The 1996 cc, DOHC, 16-valve four-cylinder, Delphi high pressure common rail diesel uses a variable geometry turbocharger, an intercooler, newly-designed glow plugs and state of the art seven-hole injectors. Precision-machined, lightweight engine design and friction reduction technologies make this motor a far more modern offering than those that went before.
Other features exclusive to diesel models include rearview mirror auto dimming, individual tyre pressure monitoring and temperature reading, instant fuel consumption readout, low battery indicator and an airbag disable function. The H5 Auto Diesel (exclusively) features cruise control.
Modern must-haves featured on existing models include ABS with EBD, filtered dual zone air conditioning, ISOFix child seat mountings, electric windows and mirrors, remote central locking with autolock, six-speaker RDS radio and CD unit with auxiliary and USB plugs and Bluetooth, fog lights at both ends, two airbags, automatic wipers, reversing camera, six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat, lumbar adjustment on both front chairs, alloy wheels, leather upholstery and tinted windows.
The H5 which has a torque of 310 nm between 1800 and 2800 rpm is a conventional body-on-chassis design still favoured by those seeking longevity, although it might not be as superbly comfortable as some SUV competitors.
Suspension is by means of a double wishbone independent setup in front with a coil-spring and multilink system at the back. Brakes are discs at both ends and primary drive is to the rear wheels.Out on the road, as we transverse from one province to the other, performance was slightly quicker than with the old petrol engine. On the space front, luggage and passengers enjoyed full compliment of the H5.
The 3 year- warranty and 100 000 km with 2 years’ roadside assistance offers the customer what other SUV’s fail to deliver.
It retails for R284 990 – 4×4 automatic
Verdict:
1-10(Diesel) 6
1-10 Performance (Appropriate for off-road) 8
