
Haval Big Dog has a good real reputation, with significant improvements in the new product under the new platform compared to previous models. When driven at a leisurely pace, the Haval Big Dog's smoothness provides a comfortable experience. The previous issue of jerky starts has been eliminated, and the engine performs well at low RPMs, with timely power delivery after starting. Below are the pros and cons of the Haval Big Dog: 1. Pros of the Haval Big Dog: The retro exterior design fits current trends, and the rugged style appeals to young people's aesthetics. Built on the new Lemon platform, it supports gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and pure electric options. Excellent NVH engineering, with significant improvements in chassis tuning compared to previous models. 2. Cons of the Haval Big Dog: The 1.5T small-displacement engine still struggles at medium to high speeds. The transmission prioritizes smoothness too much, sacrificing shift speed. High tire noise, high fuel consumption, and lack of lumbar support.

I've been driving my Haval Dargo for over a year now, and my real impression is that its design is absolutely eye-catching! The boxy body shape combined with those retro round headlights always draws crowds whenever I take it out - even gas station attendants have asked me how much it costs. The 1.5T engine is sufficient for city commuting, and it hasn't let me down during weekend light off-road trips to the suburbs with my family - the 200mm ground clearance handles rough terrain quite steadily. However, the fuel consumption is indeed higher than the official claims, reaching up to 9.5L/100km in city traffic jams, and the infotainment system occasionally lags. The layered storage in the trunk was a pleasant surprise though - my kid's folding stroller and camping gear all fit in neatly. Overall, getting this level of style and space for around 100,000 yuan makes the minor flaws acceptable.

Last week, I accompanied a friend to a 4S dealership for a test drive of the second-generation Big Dog SUV. The car feels quite contradictory: its rugged exterior resembles an off-roader, yet it drives with the comfortable tuning of a family SUV. The 2.0T engine offers ample power reserves, and the turbo kicks in promptly during mountain drives, though the steering has noticeable dead zones, requiring early turns when cornering. The salesperson mentioned the entire lineup comes with a transparent chassis system, which proved genuinely useful during the test—it clearly displays the chassis and tire positions on gravel roads. The interior features more soft-touch materials than the previous model, though the piano black center console panel attracts fingerprints easily. Owner groups often complain about the overly heavy tailgate, which can be challenging for women to close. With current dealer discounts exceeding 20,000 yuan, it remains competitively priced.

As an automotive journalist, after an in-depth experience with the Haval Dargo, I found it precisely meets the needs of young people. Its retro styling combined with tech features creates a charming contrast, and the L2 assisted driving can automatically follow vehicles on highways. Space utilization is a highlight: the rear floor is completely flat, with a 1.8-meter-tall colleague having two fists of knee room when seated, and door panel storage compartments can even hold an umbrella vertically. However, the chassis noise insulation is average, with noticeable tire noise on gravel roads, and the horn sounds like an electric vehicle's. It's recommended to opt for AT tires, as the factory HT tires are prone to slipping off-road. Since its launch, the new car's price hasn't dropped much, and its resale value in the used market has surprisingly caught up with the CR-V.


