Hybrid meets combustion as GWM prices revised Haval H6 GT
Inclusion of the PHEV makes the H6 GT the most powerful Haval divisional model on-sale in South Africa today. Image: GWM
An unexpected debutant at its annual dealer prize giving conference in February this year, Great Wall Motors (GWM) provided the media with a brief teaser of the revised Haval H6 GT at the official launch of the standard H6 in Cape Town last week.
Serious shock
Only experienced on a private racetrack, the drive solely involved the new flagship plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that slots-in above the conventional combustion variant GWM stated will remain available due to its ongoing popularity and price credit.
Officially the most powerful Haval divisional product now available in South Africa, the H6 GT PHEV combines the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Jolion with a 35.4-kWh battery pack powering a pair of electric motors.
ALSO READ: GWM approves P500 PHEV for South Africa, prices Haval H6 GT PHEV
Hooked to a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), the setup develops a combined 321kW/762Nm, which results in a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds. No top speed figure was revealed.
Effectively four-wheel-drive as per the pair of electric motors, the H6 GT PHEV has a claimed all-electric range of 180 km and a combined of 1 000 km when taking the combustion engine into consideration.
Supporting DC charging up to 48 kW will require a waiting time of 26 minutes from 30-80%, or six hours when using the on-board 6.6 kW AC charger.
Prevailing petrol
By comparison, the conventional H6 GT, which received a series of minor updates in November last year, continues to make use of the 2.0 T-GDI producing an unchanged 155kW/325Nm.
As with the PHEV, drive goes to all four wheels, but without any electrical assistance and through a conventional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. No performance figures were revealed.
Inside
Largely unchanged from the conventional GT outside, bar the secondary flap hiding the charging port on the right rear wing, the newcomer's interior also remains as is bar hybrid specific readouts and graphics within the 12.3-inch infotainment system and 10.25-inch instrument cluster.
Interior doesn't get the same makeover as the standard H6. Image: GWM
Worth noting is that neither GT receives the redesigned interior as the standard H6, consisting of the new steering wheel, steering column-mounted gear lever and infotainment system.
Spec
In terms of spec, both the H6 GT and GT PHEV are fitted as standard with the following:
19-inch alloy wheels;
wireless smartphone charger;
dual-zone climate control with rear vents;
folding electric mirrors;
LED headlights and fog lamps;
eight-speaker sound system;
keyless entry;
push-button start;
heated and electric front seats;
electric tailgate;
panoramic sunroof;
rain sense wipers;
Head-Up Display;
tyre pressure monitor;
360-degree camera system;
front and rear parking sensors;
Rollover Mitigation;
Driver Attention Alert;
Adaptive Cruise Control;
Automatic Emergency Braking;
Blind Spot Monitoring;
Traffic Sign Recognition;
Lane Departure Warning;
Traffic Jam Assist;
Lane Keep Assist;
Corner Brake Control;
Lane Centring Assist
Besides its powertrain, the PHEV's added specification items consist of launch control, a hands-free opening electric tailgate, sport seats at the rear, ventilated front seats and Automatic Park Assist.
In addition, the PHEV's drive mode selector consists of six settings; Eco, Normal, Sport, Mud, Snow and 4WD versus the combustion model's Eco, Normal, Sport, Race, Sand and Off-Road.
H6 GT PHEV's main difference from the conventional combustion model is the additional flap hiding the charging outlet on the right rear wing. Image: GWM
A further three settings have been included as part of the hybrid system, namely the default Hybrid, full-electric EV and what GWM calls EV Priority.
Clearer picture later
While the short drive on the damp circuit came with little lag and immediate response from the electrified powertrain, little could otherwise be determined given the caution that had to be applied in the less than ideal conditions.
Colours and price
On the colour front, both GT's can be had in one of five hues; red, matte grey, Hamilton White, Sun Black and Atlantis Blue.
As with the H6, the H6 GT's price tags include a seven-year/200 000 km warranty, a seven-year/75 000 km service plan and, in the case of the PHEV, an eight-year/150 000 km battery warranty.
H6 GT 2.0 T-GDI Super Luxury 4WD DCT – R665 950
H6 GT PHEV Ultra Luxury 4WD DHT – R799 900
NOW READ: WATCH: Haval H6 GT more than just a pretty face
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
3 days ago
- IOL News
Mercedes-AMG C63's four-cylinder powertrain to be phased out as it doesn't ‘resonate' with clients: report
The next Mercedes-AMG C63 is likely to feature a six-cylinder engine. Image: Supplied There's no denying that the Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance is a technological masterpiece, but it falls short in the one critical area: its soundtrack simply isn't soulful enough for those accustomed to six- and eight-cylinder engines. It is strongly rumoured that the facelifted version of the C63 will adopt a six-cylinder hybrid powertrain, and a senior insider has now confirmed that the current four-cylinder plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will eventually be phased out. Speaking with Autocar at a media event in Germany recently, the unnamed source said that the four-cylinder powertrain would remain in production for the time being, but would eventually be replaced. The insider also admitted that the four-pot motor has not resonated with customers. 'Technically, the four-cylinder is one of the most advanced drivetrains available in a production car. It's also right up there on performance. But despite this, it failed to resonate with our traditional customers. We've recognised that,' the source told Autocar. Another strong motive was the high cost over adapting AMG's four-cylinder hybrid powertrain to comply with upcoming Euro 7 emissions rules, the insider added. Previous reports suggest that the facelifted C63, as well as its GLC 63 sibling, will adopt a six-cylinder hybrid powertrain, with more power than what's offered in the current six-cylinder E53 and CLE 53 AMG models. The CLE 63 will reportedly receive a V8 hybrid set-up, but this hasn't been earmarked for the C-Class because it was never designed to accommodate an eight-cylinder engine - at least not without significant modification. Even with an extra two cylinders, it's unlikely that the next C63 will gain much more power. Boasting total outputs of 500kW and 1,020Nm, the performance flagship is already far ahead of the competition. Consider that the BMW M3 Competition produces 390kW and the Audi RS4 is good for 331kW. While Mercedes-AMG has indicated that petrol-electric hybrid vehicles will form part of its line-up for many years to come, the performance division is also simultaneously launching a new line-up of fully-electric vehicles, underpinned by the new AMG-EA high-performance architecture. Set apart by a bold new design language, previewed by the recently revealed Concept AMG GT XX, the platform also ushers in technical innovations, such as innovative axial flux motors and a pioneering battery design that allows the vehicle to be recharged with enough energy for 400km in just five minutes. It's unclear whether any of these innovations will filter down to the hybrid models however. IOL Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
The Citizen
7 days ago
- The Citizen
VIDEO: GWM P300's tailgate makes it easy to climb on a bakkie
First there were side steps, then there were barn doors and now there are stepladders. Great Wall Motors have further raised the bar in bakkie tailgate operation with the GWM P300. The Chinese manufacturer last year introduced a unique tailgate concept on its flagship bakkie, the P500. It can either be operated as a standard tailgate or be split in the middle and open as two barn doors attached to hinges on either side. GWM P300 moves goalposts The GWM P300, which is the renamed P-Series, takes it s step further. Pun intended. It features a step ladder which allows easy access to the loadbin. ALSO READ: WATCH: GWM P500 raises bar in bakkie game with clever tailgate The stepladder is neatly stowed inside the tailgate and releases with a button once the tailgate is open. It features one step with a broad non-slip base to put your foot one to step onto the loadbin. After use, the stepladder slides back into the tailgate of the GWM P300 and locks away out of site. The operation is so easy it can be down with one hand. Even with the tailgate open, getting onto the back of a bakkie is not the easiest thing to do. Way back, Ford introduced unique steps on the sides of the Bantam to make life easier for bakkie owners. Another half-tonner, the Chevrolet Utility, later featured a similar design. ALSO READ: GWM P300 ups Chinese carmaker's premium bakkie onslaught Ford Ranger brings back steps The current Ford Ranger reintroduced the side steps, but integrated into the rear bumper on either side of the loadbin. However, the Raptor does not have them as the designers had to accommodate two exhaust pipes from the 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo engine on both sides underneath the loadbin. While the BYD Shark does not feature any steps, it has another trick up its sleeve. It's tailgate is electronic and opens through the press of a button. It is only a one-way ticket though as closing it requires the traditional elbow grease.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- IOL News
Driving impressions: the Mini Aceman combines classic design with cutting-edge electric performance
In the Mini hierarchy the Aceman sits between the Cooper and the Countryman and is the result of a joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors. Image: Supplied When Sir Alec Issigonis famously first sketched a small car on a napkin, little did he know how popular the Mini would become, and he definitely didn't have a clue what an Electric Vehicle was either. Fast forward 65 years or so, and you struggle to read a vehicle review without the words New Energy Vehicle (NEV). Not so small This is one of those reviews, and it is the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) Mini Aceman. In the Mini hierarchy, the Aceman sits between the Cooper and the Countryman and is the result of a joint venture with Chinese manufacturer Great Wall Motors using the Spotlight EV architecture. It's also not a small car by the original brief, standing at just over four metres long with a boot capacity of 300 litres that expands to 1,005 litres with the rear seats folded, while front headroom is said to be 1,003mm and rear 958mm. Power There are two variants of the Aceman: the E and the one we had on test, the SE. With a permanent magnet synchronous motor coupled with a 54.2kWh lithium-ion battery, it produces 160kW and 330Nm and is good for a 0-100km/h time of 7.1 seconds. It will accommodate DC charging of up to 95kW, which should take about 30 minutes to get from 10-80% and an AC charge of five hours and 50 minutes from 0-100%. Fully charged, Mini says it should have a range of 400km, but in the real world, depending on how you drive, it's closer to 330 km. Exterior There's still no denying that it very much still has the mini design DNA with a combination of sculptured lines and angular surfaces, bug-eye LED headlights, and in this case, roof rails, front and rear skidplates and all-round black plastic cladding appealing to its SUV-type appeal. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Roof rails, front and rear skidplates and all round black plastic cladding gives the Mini Aceman an SUV-type appeal. Image: Supplied Interior The interior also maintains its quirky style and design. It's one of the more unique interiors in an almost same-same big screen-dominated interiors. Continuing its homage to the original Mini, the Aceman's centrepiece is the round 9.4-inch infotainment system running on their Operating 9 system. The display is easy to use and quick to respond with clear graphics. The 'floating' door handles are unique to the Aceman, and they've used several different recycled materials with bold accents on the dash and other trim to keep it fun and vibrant. Like I said, it's unlike anything else out there. The remodelled toggle bar has a proper tactile feel to it and allows you to switch between eight driving modes that include Core, Personal, Vivid, Green, Timeless, Balance, Trail and Go-Cart, which enhances throttle response. Each mode has its own unique sound, with Go-Cart providing a 'whoohoo' voice when selected. Using Green Mode and driving gently over the week, the screen said I had managed to save 20 kilometres, which is quickly gobbled up when you switch to Go-Cart. Driving As with the entire Mini range, they're always fun to drive with keen handling and precise steering, and the Aceman is no different. It's rather brisk on take-off, but not as gut-wrenching as some other EVs, and that's a good thing because I think the novelty of the immediate torque jettisoning you forward is starting to wear off. Thanks to the fairly low centre of gravity, it sits rather well around sharp corners, while stomping on the accelerator quickly takes care of slower traffic. The ride is rather firm, which does make driving over badly maintained tar and even smooth gravel roads a bit uncomfortable. When pressed hard in Go-Cart Mode, there's a motorsport-inspired sound piped into the cabin, which I found intrusive. On the other hand, my son, in his early twenties, provided a different perspective, saying that it's a modern, fun electric car aimed at non-grumpy people, unlike his father apparently. Fitted with lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control, highway driving is completely effortless. The Aceman's centrepiece is the round 9.4-inch infotainment system running on their Operating 9 system. Image: Supplied Different point of view There was also an interesting conversation I had with a lady that clearly knows her stuff, while charging at a 150kW charging point at a shopping centre close to where I stay. It was her first look at the Aceman, and she was impressed with how it looked and the interior setup. Her biggest issue was range anxiety, not so much around town with her kids, but more so over long distances. She knew that South Africa has a fairly good charging infrastructure, but the usual loadshedding, having to wait while it's charging, and all the other what-ifs came up, as it always does. She baulked at the R892 000 price tag and said that she would rather spend less money on something similar, like the Mini Countryman (R810,774) or, as a BMW fan, a BMW X1 or X2 and not have to concern herself about EV challenges. She's not wrong. The Mini Aceman is a decent overall package, but is a city-centric car and definitely aimed at a niche buyer looking for something different in the EV shopping cart while still having the characteristic Mini look and feel.
