BRINGING THE HEAT |
The first generation H6 hit our shores a couple of years ago and managed to get decent sales from a market that typically stays loyal to legacy motor manufacturers. Despite this, the second-generation H6 failed to make it to SA, but with global SUV sales skyrocketing, Haval has decided to try its hand again at the SA market with the third generation H6 – a vehicle that has to compete against brands that have had years to secure their market share. It is also a vehicle that is so well rounded that the competition needs to be worried. Extremely so.
Exterior Impressions
The original H6 was a decent looking car with a soft design language. In its third generation, the H6 has matured from the shy faced newcomer into a chisel-jawed catalogue model. The H6 is defined by solid lines, from the aggressive angular front to the rear. The front of the car has to be my favourite angle, with the way the LED headlights flank a sizeable Fangshen Pattern grille. The side profile demonstrates solid vehicular proportions, with 18” alloys (19” alloys are optional) and a sharp kink at the D-Pillar, complementing the silhouette. The rear of the car is dominated by a 2021 favourite, a full-width horizontal light bar with a unique LED signature. I honestly failed to find a bad angle on this car. If the numerous stares and thumbs-ups I got during my drive are to be considered, I would say the H6 has nailed the aesthetics game.
Cabin Features and Practicality Impressions
The competition would be aggrieved to learn that Haval did not drop the ball with the interior either. When I entered the cabin, the first word that came to mind was “impressive”. The H6 has one of the better cabins I have seen in this category, period. The design is as eye-catching as it is restrained. Aptly coined by Haval as an “Oriental-styled” cabin, it exudes a feeling of luxury and comfort. The minimalist dashboard comes wrapped in leather and soft materials and is only punctuated by two horizontally oriented screens and the climate control system. Of the two screens, the centrally mounted 12.3” touchscreen (complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay) serves as both an infotainment unit and as a crisp display for the 360-degree cameras. A smaller 10.25” unit hides behind the steering wheel, serving as the fully digital instrument cluster.
As far as practicality is concerned, the H6 has spades of it. Upfront, as much as the large centre tunnel separates the driver and front passenger, it creates snug yet spacious zones for each. In the rear, three adult passengers are treated to good leg and headroom, as well as excellent visibility outside through the large windows. The luggage space is also good with 337-litres of storage with the rear row in its traditional position.
It is not just about design and practicality, however. Instead, it is more about the generous kit that comes standard. Depending on the model, expect to get keyless entry and push start button, adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, a heads-up display, rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats with six-way adjustment for the driver’s seat, 15W wireless charging facilities, panoramic sunroof and an automatic tailgate. All these features, together with the way everything is put together, make the H6 a scintillating proposition compared to the competition.
Driving Impressions
Sad days continue for the competition because the performance from this machine is also impressive. The H6 is powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces 150 kW at 6,000 rpm and 320 Nm between 1,500 and 4,000 rpm. This powerplant comes mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, replete with steering-mounted paddle shifters. The H6 can be had either in two-wheel or four-wheel drive format. What these stats translate to in performance are a responsive engine and swift gear changes. By no means is this a blindingly fast car. However, I found it to be sufficient for all your daily needs, and then some. You reach speed limits rather quickly and overtaking certainly does not induce hesitation and panic. This vehicle moves about with a surprising amount of urgency and enthusiasm.
However, the highlight of the drive for me was the excellent level of ride refinement and comfort. The H6 glides over local roads with commendable ease, with the suspension making light work of road imperfections. The car also has good body control, with only marginal body roll during swift corners. The steering itself is light and weighted just right, making it easy to manoeuvre the car in tight spaces while retaining composure at highway speeds.
Further adding to the joys of driving the car is good cabin insulation, which keeps the road noise low even at highway speeds. Visibility is not an issue from anywhere in the cabin, save for the slightly tiny rear window. Be that as it may, the 360-degree camera rectifies that issue. Safety features are also quite plentiful in the H6. These include a pedestrian protection system, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, electronic stability control and six airbags.
Last Word
Without beating around the bush, the Haval H6 is an easy recommendation for anyone searching for a family SUV. For what it lacks in brand clout in Mzansi, the car more than makes up for it with great looks, solid driving performance, impressive cabin quality and features, and an extremely competitive pricing strategy. Organise a test drive as soon as possible and see how much heat the H6 has brought to the competition. Or just take my word for it and call your local dealer to get one, with prices starting at R419,900.
Report by BRYAN KAYAVHU | Images © GVM/HAVAL
