By Otsile Kadiege

We recently flew down to the ‘Mother City’ for the launch of the updated Haval H6 range, which gets an exterior nip and tuck, subtle interior updates, new technology, and a more powerful engine paired with a new automatic transmission.

Exterior design updates

Most of the exterior updates on the facelifted Haval H6 are at the front and rear. Up front, the H6 boasts a larger grille flanked by redesigned LED headlights with ‘tear drop’ LED daytime running lights.
The rear also features redesigned LED taillights and does away with the ‘RoboCop’ LED light bar. Customers can choose from four colours, including the new Noble Gold.

Overall, we like the attention-grabbing front end of the H6. However, the redesigned taillights aren’t as good-looking as those on the pre-facelift model.

Interior and technology updates

New to the H6’s interior is a large 14.6-inch touchscreen, the same unit found in the Tank 500 premium adventure SUV and the P500 bakkie. The infotainment system is also a direct copy, featuring wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Other notable features include a new 9-speaker Amor sound system in the top-spec Ultra Luxury grade, a redesigned centre console, and a thicker steering wheel.

The cabin continues to impress with its generous use of premium materials, as well as its spaciousness and practicality. We appreciate the larger infotainment display for easier navigation, the thicker steering wheel rim, and the slightly improved Amor sound system.

Powertrains

Customers can choose between a 2.0-litre turbopetrol engine producing 170 kW and 380 Nm, or a hybrid 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine delivering 179 kW and 530 Nm. The former is paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, while the latter uses a DHT gearbox.

Driving impressions

At launch, we drove the hybrid H6, which impressed us with its 1,000 km range and low fuel consumption. It also offers commendable ride quality and a smooth-shifting DHT gearbox. That said, it doesn’t quite feel like it delivers 179 kW and 530 Nm, and wheel spin is noticeable when pulling away hastily.

The H6 features a host of advanced safety systems. However, some of them can be intrusive. Thankfully, GWM listened to customer feedback and made it possible to switch most of them off. There’s also a newly embedded memory system that remembers which features you’ve disabled and keeps them off the next time you start the car.

Verdict
The updated Haval H6 remains a strong contender in the C-SUV segment. With its welcome upgrades and relatively attainable pricing, it should perform just as well as its predecessor in South Africa’s competitive market.

We’ll share our extended driving impressions once we have a test unit.

Pricing and warranty

1) H6 2.0T Luxury 9DCT – R495,000

2) H6 2.0T Luxury 4WD 9DCT – R574,500

3) H6 2.0T Super Luxury 9DCT – R542,500

4) H6 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4WD 9DCT – R614,500

5) H6 1.5T DHT Luxury Hybrid – R641,500

6) H6 1.5T DHT Ultra Luxury Hybrid – R686,500

Every new H6 comes standard with GWM’s enhanced ownership package:

7-Year / 200,000 km Warranty

8-Year / 150,000 km Battery Warranty

7-Year / 75,000 km Service Plan

7-Year / Unlimited km Roadside Assistance

12-Month / 15,000 km Service Intervals