1. Radiator grille
The exterior cladding has grown noticeably, giving the front of the Dargo X a broader, more monumental presence. Because it remains unpainted, nearly the entire facade takes on a striking near-black tone that emphasizes a rugged, industrial look. Only the chrome element—namely the company nameplate—retains a touch of metallic brightness, acting as a subtle focal point in contrast to the darkened surface.
In this design, the chrome parts are limited to the badge, while the surrounding paneling offers a bold, uniform finish that hints at serious off-road capability. The overall effect is a front end that communicates strength and endurance without relying on flashy colorwork or ornamentation.
2. Mirrors and body kit
On standard Dargo models, the mirrors and body kit typically match the vehicle’s body color. For the X variant, designers chose a black finish that deepens the car’s visual mass. This deeper tone aligns with the rest of the exterior, reinforcing a cohesive, aggressive stance while helping prevent minor scratches in everyday use or on rougher terrain.
The bumpers and wheel arch extensions retain the same geometry as their standard counterparts, ensuring familiar proportions. What sets the X apart, however, are the decorative studded accents mimicking the look of shiny mounting bolts. This detail adds a rugged, industrial flair that makes the vehicle stand out in a crowd while signaling a readiness for adventurous driving.
3. Differential lock
Instead of a simple dashboard button, the Dargo X introduces a dedicated key to engage a forced locking of the rear cross-axle differential. This feature becomes active in any off-road mode and remains functional up to 38 km/h. While it offers enhanced traction in challenging conditions, the center clutch continues to be managed by the vehicle’s electronics, allowing for balanced control depending on driving dynamics and terrain demands.
The system is designed to provide drivers with a tangible sense of control when the road turns unpredictable, converting potential slip into defined grip without sacrificing the vehicle’s electronic stability management. In essence, this arrangement gives off-road enthusiasts another tool to tailor the drive to the surface beneath them.
4. Original driving mode
By holding the ESP button for an extended period, the driver can deactivate all electronic systems, delivering a purer, more direct connection with the vehicle’s dynamics. Some drivers appreciate this mode for off-road adventures, where the simplicity of mechanical feedback can feel more intuitive. Even so, ABS remains active at the margins, though it can behave more assertively under certain conditions.
Importantly, the ground clearance and geometric patency of the X remain on par with the standard model, ensuring that the off-road capability is not compromised by the absence of electronic intervention. The interior of the Dargo X diverges from the standard cabin in one key aspect: buyers can choose from three finishes for the seats and trim—fabric, black, or beige leather with orange accents—allowing for a more personalized interior atmosphere that still respects the rugged exterior branding.
5. Off road “cruise”
Regular cruise control engages at a minimum speed of 30 km/h, providing steady highway and city driving comfort. In off-road scenarios, the system supports lower speeds, typically ranging from 7 to 15 km/h, to help maintain steady momentum on uneven surfaces. This feature aims to reduce driver distraction by letting the vehicle handle throttle inputs while the driver concentrates on steering through tricky terrain.
Activation occurs through the vehicle’s media system menu and is available exclusively in the Sand driving mode, where traction and stability settings are tailored for loose, granular surfaces. In such conditions, the off-road cruise acts as a gentle companion, smoothing the ride while preserving the sense of adventure that comes with tackling challenging landscapes.
6. Place of Meeting
The question of where the Dargo X is assembled near Tula—where routine Dargos are produced—has been the subject of discussion. The vehicles are shipped directly from manufacturing hubs in China, which means buyers might encounter small differences based on the installation site. The color palette does not depend on the place of assembly; options include white, gray, orange, and black. Yet, among these shades, the Russian and Chinese market versions name some hues differently, creating subtle perceptual nuances that may escape the casual observer.
In practice, the Dargo X lacks two elements found on the higher end packages: the Comfort package with front-wheel-drive emphasis and the Tech Plus suite. This means features such as adaptive cruise control, additional driver aids, a projection screen, massaging seats, and elevated comfort accessories are not part of the standard configuration. The result is a vehicle that focuses on core capability with a straightforward feature set rather than an abundance of flashy electronics.
7. Price
For off-road conditioning and auxiliary systems, there is a premium to consider, typically quoted around 70 thousand rubles. The X is priced higher than the base Dargo, reflecting its enhanced exterior styling and off-road-focused equipment. The Elite version starts from 3,119,000 rubles, while the Premium configuration begins at 3,319,000 rubles.
The price premium is somewhat modest since the Haval Dargo X is positioned as an export model. Prospective buyers seeking adventure on varied terrains are likely to find a compelling balance between capability and cost in this variant.
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