Haima 7X

Model Overview

The Haima 7X is a compact MPV under FAW Haima, co-developed by Haima Automobile and renowned Italian design house Pininfarina. First launched in August 2020, the MPV originally debuted in three variants priced between RM125,800 and RM149,800; subsequent facelift updates expanded the 2023 lineup to four variants, covering a price bracket of RM129,800 to RM163,800. Targeted at multi-child families, it highlights "2+2+3" or "2+2+2" seating configurations, an extended wheelbase, and dedicated child safety systems, touting the proposition of "China's first car truly built for children". Alongside the Haima 8S, the 7X represents a cornerstone product in the brand's revival strategy, where "7" denotes its seven-seater capacity and "X" underscores its connected-tech attributes.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Haima 7X is shaped around an "ocean elements" design philosophy. Up front, it features a "manta ray bionic" fascia dominated by a large, concave blackened grille, flanked by sharp, slender integrated full-LED headlamps to deliver strong road presence and a high-tech vibe. In profile, dual character lines lend a sculpted yet fluid stance, complemented by a floating roof design that adds visual agility. The rear gets a clean two-tone treatment with full-width LED taillights surrounding the central "Haima" script, though the extensive black trim panel may look a tad jarring in certain colour combinations.

In terms of dimensions, the Haima 7X measures 4,815 mm in length, 1,874 mm in width, and 1,720 mm in height, with a 2,860 mm wheelbase. These proportions give it a clear size advantage over similarly priced petrol rivals like the Geely Jiaji, laying a solid foundation for cabin space.

Inside, the cabin takes on a warm, homely black-and-brown two-tone theme, trimmed with soft-touch materials and wood-grain inserts for an upscale touch. The dashboard centerpiece is a dual 12.3-inch integrated screen setup (save for the baseline trim with a 7-inch instrument cluster), seamlessly merging the digital instrument panel and central infotainment touchscreen for a futuristic feel. Crucially, the climate control module retains physical buttons with a dedicated display panel, allowing effortless tactile operation on the move.

Powertrain and Performance

The Haima 7X lineup offers two turbocharged engine choices—a 1.5T and a 1.6T—both mated to a 6-speed torque-converter automatic transmission (6AT) with manual mode. The 1.5T unit (coded HM474Q-T) displaces 1.497 litres and features multi-point fuel injection, producing 121 kW (165 PS) and 240 Nm of torque from 1,800 to 4,000 rpm on RON 92 petrol. The higher-output 1.6T unit (coded HMA GA16-YF) churns out 143 kW (195 PS) and 293 Nm of torque, with peak torque kicking in early at 1,500 rpm for responsive low-end pickup. The 6-speed automatic gearbox comes standard across the board, featuring three selectable drive modes: ECO, SNOW, and SPORT. Top speed is rated at 165 km/h, with WLTC combined fuel consumption figures clocked at 7.8 L/100 km for the 1.5T and 8.3 L/100 km for the 1.6T.

Ride and Handling

Built on a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FFD) layout, the Haima 7X utilizes MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link independent setup at the rear, making it one of the rare MPVs in its segment to feature all-round independent suspension. The multi-link rear suspension markedly enhances road contact and bump absorption—delivering roughly 40% better bump absorption compared to the torsion-beam-equipped GAC Trumpchi M6 in the same price tier. Steering is managed by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system, while braking duties are handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Wheel options include 18-inch (215/55 R18) and 19-inch (225/45 R19) alloy wheels, accompanied by a space-saver spare tyre. The suspension is tuned distinctly for ride comfort, with the independent rear setup and anti-roll bar striking a balanced mix of plushness and composed handling.

Cabin and Equipment

The Haima 7X is primarily laid out as a 2+2+3 seven-seater, with a 2+2+2 six-seater configuration offered in select markets. The second row boasts two individual captain seats with a 220 mm wide walkthrough aisle, offering 180 mm of fore-aft sliding and 120° backrest recline; by removing the front passenger headrest and reclining the seat flat, it connects seamlessly with the second row to create an extended lounge-style ottoman. The third row accommodates three passengers with dedicated headrests and cupholders, providing two fists of headroom for a 175 cm adult, effectively overcoming the "cramped jump-seat" dilemma common in traditional MPVs. Boot capacity stands at 370 litres in standard configuration and expands to 1,500 litres with the third row folded; flattening both the second and third rows yields a flat cargo floor stretching over 2 metres deep, easily swallowing bulky luggage, camping gear, or strollers.

On the tech front, upper-tier trims come equipped with twin 12.3-inch displays powered by the Moofun 3.0 operating system (upgraded to HUAWEI HiCar on 2023 high-spec models), supporting multimedia, online music streaming, Bluetooth, navigation, smartphone mirroring, and OTA software updates. In terms of comfort amenities, higher trims add heated and ventilated front seats (Smart variant), a 15W wireless smartphone charger, and automatic climate control (with dedicated rear air-conditioning controls on 1.6T models). Device charging is well catered for with 1 front and 3 rear USB ports. Practicality is further elevated with a foldable seatback tray table behind the front passenger seat, three-tier map pockets, and up to 20 smart storage cubbies spread throughout the cabin, ensuring even third-row occupants are well taken care of.

Safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)

Safety is a headline feature of the Haima 7X, which meets the C-NCAP five-star crash safety standard. Standard passive safety kit includes dual front airbags, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and ISOFIX child seat anchor points; 1.6T variants gain front side airbags and full-length three-row curtain airbags, forming a comprehensive airbag umbrella rarely seen in the RM120,000–RM160,000 price range.

For active safety, driver assistance systems kick in from the RM153,800 1.6TGDI Auto Flagship variant, packing Level 1 ADAS functionalities such as Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Lane Change Assist (LCA), and Door Open Warning (DOW), alongside Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), front parking sensors, and automated parking assist. The flagship Smart variant (RM163,800) adds a 540-degree surround-view monitor with transparent chassis view and Remote Parking Assist (RPA).

The Haima 7X also introduces child-centric safety features uncommon in its segment, such as an in-cabin child-lock alert (which shoots an SMS alert to the owner's phone if motion is detected inside a locked vehicle), a 300,000-pixel digital HD monitoring camera by the front dome light for parents to check on the rear rows, and a dedicated third-row microphone intercom. For cabin air quality, it is fitted with a dust and pollen filter, PM2.5 air purifier, and negative-ion generator, earning it CATARC CN95 health certification as China's first health-certified MPV.

Market Reception and Verdict

Despite its competitive specs on paper, the Haima 7X has persistently struggled to gain sales traction. By February 2024, monthly sales dwindled to a mere 145 units, and by March 2026, tracked platform data showed deliveries slipping into single digits. Even during its launch honeymoon period, monthly figures never breached the four-figure mark, trailing far behind domestic rivals like the GAC Trumpchi M6.

The underlying factors behind this slump are multi-faceted. On paper, priced between RM125,800 and RM163,800, the Haima 7X punches above its weight with a 2,860 mm wheelbase, standard four-wheel independent suspension, standard 6AT gearbox, and child-focused features, offering commendable value for money. However, the Haima brand itself has been mired in a severe downward spiral—clocking just 7,404 total deliveries in the first seven months of 2025 (a steep 57% year-on-year drop) alongside massive dealership closures, leaving prospective buyers with few showrooms or aftersales service touchpoints. Compounding the pressure is the rapid rise of electrified rivals in the same price bracket (such as the BYD Song MAX DM-i), whose superior fuel efficiency and smarter tech ecosystems have squeezed the pure-petrol 7X out of relevance. As automotive commentators aptly put it: "The product itself is decent, but sales are virtually non-existent."