“The H6 City is the ultimate expression of our commitment to offering unbeatable value,” says Brand Manager Hannes Oosthuizen. “It is a completely modern, spacious and luxurious SUV that, at the price of R259 900, can’t be rivalled for value.”
As is the case with the H5 City, the new entry level H6 derivative appears just as neat and sophisticated as its more expensive siblings, with the only giveaway to its status being the lack of roof rails. It still boasts attractive 17-inch alloy wheels, comprehensive colour coding, daylight running lamps and rear privacy glass as standard, lending the H6 City an upmarket appearance that belies its price positioning.
Whereas the H5 City utilises a body-on-frame construction method with rear-wheel drive, the H6 City boasts a unibody platform and front-wheel drive.
During its development great emphasis was placed on the reduction of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels to ensure a quiet and refined cabin environment. Suspension is via a comfort- and stability boosting multi-link set-up at the rear.
The H6 measures 4 640 mm in length and rides on a 2 680 mm wheelbase. These generous dimensions endow the H6 with a very spacious cabin, as well as a very large luggage area.
“The H6’s key dimensions actually allow it to offer rear legroom and boot space similar to vehicles that are significantly bigger (and more expensive) than its perceived rivals,” explains Oosthuizen. “We urge customers to do the ‘sit-behind-yourself’ test with the H6 to experience its spaciousness for themselves.”
Comfort levels are further boosted by a generous standard specification package.
“Value is not only about offering a low price,” explains Oosthuizen.
“The H6 City’s cabin is packed with so many comfort and safety features that it would still appeal even at a significantly higher cost.”
As is the case with all H6 derivatives, the steering wheel offers generous rake and reach adjustability, the gearlever sprouts from the facia, so it falls easily to hand, and there are fold-down armrests for both front occupants. Climate control keeps the very spacious cabin cool and the radio/CD system boasts USB and auxiliary input support, ensuring on-going entertainment on those long family trips.
It goes without saying that power-assisted steering, power windows all-round and electric mirror adjustment are all standard, but the fitment of rear park sensors will come as a surprise at this price level. Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and rear Isofix child seat mountings are part of a comprehensive safety package.
The H6 City is powered by the company’s recently introduced GW4G15B powerplant that is perfectly aligned with the current trend of engine downsizing. The engine delivers the performance of a larger, naturally aspirated engine, but without the accompanying fuel consumption penalty – it develops 105 kW at 5 600 rpm and 210 Nm of torque from 2 200 to 4500 rpm.
Mated with a slick six-speed manual transmission, the engine boasts a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption figure of only 8,5 litres/100 km.
Like all GWM passenger vehicles, the H6 City is backed by a comprehensive five-year/100 000 km warranty and comes standard with two-year/24-hour AA roadside assistance.
A five-year/60 000 km service plan is available at any of GWM’s more than 65 dealerships.
GWM H6 1,5T City goes for R259 900.
