Haval is on a roll. The Chinese auto giant has made sizeable inroads into the South African vehicle market in the past few years. Now, following hot on the heels of the well-priced and highly-specced Jolion compact SUV, Haval has launched its new mid-sized H6 SUV locally.
The H6, a best-seller in the SUV market in its native China, was first introduced here in 2013, but with the newcomer, Haval has skipped a whole model generation – moving from the first-generation models available here up to now, straight onto Generation Three.
Like the Jolion, the new, third-generation H6 is based on the modular LEMON platform from GWM but, while the Jolion is positioned as a leading global urban SUV, the new, bigger H6 is positioned as the new-generation model of global technology, according to Haval.
As such, only the high-end H6 2.0T derivatives – taking aim at the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander, Peugeot 3008, Renault Koleos, and Nissan X-Trail – in the hotly contested mid-size SUV segment, are now available, with the 1.5-litre petrol-turbo models following in August.
Modelled by a team led by ex-JLR bureau chief Phil Simmonds, the attractive newcomer exhibits many design cues from its smaller Jolion sibling, including a prominent, chrome-rich grille flanked by slim headlights (LEDs on the top models), a deep front air-dam, and clean, simple profile lines. The rear design, with a full-width light bar and a small roof spoiler, is less ostentatious.
The new H6 has grown in every dimension and now measures 4,653 mm long, 1,886 mm wide, and 1,724 mm tall. With a 2,738 mm wheelbase, interior space and boot volume should be on par with the best in class, although we cannot vouch for it, as the local media launch was cancelled due to COVID considerations.
Upping the Ante
The improved 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo engine in the new H6 is now more powerful, delivering 150 kW (up by 5 kW over the previous model) and 320 Nm of torque (5 Nm more than the previous version) and is now paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT). These figures compare well with the leading contenders in its class; however, how it translates to the road remains to be seen.
Following the Jolion lead, the new H6 SUV is available in three trim grades – Premium, Luxury, and Super Luxury – with the top specification Luxury and Super Luxury derivatives also offered with an AWD system. The Premium FWD comes with 18” wheels, LED lights, a 10.25” digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25” touchscreen multimedia system with Apple CarPlay functionality.
The Luxury FWD is equipped with roof rails, a leather-bedecked steering wheel, heated front seats, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone climate control, an eight-speaker sound system, adaptive cruise control and surround-view cameras. All the variants come with a host of safety systems and up to seven airbags (including a side-centre bag).
The Super Luxury AWD adds 19” wheels, a power tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3” touchscreen multimedia system, a head-up display, a heated steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charger, cooled front seats, as well as a rear cross-traffic alert and park assist system.
Pricing is very competitive, with the recommended retail price for the 2.0T 2WD Premium set at R419,900 and the flagship Super Luxury AWD model available for less than R515k. The prices include a fiveyear/100,000 km manufacturer warranty and a fiveyear/60,000 km service plan.
Text: Ferdi de Vos | Images: GWM/Haval
