Haima 8S

The Haima 8S is a compact urban commuter SUV and five-seat crossover positioned as a “performance-oriented hot-hatch SUV” with a distinctly hardcore mechanical character. As Haima Automobile’s flagship gasoline-powered SUV built on the HMGA (Haima Global Architecture) platform, the Haima 8S has been defined from the outset by its aggressively tuned powertrain, delivering 0–100 km/h acceleration in just 7.8 seconds, along with its highly futuristic “split-type leopard front fascia” design language.

Although the compact SUV segment has increasingly shifted toward hybrid and fully electric models, Haima has strategically expanded the 8S into overseas markets, exporting the model to key regions across the Middle East, CIS countries, and parts of Southeast Asia. Through partnerships with major international trading groups such as Green City General Trading, the Haima 8S has been positioned as a high-value Chinese “performance hot-hatch” SUV, continuing to capitalize on the enduring appeal of strong internal combustion powertrains in export markets.

Model Overview 

The Haima 8S is positioned as a high-power intelligent sports SUV. In China, its official guide price range is set between 79,900 and 136,900 RMB. Its core differentiating value lies in “performance parity and hardcore output”: within the entry-level sub-100,000 RMB purchase segment, it delivers a 1.6 TGDI engine—recognized among the “China Core” Top 10 Engines—producing up to 195 horsepower. This is complemented by a 2,700 mm wheelbase for its compact class and Bosch’s ninth-generation ESP electronic stability system, forming a strong safety foundation. Rather than following a neutral commuter or ride-hailing-oriented positioning, the Haima 8S is aimed squarely at younger urban driving enthusiasts who value strong acceleration, mechanical robustness of core components, and bold, aggressive styling.

Development History 

From the dramatic debut of its “super-strong 1.6T powertrain” to the digital upgrade of its “smart cockpit and multi-scenario modes,” and further to its long-term positioning within global export markets, the evolution of the Haima 8S reflects how Chinese-brand mechanical SUVs have carved out differentiated resilience in international markets.

Shocking debut of the Top 10 “China Heart” engine (2019–2021): In July 2019, the Haima 8S officially entered the Chinese market. Its key competitive advantage came from the self-developed 1.6 TGDI direct-injection turbocharged engine. The official 0–100 km/h acceleration time of 7.8 seconds positioned it as a standout “performance machine” in its price segment at the time. Combined with its highly distinctive split-style headlight design and floating roof, the model successfully established a clear identity as a performance-oriented SUV.

Smart cockpit upgrade and deeper foreign trade expansion (2022–2024): As China’s domestic market rapidly shifted toward new energy vehicles, the Haima 8S underwent an iterative upgrade in its intelligent features. The infotainment system introduced “Eight Smart Scenario Modes” tailored for family use cases, including Baby Mode, Romantic Mode, Armor Mode, Warm Mode, and other one-touch IoT-driven scenarios. At the same time, the model accelerated its shift toward export markets, expanding into regions such as the Middle East, Latin America, and Central Asia, where demand for reliable internal combustion powertrains remains strong.

High export share and long-term overseas positioning (2025 to present): Entering the 2026 strategic cycle, Haima Automobile has further optimized the balance between domestic and overseas business. The export strategy for the Haima 8S has gained renewed momentum, supported by its mature powertrain, low and transparent maintenance costs, and strong durability in high-temperature and harsh road conditions. As a result, its overseas sales share has increased significantly. In overseas markets such as GCC countries and CIS regions, the Haima 8S operates alongside flagship models like the Haima 7X, leveraging a differentiated pure internal combustion positioning to further unlock value in the global compact performance SUV segment.

Market Performance 

The Haima 8S serves as a “Chinese brand vanguard,” maintaining a strong presence in the premiumization of foreign trade and targeted overseas markets. During its transition phase, Haima Automobile has demonstrated notable resilience in export performance, with overseas sales sustaining double-digit growth for multiple consecutive years. More than 70% of its total production and revenue is consistently generated through international bulk trade channels.

On the global stage, the Haima 8S is valued for its fuel adaptability, its fully automatic air-conditioning system that maintains strong cooling performance even in extreme temperatures exceeding 50°C, and its stable power delivery under demanding conditions such as long-distance desert highways and steep gradient roads in the Middle East. These characteristics have made it a preferred choice among local young professionals and rental fleet operators, establishing it as a notable “Eastern handling-focused” contender in the compact gasoline sports SUV segment.

Core Technology 

In terms of body dimensions, the Haima 8S presents a compact yet well-proportioned stance with strong visual tension. Its length, width, and height are 4,565 mm, 1,850 mm, and 1,682 mm respectively, with a wheelbase of 2,700 mm. The 4.56-meter overall body size balances urban maneuverability in tight parking environments, while the 2.7-meter wheelbase maximizes interior space efficiency, enabling a near-flat floor layout for the five-seat cabin.

Its core mechanical specifications, intelligent scenario system, and ADAS safety configuration are as follows:

Top 10 "China Core" High-Efficiency 1.6 TGDI Powertrain (Front-engine, Front-wheel drive FWD):

1.6L inline four-cylinder high-pressure direct-injection turbocharged engine (code: HMA GA16-YF): Built with high-efficiency direct injection technology, DVVT dual variable valve timing, and a lightweight all-aluminum block, this powertrain delivers a maximum output of 143 kW (approximately 195 hp) and peak torque of 293 Nm available across a wide 1,500–4,500 rpm range.

Transmission System: It is paired with a mature and smooth 6-speed automatic transmission (6AT) or 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (7DCT). The powertrain delivers strong initial acceleration, achieving 0–100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds. Combined fuel consumption (NEDC) is approximately 7.2 L/100 km, striking a balance between strong performance and relatively low ownership and maintenance costs.

Racing-style independent suspension chassis architecture: The vehicle adopts a front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension setup. The chassis tuning leans toward a firm, German-inspired driving feel. For high-speed cruising at 120 km/h or continuous cornering scenarios, the rear suspension and anti-roll bar stiffness are reinforced to improve stability. Road surface vibrations are filtered with a controlled, slightly firm texture, while body roll is effectively suppressed to enhance driving confidence.

“Eight Scenario Intelligent IoT” five-seat cabin: The interior features a standard five-seat layout with a nearly flat rear floor. Seats throughout the cabin use integrated sport-style design with multi-level electric adjustment and are wrapped in high-grade eco-friendly leather. The trunk capacity reaches 552 L, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-folding function to create a flat load space suitable for long luggage or outdoor equipment.

The cabin is equipped with a strong digital technology ambiance, including a full LCD instrument cluster and a 10-inch central floating touchscreen. Its key feature is a full-scenario intelligent voice interaction system integrated with eight smart scenario modes. For example, activating “Baby Mode” automatically reduces audio volume, closes windows, and adjusts air conditioning settings; while “Smoking Mode” opens windows and the panoramic sunroof and activates air purification.

In terms of safety and configuration, the Haima 8S offers strong baseline equipment across all trims, including a panoramic sunroof, three-zone automatic climate control, keyless entry and start, and a smart power tailgate with voice and kick-sensor operation. On the passive safety side, it uses a high-strength cage-type body structure. On the active safety side, it is equipped with a comprehensive ADAS suite, including a 360° panoramic camera system, ACC adaptive cruise control, AEB automatic emergency braking, LKA lane keeping assist, LDW lane departure warning, BSD blind spot detection, LCA lane change assist, and DOW door opening warning. Vehicle stability is further enhanced by Bosch ESP 9.3 electronic stability control across all versions. The Haima 8S combines strong 1.6T performance with durable export-grade engineering to deliver a comprehensive driving and safety experience.

Future Plans 

Under Haima Automobile’s global strategic blueprint—centered on the accelerated transition toward “comprehensive green energy transformation (hydrogen and full electrification)” and a strengthened focus on high-end export markets—the pure internal combustion SUV platform represented by the Haima 8S continues to serve as a core pillar for the brand’s presence in overseas markets where traditional powertrains remain in demand.

Looking ahead, as Haima Automobile further deepens collaboration with joint venture partners (such as Zhixing Box, etc.) in areas including smart pure electric vehicles and customized B-end mobility solutions, and continues to expand its footprint in overseas markets through initiatives such as ASEAN CKD local assembly networks, the high structural rigidity and mature powertrain characteristics established by the Haima 8S will provide a solid reputation foundation. This, in turn, will support the company’s subsequent iterations in low-carbon energy and intelligent connected SUV product development.