By Malusi Msomi

The Haval H6 has become a familiar sight on South African roads, thanks to its combination of sharp styling, generous specification, and competitive pricing. Sitting at the top of the petrol range, the H6 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4WD aims to add stronger performance and all-weather capability to an already well-rounded package.

The H6 continues to impress with its modern styling, featuring sleek LED headlights, a bold front grille, and black 19-inch alloy wheels. While we still appreciate the SUV’s overall design, we do wish the black wheels had remained exclusive to the hybrid models, as they were before the facelift.

Inside, the H6 offers a premium-feeling cabin with plenty of space and practicality for everyday use. A large 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto makes connectivity effortless, while the panoramic sunroof helps create an airy atmosphere. The 600-litre boot adds further practicality, making the H6 well suited to family duties and longer road trips.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 170kW and 380Nm, paired with a smooth-shifting dual-clutch transmission and a capable four-wheel-drive system that provides added confidence on wet roads and gravel surfaces.

Performance is one of the H6’s strongest attributes. The engine delivers plenty of punch for overtaking and highway cruising, while the dual-clutch transmission responds quickly and smoothly. It feels noticeably more effortless than some of its rivals when additional performance is required.

However, that extra performance comes at the expense of fuel economy. During our time with the H6, we recorded an average fuel consumption figure of 11.8L/100km, significantly higher than Haval’s claimed 8.3L/100km.

Overall, the Haval H6 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4WD remains a compelling package, combining attractive styling, a spacious and well-equipped interior, and strong performance. At R614,500, it continues to offer strong value in the highly competitive midsize SUV segment.