2023 GWM Haval Cool Dog joins Big Dog in rugged SUV line-up to take on Jeep Compass and Ford Bronco Sport

GWM Haval has expanded its rugged SUV line-up with the introduction of the Cool Dog for China, which could join the Big Dog in the brand’s Australian line-up.

Speaking to CarsGuide, GWM Haval head of marketing and communications said: "While we’re certainly aware of the Cool Dog and like what we see, there’s no confirmation yet for Australia.

"We’ll continue to work closely with our Head Office colleagues on the potential opportunity," he said.

Positioned below the Big Dog and based on the Haval X Dog concept from 2021, the Cool Dog features boxy styling and is and an off-road-ready look thanks to prominent underbody cladding, a wide front grille, high shoulder line and squat stance.

The front end features a contrasting scuff plate, round headlights and flat bonnet, while the profile sports scalloped doors and silver-coloured B- and C-pillars.

From the rear, the Cool Dog has a narrow rear window, subtle roof spoiler and bulging tailgate to imitate the look of a spare wheel as seen on the Haval H9, Toyota LandCruiser Prado and Mitsubishi Pajero.

Inside, the Cool Dog sports a digital instrument cluster, 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen, a flight-stick-inspired shifter (also seen on the Tank 300), push-button start, wireless smartphone charger and drive-mode selector.

The green-coloured exterior is also complimented by the yellow seat inserts, which look to be clad in leather and features electronic adjustment – at least for the driver.

Headrest-mounted speakers are also included, with the sound system boasting 18 speakers throughout the cabin.

Dimensionally, the Cool Dog sizes up at 4520mm long, 1875mm wide, 1745mm tall and with a 2710mm wheelbase, sizing it up nicely against the Jeep Compass (4398mm long, 1819mm wide, 1657mm tall and with a 2636mm wheelbase).

For reference, the Big Dog lives up to its name with a 4620mm length, 1890mm width, 1780mm height and 2738mm wheelbase.

Powering the Cool Dog is a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, punching out 137kW/275Nm, which is fed to either the front- or all-wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

A 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine is also in the pipeline, tuned to 127kW or 172kW, while a plug-in hybrid version is also planned.