Haval as a standalone brand is making large strides in South Africa, selling a range of affordable offerings that has propelled them to within the top ten best-selling automakers for 2022.
The range consists of the Jolion, Jolion HEV, H6, H6 GT and H6 HEV with pricing from R342 950, R549 950, R479 950, R629 950 and R669 950, respectively - with the Jolion being the unequivocal best-seller of the bunch. The Chinese brand's 'claim to fame' is their ability to put together affordable SUV offerings, a thriving market for buyers.
Inside and out
Other than the engine size (2.0-litre) and addition of electric motor, the only differences between the normal H6 and the HEV are front sections like the grille, lower bumper, black coated 19-inch wheels, gloss black accents with a sports rear spoiler. Customers can choose between six body colours - though Sun Black really makes the chrome features pop. The side mirrors are heated and electrically adjustable, while the LED headlights (complete with LED Daytime Running Lights shine the way forward.
With the normal H6, there are four grade specifications to choose from - Premium (2WD), Luxury (2WD), Luxury (4WD) and Super Luxury (4WD). In the HEV, you get all the bells and whistles in one go. Features like front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera panoramic view, fully automatic parking, autonomous emergency brake, traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic alert, door open warning, lane keep steering, electronic stability system, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
There's also heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, seven airbags, keyless entry and push button start, head-up display, a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible). There's also front and rear dual USB ports and rear privacy glass for those that don't like to be seen.
The range consists of the Jolion, Jolion HEV, H6, H6 GT and H6 HEV with pricing from R342 950, R549 950, R479 950, R629 950 and R669 950, respectively - with the Jolion being the unequivocal best-seller of the bunch. The Chinese brand's 'claim to fame' is their ability to put together affordable SUV offerings, a thriving market for buyers.
Inside and out
Other than the engine size (2.0-litre) and addition of electric motor, the only differences between the normal H6 and the HEV are front sections like the grille, lower bumper, black coated 19-inch wheels, gloss black accents with a sports rear spoiler. Customers can choose between six body colours - though Sun Black really makes the chrome features pop. The side mirrors are heated and electrically adjustable, while the LED headlights (complete with LED Daytime Running Lights shine the way forward.
With the normal H6, there are four grade specifications to choose from - Premium (2WD), Luxury (2WD), Luxury (4WD) and Super Luxury (4WD). In the HEV, you get all the bells and whistles in one go. Features like front and rear parking sensors, a 360-degree camera panoramic view, fully automatic parking, autonomous emergency brake, traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic alert, door open warning, lane keep steering, electronic stability system, adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning.
There's also heated and ventilated front seats, wireless charging, seven airbags, keyless entry and push button start, head-up display, a 12.3-inch colour touchscreen (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible). There's also front and rear dual USB ports and rear privacy glass for those that don't like to be seen.
Engine specs and fuel economy
Under the H6 HEV’s bonnet is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 113kW and 233Nm and an electric motor with outputs of 139kW/300Nm. This produces a combined output of 179kW and 530Nm, mated to a two-Speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
In just short of a month in which I had the car, I managed to garner an average fuel consumption figure of 6.8-litres/100km. Haval claims an overall figure of 5.2-litres, but I think with the engine driven in more and with more 'practice', that figure will drop significantly and closer to claimed. You get more than 1 000 km from a single tank and that fact was exemplified by me not having to stop at a filling station.
Whether from the ICE or electric motor, the power is readily available when needed. A great barometer is shown on the 10.25-inch colour digital instrument cluster where you can see where power is being transferred from and sent exclusively to the front wheels. There's a new torque launch feature and it hauls the SUV from 0-100km/h in 8.5-seconds. Not bad for something that weighs 1 720 kg.
The SUV oozes curb appeal and drives like a car that costs more than R500 000 too. There are no gear levers or paddles behind the steering wheel - which I think the latter should be reserved for out and out performance cars - and provides an enjoyable experience from behind the wheel. You also know what the car is doing which is always a good thing. Some of the alert tones can get on your nerves, though.
Summary
While in the driver's seat, you want for nothing. You don't feel like you're driving something Chinese from behind the wheel or have an inferiority complex when standing alongside other luxury SUVs. Yes, BMW's X range or Mercedes-Benz' GL range are premium offerings with the price tags to match, but the Haval is a much more affordable alternative.
It has the fancy screens, large boot space and every feature under the sun for R669 950. When comparing apples with apples, Toyota's RAV4 hybrid is the H6 HEV's closest rival and pricier as well (from R785 400). Brand loyalty is a big thing in SA, but the great success of Chery and Haval in recent years have shown that the landscape is shifting and that consumers are willing to try something new.
It's an SUV world and Haval is milking it just like everyone else. Pricing is important, but what you get for the amount, in the H6 HEV's case, puts forth a very good argument.
The H6 HEV comes with a five-year or 60 000km service plan, a five-year or 100 000km mechanical warranty, and an eight-year or 150 000km hybrid battery warranty.
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.
