The Haval H6 represents the north star for the Chinese manufacturer, which aims to deliver a premium SUV experience at an affordable price. With the car now in its third generation, it lights the way for Haval's design language and automotive development.
The Haval H6 is a strong seller, with almost twice as many new registrations in the first quarter of 2022 as its nearest segment rivals (like the Toyota RAV4 or Volkswagen Tiguan), according to Naamsa's numbers.
When the H6 was introduced in 2011, it was as a more technology forward foil to the more practical GWM Hover H5. In came Bluetooth audio, touchscreen infotainment, and disc brakes on all four wheels to position it as a premium option.
The second generation, released in 2017, laid the foundation for the modern Haval design language that features the oversized front grille. There were two versions of the H6, as the company tried a split label with Red- and Blue-badged cars offering different design features. South Africa received the Red label version alongside its coupé model variant.
Generation three was reimagined from the ground up but retains much of the previous façade. It shares the benefits of the new L.E.M.O.N. architecture platform (a new lightweight build from Haval), which embraces high tensile steel in its cockpit design for increased occupant safety, raising the already high bar set by its predecessors.
All H6 models come with a 2.0L turbo petrol engine that is good for 150 kW and 320 Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The only real choice is between front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive, with each getting two trim-level options.
A starting price of R455 200 will buy the Premium trim level that loses out on the autonomous drive features and a few other convenience features. One step up in pricing to the Luxury trim (R491 200) unlocks the adaptive cruise control, forward collision detection, lane keeping assist and 360° cameras.
The torque-on-demand four-wheel drive system is available in Luxury trim (R520 100) and the range-topping Super Luxury (R556 100) that adds blind spot detection, lane change assist and a heads-up display.
Book a test drive at any of the 66 Haval dealerships across South Africa to experience the value for yourself.
The standard factory warranty covers all new models for five years/100 000 km with a specified service interval of 15 000 km or 12 months to maintain coverage. Haval allows a 1 500 km or one-month grace period for owners to get maintenance done. Various services plans are available as well.
Selecting the optional maintenance plan adds 24/7 roadside assistance to your cover with value adds like battery services and ADT armed support to wait alongside you if you are stranded near major centres.
While the right to repair regulations allow vehicle owners to do scheduled maintenance at the workshop of their choosing, the software that controls the autonomous features requires regular updating, which could limit options.
H6 benefits from the GWM parts warehouse in Durban and has a relatively cost-effective parts basket and replacement value that combine to maintain lower insurance premiums (depending on risk profile).
There is, however, a downside to all the smart technology: increased complexity in some repairs or warranty claims that could drive the insurance premium higher. This is only a real concern towards the end of the warranty, though.
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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice.
