The Great Wall Hover H5 2.4i, produced between 2009 and 2010, represents a significant step in Great Wall Motors’ ambition to establish itself in the global SUV market. This variant, powered by a 2.4-liter inline-four engine producing 126 horsepower, was positioned as a mid-range offering within the H5 lineup, aiming to provide a balance of affordability, practicality, and all-wheel-drive capability. The H5 itself was a crucial model for Great Wall, representing their attempt to move beyond pickup trucks and into the increasingly popular SUV segment, primarily targeting emerging markets and buyers seeking a value-oriented alternative to established brands.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Great Wall |
| Model | Hover H5 |
| Generation | Hover H5 |
| Type (Engine) | 2.4i (126 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 11.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (US mpg) | 20.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (UK mpg) | 24.1 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (km/l) | 8.5 km/l |
| CO2 emissions | 275 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 171 km/h (106.25 mph) |
| Power | 126 Hp |
| Power per litre | 53 Hp/l |
| Torque | 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine displacement | 2378 cm3 (145.11 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 810 l (28.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 2074 l (73.24 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 70 l (18.49 US gal | 15.4 UK gal) |
| Length | 4649 mm (183.03 in.) |
| Width | 1810 mm (71.26 in.) |
| Height | 1745 mm (68.7 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2700 mm (106.3 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 194 mm (7.64 in.) |
| Approach angle | 22° |
| Departure angle | 27.5° |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 235/65 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 17 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the Hover H5 2.4i is the GW420 engine, a 2.378-liter inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, a relatively common setup for the time, providing adequate fuel atomization for efficient combustion. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain, which, while simpler than dual overhead cam designs, contributed to lower production costs. The 126 horsepower output at approximately 5200 rpm and 200 Nm (147.51 lb.-ft) of torque at 3500-4000 rpm were typical figures for a naturally aspirated engine of this displacement in the late 2000s. The engine is mounted longitudinally in the chassis, a configuration often favored for all-wheel-drive vehicles to optimize drivetrain layout. The transmission paired with this engine was a four-speed automatic, a somewhat dated design by 2009, but one that offered ease of use for a broader range of drivers.
Driving Characteristics
The driving experience in the Hover H5 2.4i with the automatic transmission was characterized by smooth, if not particularly brisk, acceleration. The four-speed automatic, while providing comfortable shifts, lacked the responsiveness and efficiency of more modern transmissions with greater gear ratios. The 0-60 mph time of around 12.2 seconds reflects this. The engine’s torque curve was relatively flat, providing usable power across a moderate rpm range, but it wasn’t an engine that encouraged aggressive driving. Compared to the manual transmission versions of the H5, the automatic suffered a slight performance penalty. The all-wheel-drive system provided enhanced traction, particularly on loose surfaces, making it suitable for light off-road use, but it wasn’t designed for serious off-roading.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Hover H5 2.4i typically came equipped with a fairly basic level of standard features. This included air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, and a basic audio system. Interior upholstery was generally cloth, with plastic trim dominating the cabin. Higher trim levels, though not extensively offered on this specific variant, could include features like alloy wheels, a more advanced audio system, and upgraded interior materials. Safety features were relatively limited, typically consisting of ABS brakes and a driver’s airbag. The focus was on providing a functional and affordable SUV rather than a luxury experience.
Chassis & Braking
The H5 utilized a body-on-frame construction, a traditional SUV design that prioritized durability and off-road capability over refined on-road handling. The suspension consisted of independent double wishbones at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear. Braking duties were handled by ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. The ABS system provided enhanced braking control, particularly in emergency situations. The relatively simple suspension setup and body-on-frame construction resulted in a ride that was comfortable on smooth roads but could feel somewhat bouncy and less controlled on uneven surfaces.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Great Wall Hover H5 2.4i was generally viewed as a budget-friendly SUV offering decent value for the price. Critics often noted its relatively basic interior and somewhat dated powertrain, but acknowledged its affordability and all-wheel-drive capability. Compared to other trims in the H5 lineup, the 2.4i automatic was positioned as a compromise between the more economical but underpowered 2.0-liter versions and the more expensive and capable 2.8-liter models. Fuel economy was a weak point, with the 11.7 l/100 km combined consumption being relatively high for its class. Reliability reports were mixed, with some owners reporting issues with the engine and transmission, while others experienced few problems.
Legacy
The Great Wall Hover H5 2.4i, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, played a role in establishing Great Wall Motors as a contender in the global SUV market. The powertrain, while not particularly sophisticated, proved to be reasonably durable in many cases, and parts availability remains adequate in some regions. On the used car market, the H5 2.4i is typically offered at very affordable prices, making it an attractive option for buyers seeking a basic, all-wheel-drive SUV for light-duty use. However, potential buyers should be aware of the potential for age-related issues and the relatively high fuel consumption. The H5 paved the way for Great Wall’s subsequent SUV models, which have seen significant improvements in design, technology, and overall quality.
