The fire surrounding performance SUVs is (for lack of a better word) hot and has carved out its own market locally, with various manufacturers launching their own examples. Hyundai's Kona N is the latest offering to enter the niche fray, and Haval has thrown its name into the hat with its own go-faster version.
The H6 is an important model for Haval because it, along with the Jolion, has solidified its status among local buyers as a well-packaged value offering. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, and Haval is chomping away at some of the meatiest bits, getting on with things and minding their own business.
So what is this new kid on the block? The GT Super Luxury. Well, it's still an H6 SUV, but the GT is the range's flagship model locally and is priced at R629 950, whereas the H6 range proper starts from R479 950. It has been given some special treatment - especially in the styling department - and packs a punch from behind the wheel, but more on that later.
The H6 is an important model for Haval because it, along with the Jolion, has solidified its status among local buyers as a well-packaged value offering. Everyone wants a piece of the pie, and Haval is chomping away at some of the meatiest bits, getting on with things and minding their own business.
So what is this new kid on the block? The GT Super Luxury. Well, it's still an H6 SUV, but the GT is the range's flagship model locally and is priced at R629 950, whereas the H6 range proper starts from R479 950. It has been given some special treatment - especially in the styling department - and packs a punch from behind the wheel, but more on that later.
What's inside?
The seats are full leather and feature Alcantara trim and lime green stitching. You know it's the GT model because the letters are stitched below the headrest(s). Right in front of the driver is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster (complete with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay functionality) which is very intuitive, and various options can be toggled and selected via the multi-function steering wheel.
The dual-layer dashboard layout is very 'Germanesque' in that it slants downward and is very minimalist in that it houses the dial gear selector and wireless charging station. It feels very premium from behind the wheel. The driver benefits from a heated 8-way electric adjustable seat, while the passenger does so with 4-Way electric adjustability.
The standard inventory list is extensively packed with convenience and safety features like six airbags, front and rear parking sensors, 360 Degree Camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Centre Keeping, Traffic Sign Recognition, Head-Up Display, and Traffic Sign Recognition. That's not even the full monty.
Power and performance
Getting to the meat and drink of the situation - what's under the bonnet?
There, you'll find a new turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine that produces figures of 155kW and 325Nm with power sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed DCT transmission. A bit of a milestone from within the brand - the H6 GT is the first Haval in the country to come equipped with 'Race Mode', a feature (in addition to Standard, Eco, Sports, Snow Sand, and Off-road) that can make the GT go from pre-puberty teenager to Vin Diesel with the touch of a button. The growl off of the exhaust is a pleasure to hear - making it feel as though it's larger in displacement than just a turbo 2.0-litre.
Thanks to the torque-on-demand (TOD) 4WD system, the SUV feels planted and digs into the road when pulling away or tackling a turn - and there were many of them on the twisty Chapman's Peak pass in Cape Town. All the different warnings and indicators on the instrument cluster take some getting used to after a while.
Serious kerb appeal
Like any statement piece, it has to grab attention right from the start. Many remarked the front is reminiscent of a Range Rover Velar or Lamborghini Velar. The H6 GT features a refreshed and more aggressive-looking bumper, combined with full LED and daytime running lights. Where customers can choose between 18 or 19-inch alloy wheel options in the H6 range, the GT comes standard with black-coated 19-inch alloys and lime green-coated brake calipers. The slanted coupe-like body shape and combination of body colours like KU Grey, Atlantis Blue, G7 Red, Hamilton White, and Son Black make excellent mixing and matching.
Before bloody murder is screamed because of the price tag, you're getting absolutely everything for the price tag. Panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, and 19-inch alloy wheels, to name a few. The former and latter are usually offered as optional extras; in the H6's case, it's more of paying for everything at once. By comparison, R630 000 won't even get you a base Volvo XC40 (priced from R673 600) or BMW X1 (priced from R660 000) - both of which are premium offerings.
The Jolion took the world by storm, and people didn't care about 'is Haval reliable.' That might've been the case a decade or so ago, but the brand has proven itself outright. It certainly looks the part and currently offers unbeatable value for money at a 'meagre' R342 950. Push brand loyalties aside, and the Chinese firm has every right to be in the 'big boy' conversations.
Pricing includes a five-year or 100 000km mechanical warranty and a five-year or 60 000km service plan.
Now that you’ve got the knowledge, it’s time to shop! Head to gumtree.co.za or your Gumtree app (click for Apple & Android) and don’t forget to use your location settings to find local service information close to home.
