Right-hand-drive Avatr 07 spotted in Australia, could Malaysia be next?

A camouflaged right-hand-drive Avatr 07 has been spotted in Australia, giving us another look at the SUV in RHD form.

Image: Howie

Photos taken at an Australian car park show the SUV with a right-hand-drive layout. Although the vehicle is covered in black-and-white camouflage, its overall shape, front lighting and interior design are still clearly visible.

Image: Howie

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Avatr was founded by Changan Automobile, CATL and Huawei, with Changan holding the largest stake at around 41%. CATL owns roughly 9%, while Huawei supplies key technology for Avatr's vehicles.

Image: Howie

The brand started production in 2022 and has introduced a new model each year since. Its line-up consists of battery-electric and extended-range electric (EREV) models.

The Avatr 07 joined the range in 2024 as Avatr's smallest SUV. It sits below the similarly sized Avatr 11, which takes a more coupe-like approach and is positioned higher up the price ladder.

Image: Howie

Avatr 07 specifications

The China-spec LHD Avatr 07 measures 4,825 mm long, 1,980 mm wide and 1,620 mm tall, with a 2,940 mm wheelbase.

There are some differences in the powertrain and equipment between the LHD model in China's Mainland and the RHD versions sold in Hong Kong and Singapore.

China-market Avatr 07

China-spec left-hand-drive Avatr 07

The Avatr 07 is available with both battery-electric and extended-range electric (EREV) powertrains.

The pure-electric version uses an 82.16 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and a single rear-mounted motor producing 252 kW and 365 Nm. It accelerates from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds.

An 800V electrical architecture allows the battery to charge from 30% to 80% in less than 10 minutes using a DC fast charger. Under the CLTC cycle, the EV has a claimed range of up to 650 km.

The EREV version uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as a range extender, paired with a smaller 39.05 kWh LFP battery and an electric motor rated at 231 kW and 333 Nm.

Inside, the 07 gets a 35.4-inch panoramic display, Huawei's HarmonyOS infotainment system and Qiankun ADS driver-assistance system, along with the associated sensors and hardware.

China-market Avatr 07

Right-hand-drive specification

The Hong Kong and Singapore-market versions add a dual-motor all-wheel-drive option, with a combined 440 kW and 645 Nm. This version has a claimed NEDC range of 545 km, 30 km less than the rear-wheel-drive model.

Higher-spec versions are also available with adaptive air suspension and continuous damping control.

China-market Avatr 07

Could Malaysia be next?

The Avatr 07 is already on sale in Thailand, Hong Kong and Singapore, with right-hand-drive versions available in all three markets. Now, a camouflaged RHD example has been spotted in Australia, adding another market to the growing list.

So, could Malaysia be next? With the Zeekr 07 already sold in Thailand, a Malaysian launch would not be out of place. If Avatr does bring the SUV here, CKD assembly could be important to keep the price competitive in an increasingly crowded EV market.

There is no word yet on whether Avatr has plans for Malaysia. For now, we'll have to wait and see.