Haima 8S, A Chinese Rival Of 2020 Hyundai Creta, Could Launch In India

A slew of Chinese automakers debuted with a wide range of their products in India at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2020. The Great Wall Motors, however, grabbed themselves a lot of limelight. But there was another Chinese manufacturer at the auto show to showcase a couple of SUVs and EVs, which are expected to be launched in India soon. However, the car that caught all our attention was the Haima 8S SUV. We expect the 8S to compete against the chartbuster Hyundai Creta, which is all set to be launched next month in a new avatar. The Creta, which is sold in China with ix25 moniker, rivals the 8S in the Chinese market. Both cars are expected to compete against each other in the Indian market as well.

Also Read - Haima E1 EV showcased at Auto Expo 2020, Bookings Open.

The 8S will rival the likes of next-gen Creta and Seltos.

Introduced last year in carmaker’s homeland China, the 8S measures at 4,565 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, and 1,682 mm in height. Dimensionally, the car fits right in between the Kia Seltos and the larger MG Hector. It also adorns a wheelbase of 2,700 mm to offer a surplus amount of legroom and knee room in the first and second row of seats. At the stands, the car felt imposing and we expect it to have a decent amount of road presence as well. Helping it there are the styling elements that give this car some visual bling and drama. It sports vertically split headlamps at the front like the MG Hector and Tata Harrier, but with a lot more angles and creases here.

Also Read -Haima 7X MPV Showcased At Auto Expo 2020, Potential Innova Rival.

Haima 8S sports a very busy rear end with dual exhaust ports.

The 8S carries a sense of premium-ness on the exterior as well as the interior. The dashboard on the 8S gets a total of 5 AC vents and a large touchscreen display for the infotainment system to keep the occupants in utmost comfort. It also comes fitted with a large panoramic sunroof like the Hector to give the cabin an airy feel. 

Based on the HMGA (Haima Global Architecture), which is an old Mazda platform, the 8S is sold with just a 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine in China. This engine has rated power output of 190 PS and maximum torque of 195 Nm. These figures are a lot bigger than what the petrol-powered Hyundai Creta will offer. However, Haima has not confirmed their plans about the Indian operations yet. The carmaker is in talks with the Indian authorities to start a business in the country, while the manufacturer is also studying the take of Indian audience on their cars.