Haval H6
Still new to South African roads, you would expect the Haval H6 to have few hesitant eyes peeking into the store and nervous buyers, but when you look at their sales, or simply just looking at any road, you would see otherwise. This is due to them implementing the winning recipe- straight forward, bang for your buck vehicles with no mess or fuss.
A great contender in the crossover/compact SUV market, the H6 is a great vehicle for the whole family. Its clean cut and lack of unnecessary bells and whistles not only makes it a traditional and dearly-loved vehicle but it also significantly decreases its price. Value for money and reliable are but a few words to describe the H6 and that why I think it will be a great asset to a medium sized family.
At a Glance
The LUX derivative is scattered with plenty of small quality assortments which will contribute to the family’s fun in the sun. I especially like the electroplated door handles which gleamed under the South African sun, almost as if they’re inviting you in to explore the rest of the H6’s greatness. Another one of these enjoyable features is the sunroof, I have no doubt that everyone will be catching some healthy rays and relishing every minute of it. 17-inch 5-Spoke Aluminium Alloy wheels elevates the H6’s road stance significantly and gives the drive a great eyeful of their surroundings when in the piloting seat. Large Halogen headlights are enhanced with an Electric Height-adjustment, a Follow-Me-Home function and Daytime Running. To complete this light and illumination features, there are fog lights in the front as well as in the rear.
Step Inside
Combined with ambient lighting, dark interior decoration and synthetic leather seats, the H6;’s cabin is a good balance of comfort and luxuriousness. The driver’s seat is something to be noted- it has an 8-Way Electric Adjustment, electric lumbar support and a synthetic leather steering wheel with audio controls. The passenger has a 4-Way Electric Adjustment and both the front seats receive benefits from active headrests. The second row has tilt-adjustable seats and can spilt 60:40 to allow you to expand the boot from 600–litres to 1 146–litres. It also benefits from a cargo curtain as well as a nifty boot light so you won’t find any problem with loading the cooler box after a great day with a braai next to some fishy water. It also has a threshold with illuminated entry lights for you to avoid a trip or wobble when entering the vehicle while a reading light and a ceiling light is also installed to check whether you’ve taken the sunscreen and water bottles as well.
I enjoyed the infotainment system- its user friendly and reacts quickly to the finger. It’s equipped with Bluetooth Hands Free Link, Radio FM/AM, MP5, USB and an auxiliary input. Comfort and convenience features include automatic air conditioning with an additional air vent in the second row, a Pollen Filter (great for those summertime sinuses), an Outside Temperature Indicator, Park Distance Control in the front as well as in the rear and a reversing camera. Power Windows are present in the front as well as in the rear and the H6 has a One Touch Rising Function with an Anti-Pinch on the driver’s side. Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, a Keyless Entry System and push-to-start functionality have all been integrated to enhance every trip’s enjoyment.
Dual airbags, side airbags, side curtain airbags, Children Safety Lock, an Elect Anti-glare Rear View Mirror, ISOFIX child seat anchorage, ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System), an Automatic Locking Return Function, as well as an Automatic Collision Unlocking Function, have all been integrated to ensure you of a safe and protected journey.
This babe will be wanted by many South Africans and to prevent it from being, uhm, borrowed without permission, Haval has fortified the H6 with a state-of-the-art Burglar proof Alarm System, an engine immobiliser, Intelligent Key, Remote Internal Central Door Lock, Central Door Locking and Speed-sensing Auto Door Lock so you can chill out and partake in the fun. With the H6 on your side, worry-wart mom can relax and have the vehicle doing all the worrying for her with its Lights-on Warning System, Seatbelt Unfastening Warning System, Door Ajar Warning System and Key-in Ignition Door Ajar Warning System. I must admit (and I always use the excuse of being a busy mom) that the minute I hear the alarm’s beep-beep, the location of my vehicle is swiftly swept from my brain so I dearly appreciated the Car Locating Function and I’m sure you will too!
Under the Bonnet
The new Haval H6 come with a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that generates 150kW of power and 320Nm of torque so steep hills and highway speeds will be easy to conquer. This outputs, combined with the fact that it is manned by 7 speed automatic transmission should give you a fuel consumption of 8.5-litre per 100km but I’ll be honest, I’m a wee bit sceptical about earning such a low average for such a large but then again it probably depends on the driver as well.
Then again, if you go look at the vehicle’s build quality, you will be putting in that extra sip of petrol with a smile. With the large wheels and spongey suspension hard at work, it conquers the road and I think that hiss and flinch will be seriously muted if you, sadly, strike an Olympic swimming pool pothole.
So, what’s the scoop?
Stepping up through the Haval H6 range isn’t a case of diminishing returns. Even in all-wheel drive Ultra guise, the H6 makes a compelling value play against established rivals. It costs thousands less than comparably specified competitors, while offering a decently powerful engine for the price point and commendable off-road ability for a mid-sized crossover. All the H6’s strong suits are present in this up-spec grade, including a long list of standard equipment, a spacious and attractive cabin, and a long warranty.
