It’s the premium arm of working-class brand GWM and it concentrates solely on SUVs.
What fascinated yours truly during the recent test drive were its features- an improvement from H2, such as dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and starting, reversing camera, parking sensors, cruise control, an infotainment system with a large 20cm touchscreen, and automatic headlights and wipers, to mention a few.
From the soft-touch dashboard to the illuminated Haval signs on the door sills, the H6 lays on a reasonably upmarket sense of occasion, with none of the low-rent plasticky feel we’ve come to associate with Chinese vehicles.
We took it off road to the newly launched lodge Sari Plains in Bela-Bela (Limpopo) and my guess is just good as yours- it responded positively despite horrific potholes and well grafted gravel. Yes, we played with the ascending and descending buttons to test the gravity it comes with.
On safety, Haval H6 is packed with ABS brakes, electronic stability control and dual front airbags. We tested all those dynamics until we were convinced is this a real Chinese brand?
The cabin is spacious so is leg and headroom for front and rear passengers.
Our guests enjoyed adjusting their backrests and operate own ventilation controls. Yes, that part of the world temperatures soar- so aircondition came in handy.
Traveling with opposite sex comes with huge responsibilities such as designer bags label, but the width and open boot size of H6 was accommodating.
Its no wonder it performed miraculously its packed with 140kW/310Nm two-litre turbopetrol engine, averaging 11.5 litres per 100km. Yes, it gallops way too much petrol but the beauty of it- it has huge reserve as we experienced by the time we entered the lodge, after missing the sign post.
The only snag is the handling of the steering wheel -it shakes a lot- was it as a result of gravel, perhaps?
But enjoyed the panoramic view as rain welcomed us in the hot region of Bela Bela.
Havals are sold with a five-year or 100 000km warranty and five-year or 60 000km service plan.
The H6 dual-clutch automatic retails for R359 900.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (5)
Petrol 1-10 (4)
