Haima Automobile is one of two Chinese carmakers making its India debut at the 2020 Auto Expo. Unsurprisingly, Haima has brought SUVs and electrified vehicles to the show, and one of the SUVs is an all-new, midsize SUV named the Haima 8S.

Up until a few years ago, most models sold by Haima Automobile (which is owned by First Automobile Works, or FAW) were based on ageing Mazda platforms, but the Chinese carmaker is now developing its own range of SUVs, MPVs and electrified vehicles based on the carmaker's Haima Global Architecture (HMGA) platform.

It was in 2019 that the company unveiled the Haima 8S, which (in terms of dimensions) slots-in between the Kia Seltos and MG Hector. Design highlights include a split headlight cluster with LED DRLs on top of the main headlights, multi-spoke alloys and all-LED tail lights. The roof line rakes surprisingly sharply at the rear, giving it an almost coupe-like design.

On the inside, the five-seat SUV has a full-digital instrument cluster, a large touchscreen infotainment system and features a total of five AC vents on the dash. What adds to the feeling of airiness inside the 8S is a large panoramic sunroof.

Powering the 8S is a 1.6-litre T-GDI engine producing 190hp and 293Nm of torque, and it’s mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox, giving the 8S a claimed 0-100kph time of 7.8sec. The 8S also comes with three drive modes.

Haima Automobile is in talks with our state and central governments, and is also conducting surveys of the Indian market this time. How the Chinese carmaker intends to proceed remains to be seen, but the Haima 8S sure could be an interesting addition to the growing midsize SUV space in India.

What do you think of the Haima 8S midsize SUV? Let us know in the comments.