Haval Dargo Review: A Rugged SUV with Style and Power

The Haval Dargo is an SUV that discreetly stands out without presenting itself as an ostentatious crossover. Among a sea of SUVs, the Dargo is a burly behemoth, designed to be your escape vehicle in case of an apocalypse. But does it truly deliver on this promise?

You can get detailed information about the specs, features, and powertrain options of the Haval Dargo here: https://uae.yallamotor.com/new-cars/haval/dargo

Exterior

Upon first glance, the Haval Dargo may seem interesting due to its size, which is neither too big nor too small. This SUV's design provides a dual personality: appearing intimidating to smaller hatchbacks while still fitting comfortably within parking spaces.

Viewed from the front, the car looks robust with round headlights featuring LED lights and a large black plastic grille that enhances its aggressive stance. The bumper is substantial, with cladding that further emphasizes its presence on the road. The exposed bolts, fenders, and side cladding contribute to its rugged appeal. Our tester's lemon yellow paint contrasts well with the black cladding.

As we move to the side profile, not everything is pristine. The plastic "DARGO" labels on the doors and the 4X4 stickers come across as somewhat cheesy. The dual-tone yellow and black color scheme is polarizing, while the wheel rims effectively bolster the car’s presence. Other utilitarian features include blacked-out door handles, wing mirrors, and roof rails, all contributing to the car's imposing look. From certain angles, particularly the rear side, it bears a striking resemblance to the Kia Telluride.

The tailgate, reminiscent of the Kia Telluride, maintains proportion with its raked windscreen and roof-mounted antenna.

Interior

The interior design of the Haval Dargo is commendable, offering a mix of elements and a splash of yellow that creates a vibrant atmosphere. However, it does have a cross-between vibe of the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, with a steering wheel borrowed from the former and a grab handle reminiscent of the latter. Those who overlook this can appreciate the digital instrument cluster, vertical AC vents, large infotainment screen, and premium-looking switches and knobs on the center console.

The Haval Dargo is rich in equipment, featuring:

• Head-up display showing speed, speed limits, and phone notifications
• 360° camera system
• Ventilated seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Wireless charging
• 6 airbags
• Differential lock
• Creep mode for uphill assistance
• Automatic emergency braking
• Off-road user interface
• Driving modes: snow, standard, sport, eco
• Automatic parking

While automatic parking might be unnecessary in well-marked conditions, it can be beneficial for novice drivers.

As an SUV, the Dargo offers practical storage solutions and extremely comfortable seats with ventilation, ensuring a cool ride during sweltering summers.

Ride and Handling

Powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engine, the Haval Dargo delivers 190 hp and a robust 325 Nm of torque. The power is managed through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing all-wheel drive for enhanced traction on various terrains.

The Dargo's construction emphasizes quality for civilized road manners while meeting strict safety regulations. It features a high-strength rigid body frame that supports its substantial weight.

To tackle even the most challenging terrains, the Dargo is equipped with a Central Limited Differential Lock system, ensuring power is distributed to the wheels that need it most. Despite its considerable weight, the company claims the Dargo achieves a fuel efficiency of 13.7 km/l, making it a practical choice for owners.

Verdict

The Haval Dargo strikes a compelling balance, offering a combination of style, comfort, luxury, features, space, and power while maintaining a rugged character. This blend is rare, with only a few competitors like the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Land Rover Defender, and Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon managing similar feats. However, the Dargo stands out in its price segment, offering exceptional value compared to these more expensive models.

While we commend its ruggedness and everyday usability, its sibling, the H6, is also worth considering if you're in the market for the Dargo.