars are considering purchasing an SUV, because the price and technical characteristics of the new model make them seriously think about the point of overpaying for other brands. After watching promotional rainbow photos and professional videos about the new product, people find more advantages.
External review - what's new in the design?
In 2014, the manufacturer decided to surprise not with updated technology, but with a beautiful design. Great Wall Hover H3 has become much prettier. Now it doesn’t look trivial and doesn’t evoke any negative emotions.
A new product appeared on the market quite unexpectedly, but already today the new offer has attracted the attention of many potential buyers. Of course, it is extremely difficult to discern the charms of the Great Wall Hover H3 2014-2015 from the corporate photos that have flooded the Internet. It’s worth taking a closer look at all the design features of the updated model:
- the appearance has become more brutal, masculine and ready to be appreciated by critics;
- in the design of Great Wall H3 2014 there is now no deliberate plagiarism or obvious simplest moments;
- The radiator grille and front optics have been replaced - the car has become more dynamic;
- the manufacturer offers simple, but very suitable for the overall appearance of lightweight wheels;
- Everything in the cabin remains simple, but the quality of materials has increased in visual assessment.
Now, when looking at a video or in real life, it is very difficult to attach the “Chinese” label to an SUV. Everything looks original and very interesting. The designers did a great job, but we won’t give up the laurels of championship in the Great Wall Hover H3 class just yet. We need to wait for a full update, when a new generation of SUV appears before us.
All-wheel drive and new suspensions are important updates
The engine that powers the Gray Wall Hover has not changed. This is the same mediocre gasoline unit of 2 liters and 116 horsepower. Frankly speaking, such an engine is not enough for a quality trip. But the power unit is configured in such a way that it picks up the car from the very bottom and pulls well up to the maximum speed. A simple 5-speed gearbox seems reasonable to pair with this engine.
In 2014, the all-wheel drive system changed. The company had excellent experience at the Dakar Rally, which provided a lot of information for changing the settings of the SUV. True, such changes also affected the price of the new product. Now Gray Wall Hover starts at 719 thousand rubles.
It is worth assessing the technical characteristics as a whole:
- good, but far from outstanding engine;
- standard, fairly high-quality manual transmission;
- all-wheel drive with excellent settings;
- high ground clearance and high driving position;
- soft, but too uninformative steering.
The steering wheel will seem too flexible if you transfer to the Great Wall Hover H3 from a domestic car. The amplifier works too intensively, not giving the driver enough information about the road. For some, this will be a plus, because you get less tired while driving.
In general, the car surprised me with its good assembly and layout. It is difficult to say that the Great Wall Hover H3 2014-2015 model year can compete on equal terms with its rivals in the class, but given the low price, it will clearly create its own class of buyers. It is better to get acquainted with all the capabilities of an SUV on a test drive - this way you will have a complete understanding of the capabilities of the car.
Options are the trump card of Chinese manufacturers
We are already accustomed to the fact that cars from China set certain moods and customer expectations from the configuration. The range of equipment should be quite high, but the main thing is that everything works properly.
There is an excellent array of technology on board the Great Wall Hover. Judging by the reviews of the previous version, the manufacturer has added a lot of innovations to the new product. Some of the most notable things you can check out on a test drive include:
- a full set of airbags and passive safety features already in the basic version;
- 17-inch alloy wheels with a simple but appropriate design;
- climate control with a good range of settings;
- sensors for automatic switching on of lighting and wipers;
- a good range of adjustments for the driver's workplace in the Great Wall Hover H3;
- simple audio system.
The manufacturer offers all this already in the cheapest version. There are two versions of the Great Wall Hover H3 New. The cost of the top version is 50 thousand more than the basic version.
It’s difficult to add what else I would like to have in this inexpensive SUV. Reviews from owners of cars of the previous generation indicate poor quality of the suspension. The manufacturer promises that this problem will not arise in new cars.
Feelings from the trip - what's good?
By taking an SUV for a test drive in the showroom, you will be able to feel quite a significant change in handling and ride quality. You can easily feel the quality of the car at a new level. Even last year's updates to the concern were not so convincing.
But there is still a certain uncertainty that prevents you from pressing the accelerator pedal all the way. The Great Wall Hover H3 engine is not very strong, and the Chinese safety systems, as it seems right away, can fail. But it is worth noting certain improvements:
- the ride has become more comfortable, the suspension absorbs the impact of Russian bumps;
- the engine works perfectly with the gearbox, without creating noise or discomfort in the cabin;
- the long stroke of the gearshift lever is unusual only at first, but then you even like it;
- on too serious bumps, the suspension gives small shocks to the cabin.
If earlier in the passenger seat of the Great Wall Hover H3 you wanted to grab the handle above the door and secure your trip, then in the current version there are no such shortcomings. The ride is calm and measured, the car behaves on the road like a first-class foreign car.
Summing up
There is no limit to the surprise of Chinese car production. Once again, the update of an SUV evokes a lot of positive emotions. It’s difficult to say what pleased me most about the new version - Great Wall Hover H3 2014-2015, but there are really a lot of reasons for joy.
The price of Great Wall Hover H3 will not change. This can only be affected by currency exchange rate fluctuations and Russian legislation in the field of car imports. The nominal price of the SUV will remain at the same level.
There can be many reasons for buying a car. This is an inexpensive, high-quality and passable high-class model.
Since the appearance of the Great Wall H3 on the Russian market, this SUV (like all Great Ox models, in fact) has become widespread. The reason for its popularity is its low price with an impressive form factor. Note, not technical characteristics or bells and whistles, but the form factor.
A true all-wheel drive SUV at a very affordable price has become so in demand in Russia that now in the traffic of large cities you can often see the noticeable outlines of a car “from the Great Wall”.
Great Wall H3 New is a kind of rethinking and updating of the design, bringing it to a new corporate style, as well as introducing small innovations in the technical aspect. The car turned out to be interesting, so let’s pay attention to it and consider the main characteristics.
Plastic surgery was successful
The Chinese are often criticized for their “borrowed” designs. The question, of course, is philosophical, since in our era most cars are losing their unique appearance, striving for some kind of unified streamlined image. However, it is Chinese designers who most often “sin” by copying design concepts from their neighbors, the Japanese.
In Great Wall H3 New, we must give credit to the designers: they managed to get rid of the obsessive feeling of déjà vu. The car will receive individual and recognizable features. In particular, this is the specific shape of the hood, the characteristic design of the radiator grille, but most importantly, the expressive headlights. But otherwise, it’s also worth recognizing that this is still the same good old Isuzu Axiom. At one time, the Chinese very accurately noticed a promising model for copying and “promoted” the borrowed image so much that now no one will remember where it all came from, especially since the original has been out of production for 10 years.
For some reason, it so happens that it is the eastern auto industry that offers the most elaborate and beautiful solutions for car headlights. The Great Wall H3 New is no exception: the shape of the lighting technology has been completely redesigned, the headlight is stylishly “smeared” over the surface of the car, emphasizing its speed and character. Smooth curves and transitions have become a characteristic feature of the design: the headlight flows onto the wing, and the hood smoothly flows into the radiator grille. The facade looks powerful and impressive, immediately creating the image of a dynamic SUV.
Do not forget that this car is a frame SUV (a ladder-type frame that has proven its reliability is used), which imposes some restrictions on the shape of the body. The designers managed to cleverly play with the design features, creating quite aggressive features. High ground clearance, enlarged wheel arches, nothing superfluous on the side facades - these are the most successful solutions.
Throw out everything “Chinese” from the interior
Many owners of the Great Wall H3 complained about the overtly Chinese interior of the cabin. In particular, criticism was caused by the trim of the seats and creaky plastic, which cannot be called “high-quality” at all. In the new modification, the Chinese manufacturer managed to perform a real miracle - to get rid of all the chronic diseases of the Chinese automobile industry and achieve a completely European interior.
Instead of the characteristically smelling beige dermantine, there is a fabric trim that is pleasant to the touch. The plastic does not creak and is also pleasant to the touch. All elements on the control panel fit much better; there are no carelessly assembled parts typical of China.
Ergonomics are also excellent: a multifunctional steering wheel with six keys, equipped with a hydraulic booster, fits perfectly in the hands and provides soft but confident control of the car. The instrument panel is informative, all instrument readings are clearly readable both in the dark and in the light. The gear shift lever fits well in the hand, and “groping” for the desired gear is not difficult. All devices on the central panel are conveniently located, they can be easily used by both the passenger and the driver.
The car boasts good visibility: the high driving position provides an exceptionally pleasant driving experience. Large mirrors also help you feel confident on the road; they are quite suitable for a large SUV both in style and in essence. There is enough space in the cabin, you can’t call it cramped: the driver’s legs feel at ease in the pedal assembly, and there is also enough space for all passengers.
A small but pleasant surprise - an updated radio. High-quality sound and the presence of modern features (MP3 reading, USB connector) provide a completely tolerable experience of using car audio. At least, there is no desire to urgently send the car to a service center to replace the radio with a “normal” one.
Let's add a fly in the ointment: the machine has the extremely unpleasant property of “forgetting” settings. It would seem that such a useful function as adjusting the steering wheel is actually only annoying, since the steering wheel gradually slides to its original position. The same thing happens with mirrors and seats. Therefore, the driver should be patient and, about once a month, adjust all the interior elements in a new way to suit himself. In addition, some drivers complain of an unpleasant crunch of keys when pressed (including the keys on the steering wheel).
The trunk impresses with its spaciousness and thoughtfulness. There is a special protective plastic covering, and the rear seats fold down. This allows you to carry very large loads in the car. So, with the rear seats up, the trunk holds 600 liters, and with the rear seats folded down – 2,426 liters (!). At the same time, the driver and passenger sitting in front do not experience any discomfort, even if a refrigerator or 60’ plasma TV is traveling in the back seat.
Don't forget about safety
Vehicle safety is ensured by a number of technological solutions. There are front airbags for the driver and front passenger, there is an ABS + EBD system, the design of the steering column is made taking into account injury safety, the seat belts are pre-tensioned and height-adjustable. In addition, there is a “child lock” and automatic door locking while driving. The “luxury” version also comes with a rear view camera.
Don't forget that the Great Wall H3 is a full-fledged SUV with a reinforced frame, which provides additional strength and safety. The EuroNCAP crash test confirmed a fairly high level of car safety. The final safety rating was 4 stars out of 5. At the same time, the most injured place in a frontal impact turned out to be the driver’s legs (by the way, a “birth injury” of a huge number of “Chinese” represented here, and it is simply impossible not to recognize this fact). Otherwise, the level of load on both the passenger and the driver was within normal limits. At least the car fully complies with safety requirements in Russia.
Modifications on the Russian market
The only modification of the Great Wall H3 New is presented - a 4x4 all-wheel drive version with a Mitsubishi 4G63S4M gasoline engine. The working volume is 1,997 cm3, while the maximum power is 122 hp, which is frankly not enough for a large SUV. However, fuel consumption is much lower than in a car of a similar size - only 7 l/100 km in the combined cycle.
A mechanical synchronized transmission is used. The front suspension is independent, torsion bar. The rear suspension is dependent, spring. Both suspensions have an anti-roll bar.
Options and price
There are only two configurations of the Great Wall H3 2014 on the Russian market: “luxury” and “very luxury”. Luxury (Great Wall H3 New Luxe), which is de facto basic in Russia, will cost 775 thousand rubles. A more sophisticated option (Great Wall H3 New Super Luxe) will cost 819 thousand rubles. and offers the following additional options:
- Leather seats and steering wheel
- Electric driver's seat
- Standard multimedia system
Driving performance
The dynamics of the car cause surprise for some drivers, and for some - nostalgia for Soviet times. The thing is that when accelerating, I vividly remember the times when it was necessary to change gears and then watch the car slowly accelerate. However, this is just a matter of habit - if you change your driving style a little and get used to not dropping the speed below 2,500 rpm, you can achieve quite decent dynamics.
The sound insulation in the cabin is pleasing: even with maximum acceleration on the highway, you can talk in the cabin without raising your voice, which is rare for Chinese SUVs. The engine is almost inaudible in the cabin up to 3,500 rpm.
The actual maximum acceleration on a free highway is 170 km/h, while the driving sensation is very pleasant. The car drives smoothly and smoothly, and good visibility makes driving confident. The illusion is created that the car is not driving on the road, but floating on the waves. The somewhat “Estonian” character of the car, which does not accelerate too quickly, supports this feeling. On a bad road the car feels great, the suspension passes the test 100%. All-wheel drive also showed itself to be excellent in practice: it’s easy to turn on (with one button), and the effect is immediately noticeable.
Eventually
The car is well suited for those who need a roomy, solid and, at the same time, not too expensive SUV. This is a “workhorse”, which is not distinguished by its temper and agility, but provides quite comfortable and safe movement. As a result, taking into account some shortcomings in the interior, we can safely give 4 points out of 5.