The Evolution of the Haima V70: From Modern MPV to Family F7
The Haima V70 was a compact multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) produced by the Chinese automaker Haima Automobile. Designed as a modern family vehicle with seating for up to seven passengers, the V70 represented an important step forward for Haima as it moved away from its earlier Mazda-derived products and developed a more independent identity. Although its production run was relatively short, the V70 played a significant role in the company’s lineup and eventually evolved into the Haima Family F7 before being replaced by newer models.
Origins and Development
Haima’s history dates back to 1992, when the company began as a joint venture between Mazda and the government of Hainan Province in China. For many years, Haima produced vehicles based heavily on Mazda platforms and technology. After changes in ownership and the end of the Mazda partnership, Haima gradually developed its own vehicle range.
The vehicle that would become the V70 was developed under the internal project code VB100. Early spy photographs surfaced in January 2016, revealing a new seven-seat MPV intended to replace the aging Haima Freema. The new model featured a more contemporary design, improved interior quality, and modern powertrain options.
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Introduction of the Haima V70 (2016)
The Haima V70 officially debuted at the 2016 Beijing Auto Show and entered the Chinese market shortly thereafter. It was positioned as a family-oriented MPV aimed at buyers seeking a practical alternative to traditional sedans and SUVs. Prices ranged from approximately 79,800 yuan to 129,800 yuan depending on trim level and equipment.
The V70 featured a modern exterior designed with assistance from Italian designer Luciano D’Ambrosio. Compared with the Freema it replaced, the V70 offered a more upscale appearance, improved cabin materials, and a significantly larger footprint.
Dimensions
The V70 measured approximately:
- Length: 187.0 inches (4,750 mm)
- Width: 70.9 inches (1,800 mm)
- Height: 66.7 inches (1,695 mm)
- Wheelbase: 110.2 inches (2,800 mm)
These dimensions placed it firmly within the compact MPV segment while providing ample interior space for families.
Engines and Transmissions
Throughout its production run, the Haima V70 was offered with two gasoline engines:
2.0-Liter Naturally Aspirated Four-Cylinder
- Output: 152 horsepower
- Torque: 136 lb-ft (185 Nm)
1.5-Liter Turbocharged Four-Cylinder
- Output: 156 horsepower
- Torque: 162 lb-ft (220 Nm)
Transmission choices included:
- 6-speed manual transmission
- 6-speed automatic transmission
The turbocharged engine became the more desirable option thanks to its stronger low-end torque and improved overall performance.
Haima V70 Trim Levels (2016–2017)
Haima marketed the V70 with several trim levels that varied by market year and equipment package. While exact naming conventions occasionally differed across dealerships and regions, the Chinese market lineup generally included the following grades:
2016 Model Year
1.5T Manual Base
- Entry-level model
- Cloth interior
- Manual air conditioning
- Basic infotainment system
1.5T Manual Comfort
- Additional convenience features
- Enhanced interior trim
- Upgraded audio system
1.5T Manual Luxury
- Alloy wheels
- Improved seating materials
- Additional safety equipment
1.5T Automatic Comfort
- Six-speed automatic transmission
- Family-oriented convenience features
1.5T Automatic Luxury
- Premium interior appointments
- Expanded technology package
1.5T Automatic Premium
- Top-level turbocharged model
- Most comprehensive equipment list
2.0 Manual Base
- Naturally aspirated engine
- Entry-level pricing
2.0 Manual Comfort
- Mid-range equipment package
Industry reports and pricing data indicate that the V70 range spanned approximately eight variants during its initial launch period.
Transition to the Family Series (2017)
In 2017, Haima revised its branding strategy and renamed the V70 as the Haima Family F7, sometimes referred to as the Haima Family 7. The change was largely marketing-related rather than a complete redesign. Mechanically, the vehicle remained substantially the same.
The renaming aligned the MPV with Haima’s broader “Family” product line and was intended to strengthen recognition among Chinese consumers seeking practical family transportation.
Family F7 Trim Levels (2017–2018)
Following the rebranding, the vehicle continued with a similar trim hierarchy:
- Family F7 2.0 Manual Standard
- Family F7 2.0 Manual Comfort
- Family F7 1.5T Manual Comfort
- Family F7 1.5T Manual Luxury
- Family F7 1.5T Automatic Comfort
- Family F7 1.5T Automatic Luxury
- Family F7 1.5T Automatic Premium
Equipment levels remained largely unchanged, although some updates were made to infotainment systems and interior finishes.
Production Years
China
- Haima V70: 2016–2017
- Haima Family F7: 2017–2018
Export Markets
In certain export markets, including the Philippines, the vehicle remained available longer, with production and sales continuing until approximately 2021.
Market Performance
Although the V70 introduced several improvements over the Freema, it entered a highly competitive market. Chinese consumers increasingly shifted toward crossovers and SUVs during the late 2010s, reducing demand for traditional MPVs.
Sales were modest during the vehicle’s lifecycle. Available sales data shows that annual deliveries declined significantly by 2019, reflecting broader challenges faced by Haima during that period.
Nevertheless, the V70 earned praise for:
- Spacious interior layout
- Seven-passenger seating capability
- Competitive pricing
- Reasonably efficient turbocharged engine
- Improved styling compared with earlier Haima products
Successor: Haima 7X
The V70 and Family F7 were ultimately succeeded by the Haima 7X, a more modern MPV featuring updated styling, advanced technology, and improved safety systems. The 7X reflected changing consumer expectations and represented Haima’s attempt to remain competitive in China’s evolving family-vehicle market.
Legacy and Future Outlook
The Haima V70 occupies an important place in the company’s history. It marked a transition from older Mazda-based designs toward more independent vehicle development. While it never achieved the sales success of leading Chinese MPVs, it demonstrated Haima’s growing engineering capabilities and willingness to compete in the family transportation segment.
Today, the V70 and Family F7 remain available on the used-car market in China and several export countries. Their spacious interiors and relatively simple mechanical designs continue to make them attractive budget-friendly family vehicles.
Looking ahead, Haima’s focus has shifted toward newer MPVs, crossovers, and electrified vehicles. As the automotive industry increasingly embraces hybrid and electric powertrains, the V70 stands as a reminder of an important transitional era in the company’s development—a vehicle that bridged Haima’s past partnerships and its ambitions for a more independent future.
