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Daily Maverick
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Maverick
Fail, learn, rectify and return — Chery's lesson in the fine art of disruption
The rise of the Chinese car brand to become the eighth-bestselling car in South Africa demonstrates its highly successful reinvention. South Africa's roads are changing. Not just in the predictable ways of more potholes, more congestion and fewer traffic cops, but in what's moving on them. A close look at the badges on vehicles everywhere reveals something that might have seemed unthinkable five years ago: Chinese brands all over the place. There's the Chery Tiggo 4 idling at a robot. That's a Haval H6 gliding past on the highway. And that SUV cruising through a shopping mall parking lot is a BAIC B40 Plus. Increasingly, these brands are not oddball outliers – they're frontrunners in the sales race. But this shift didn't happen overnight. In fact, in Chery's case, it didn't even happen on the first try. An exit and comeback To understand the scale and stealth of this disruption, look no further than Chery, a brand whose first attempt in South Africa could generously be described as forgettable. When it first entered the local market in the late 2000s, Chery's most visible product was the QQ compact hatchback: a flimsy, uninspired Daewoo Matiz clone with about as much charm as a broken stapler. The car's build quality was dismal, its resale value didn't exist and after-sales support was patchy at best. Consumers, quite rightly, looked elsewhere. By 2018, Chery took the hint and quietly folded its South African operations. It went to Frankfurt, Germany, where it opened an advanced European reseach and development centre in the same year as its South African exit. The goal wasn't just to break into Europe – it was to learn from it. The strategic location was within reach of some of the world's most respected automotive engineers and a supply chain famous for its efficiency and precision. That pivot from hasty imitation to calculated reinvention would rewrite Chery's future. When the carmaker returned to South Africa, it didn't bring back the QQ, thankfully. It brought a new kind of ambition and an SUV strategy built for the times. Today, Chery's Tiggo range, spanning from the entry-level Tiggo 4 Pro to the flagship 8 Pro, has struck a chord with South African buyers. The proof is on paper: in 2024, Chery ranked as the eighth-bestselling vehicle brand in the country. That's not a footnote. It's a tangible market shift. What changed? Certainly not the economy. South Africans aren't any richer than they were in 2018. If anything, household incomes are more constrained. The difference is product maturity. Chery returned with vehicle designs that felt less like knockoffs and more like actual contenders. Add to that a surge in tech features, competitive warranties, a robust dealer network and smart marketing that leans into value rather than apologises for price, and the brand is finally speaking the language of the market. Chery's success wasn't about undercutting the Volkswagen Polo Vivo or Kia Picanto on price. It sidestepped that overcrowded battlefield entirely and zeroed in on crossover SUVs, one of the few segments in which South Africans are willing to spend R300,000 to R500,000 if it feels like a good deal. Disruption disguised In business textbooks, disruption often gets told as a story of instant conquest. But real-world disruption, especially in the conservative, brand-loyal automotive sector, tends to look more like what Chery did: fail, learn, disappear, rebuild and then return with something genuinely better. This learning curve has played out in other Chinese brands, too. GWM and its SUV-focused sub-brand, Haval, have quietly become household names in South Africa, offering feature-rich vehicles that punch above their price tag. BAIC and JAC are making slow, steady inroads. Even electric carmaker BYD has launched locally, preparing for a future that seems far away but probably isn't. It's worth noting that this isn't happening because Chinese brands are 'cheap' – an outdated and lazy stereotype. These brands are succeeding because they've identified strategic gaps in the market, invested in research and development and entered with offerings that are aligned with what South African consumers want: space, comfort, status, tech and, crucially, perceived value. Watching the long game The South African car market has long been dominated by the big Germans (Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz), the resilient Japanese (Toyota, Nissan, Honda) and the savvy Koreans (Hyundai, Kia). But that dominance bred complacency in some corners. And while they were busy playing defence by refining existing models, shaving off fractions of fuel consumption and tweaking infotainment systems, the Chinese were busy playing offence: investing, listening, building, iterating. Chery's story is a case study in how failure is not always fatal, and how being early but bad can sometimes be the first chapter of being late but excellent. The influx of Chinese car brands is not a blip. It's a restructuring of South Africa's automotive landscape – one in which badge loyalty is slowly eroding, and consumers are more willing than ever to reward brands that offer more for less. This doesn't mean legacy brands are doomed, but it does mean they'll have to fight harder for every sale. The days of coasting on brand equity alone are over. Chery might not have got it right the first time, but it might just be getting it right at exactly the right time. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Facelift GWM Haval H6 improves an already hard-to-beat package
Key model for the Chinese brand has been thoroughly updated inside, out and up front on all petrol-engine variants. Haval H6 has been facelifted to the point where it could almost be seen a new generation. Images: Charl Bosch Its flagship SUV until the arrival of the H7 at the beginning of the year, Great Wall Motors (GWM) Haval officially removed the wraps from the facelift H6 in South Africa last week after confirming initial details in February. Almost brand new The first and most comprehensive update to the H6 since its local market arrival four years ago, the changes not only involve aesthetics, but also the interior in a such way that it could be described as a completely new vehicle. ALSO READ: GWM prices powered-up facelift Haval H6 before market debut While indeed referred to by the company rebranded last year as GWM Haval, hence the H6 sporting GWM branding on its tailgate and no longer simply only Haval, the launch in a drizzly and cold Cape Town also came with a surprise in the first-time sampling of the sportier H6 GT, though more about this later. A key model for GWM as it, together with the Jolion, makes-up the bulk of the Haval division's sales as a result of the H7 still being new, the H6's exterior changes mirror those of the Chinese market variant, shown last year, without any market specific differences. New outside Spanning four models, excluding the pair of GT variants, all H6s receive new LED headlights, a redesigned front bumper, a new chrome grille, and Peugeot-type fog lamps that run in a claw-motif from the main clusters down the flanks of the bumper. Not stopping there, GWM has updated the lower air intake and fitted gloss black 19-inch alloy wheels across the entire range after it proved popular on higher-end versions of the pre-facelift model. As with the front, the rear facia has undergone a number refreshments as well. Just as prominent are the changes at the rear comprising the mentioned GWM logo in a block letter typeface between the new LED light clusters, a restyled bumper, roof rails and window surrounds finished in gloss black, and a slightly changed tailgate. Completing the exterior, the choice of colours has been streamlined to comprise three carryover options and new addition, the former trio being Hamilton White, Ayers Grey and Sun Black, and the latter a shade called Noble Gold. Completely spruced-up interior Opening the door, the sweeping changes sees the H6 adopting the now customary minimalistic design similar to the H7, but without letting go entirely of physical switches for some functions. In this regard, GWM has fitted a floating new centre console with a pair of wireless smartphone chargers, two cupholders and storage area on the upper section, and a storage slots plus a pair of USB ports below. Interior has been redesigned to mirror that of the new H7. The placing of the former means the rotary gear selector departs for a steering column-mounted lever, while the steering wheel has been revised with a ticker outer rim. Taking prominence are the new 10.25-inch freestanding instrument cluster and the 14.6-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Centre console has been redesigned and now sports a floating design. Replacing the previous 12.3-inch setup, the new display also serves as interface for the climate control, though GWM has seen it wise to retain a traditional 'on/off' button rather than embedding it into the system. What did, however, come as irksome is increasing or lowering the volume of the sound system, which requires the 'folder' button on the top right of the steering wheel to be pressed until the green icon within the cluster disappears. Only then does the volume button become operational. Boot space is rated at 560-litres on all but the HEV. As annoying and unnecessarily complicated as this is, the rest of the interior feels plush, premium and well put together, with only the odd scratchy surface being present. On the practicality side, space lacks for little and while the base model does without an electric tailgate, boot space is still more than impressive at 560-litres – this applying only to the petrol H6 and not the GT or the HEV. Spec and tech In terms of specification, the H6 range sports four trim levels with the Luxury now becoming the base grade in place of the discontinued Premium. Infotainment system size has been increased from 12.3-inches to 14.6-inches. Besides the items already mentioned, the Luxury comes standard with an eight-speaker sound system, rain sense wipers, electric driver's seats, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, ambient lighting, heated and folding electric mirrors, and push-button start as well as keyless entry. Taking care of safety is the following: 540-degree camera system; tyre pressure monitor; front and rear parking sensors; Adaptive Cruise Control; Rollover Mitigation; Hill Start Assist; Automatic Emergency Braking; Lane Keep Assist; Hill Descent Control; Traffic Jam Assist; Driver Attention Alert; Lane Departure Warning; Lane Centring Assist A drive mode selector with four settings; Eco, Normal, Sport and Snow, and steering mode adjuster with three settings; Normal, Comfort and Sport, rounds the Luxury off. Taking the step-up to the Super Luxury bring the mentioned electric tailgate, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats with the passenger's chair now being electric, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Rear Door Alert and Automatic Reverse Braking. At the line-up's summit, the Ultra Luxury gets Automatic Park Assist, a nine-speaker sound system and a Head-Up Display. More powerful petrol, same hybrid Out on the launch route, which started and ended in Stellenbosch and included Franschhoek via the renowned pass of the same name, only the conventional petrol variant could be sampled in Luxury guise. As before, GWM has retained the 2.0 T-GDI and HEV powertrains, but with an increase in power and torque for the former from 150kW/320Nm to the same 170kW/380Nm as the H7. H6 range is once again topped by the hybrid HEV, which only comes in front-wheel-drive. Also is new the nine-speed dual-clutch gearbox, which replaces the previous seven-speed, while four-wheel-drive can be had as an option on the Luxury and as the sole choice for the Ultra Luxury. Adding the all-paw system brings an additional two driving modes; Sand and Off-Road. With drive going to the front wheels only, the self-charging HEV once again combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack for unchanged outputs of 179kW/530Nm. Self-charging HEV hybrid develops a combined 179kW/530Nm. The only transmission is a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), and while the petrol will consume unleaded at a rate of 7.4 L/100 km or 8.3 L/100 km in the case of the 4WD, the HEV will do so at a claimed 5.1 L/100 km. Worth noting is that the HEV has run-flat tyres and no spare due to the battery pack underneath the boot board, and the same drive modes as the front-wheel-drive petrol. The drive The first leg of the journey involved the 4WD and despite the irritation of the audio system, it felt sure-footed, refined, comfortable and with a smooth ride that ironed-out the odd imperfection with ease. Heading up the pass was somewhat different though and while no H6 buyer would, admittedly, embark on a full-throttle assault, selecting Sport mode and giving it the maximum came with flustered shifting from the transmission on downshifts. That being said, it is an otherwise slick setup in everyday conditions, although the addition of paddle shifters would have been welcomed. Seats are supportive and offers electric adjustability for the driver across all trim grades. In-between, a brief moment to sample the H6 GT involved only the new plug-in hybrid variant, though a more in depth report will only be made once it arrives on test. The second half of the route from Franschhoek back to Stellenbosch took place in the front-wheel-drive, which featured the typical Chinese vehicle throttle calibration issue not found on the 4WD. Not as confidence inspiring as the all-paw H6, the front-wheel-drive still felt comfortable and refined, but will require finessing or at best, small driving style changes to negate wheelspin on take-off as a result of the throttle and gearbox mapping disconnect, Conclusion A key model for GWM Haval as mentioned, the updates to the H6 come as a welcome addition to an already well appointed if now aging model. H6 has been a key model for GWM Haval, with sales this year so far of 1 426 units. However, with sales for the year standing at 1 426 units, and with a price tag still below R500 000, but with more specification and tech included, expect the H6 to remain a runaway success at a price tough to beat. Price All H6's price tags include a seven-year/200 000 km warranty, a seven-year/75 000 km service and, in the case of the HEV, an eight-year/150 000 km battery warranty. H6 2.0 T-GDI Luxury DCT – R495 500 H6 2.0 T-GDI Luxury 4WD DCT – R574 500 H6 2.0 T-GDI Super Luxury DCT – R542 500 H6 2.0 T-GDI Ultra Luxury 4WD DCT – R614 500 H6 HEV Luxury DHT – R641 500 H6 HEV Ultra Luxury DHT – R686 500 NOW READ: This is the real deal: Facelift Haval H6 shows its true face
NZ Autocar
21-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
2025 GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV Review'
PHEVs are going gangbusters in some parts of the world where EV range is now well over 100km. How does Haval's first effort rate? Range is critical in an EV, and likewise PHEVs, it would seem. The average PHEV range increased from 50km in 2019 to 80km in 2023. This year it will be higher again. Why? Because of the likes of this Haval H6. The Chinese are going bonkers on PHEVs. Thanks to that, there are now several PHEVs on sale here that offer over 100km of EV range. Some in China offer 245 to 300-odd km. This H6 GT PHEV is Haval's first example, offering 180km of electric travel from its substantial 35.4kWh battery pack. That's serious range, especially given it sells for $58,990. Pricing is similar to Mitsi PHEVs but there's over double the range. Fact is, there's enough EV potential for a week of in-town motoring. That means you can recharge it on a Friday night before a long weekend away, and have roughly 1000km of range at the ready. A quick 91 refill gives another 800. What about a battery refresh? And sensibly there's always electric power to help with overtaking because the system never lets the battery charge sink below 15 per cent. It also allows you to save the energy stored in the battery for urban use if you want. And you can recharge on the go, using the engine as a generator. Though it would seem they prefer you not to as it's not that straightforward to activate. Alternatively, you can plug in to a 48kW fast charger. It takes half an hour to replenish the battery from 30 to 80 per cent. A 7kW wall charger will do the job in three hours. Or 12 hours on a portable charger. So it all sounds rather peachy for those who just cannot be bothered with on-the-road recharging, or don't want EV range anxiety. The downside of a PHEV is using the engine too much. With most PHEVs, you can gobble up the limited EV range on day one. People then forget to recharge each night. When you run them like that, fuel economy won't be great. That's because the engine is tasked with propelling something much heavier. The H6 PHEV is 400kg up on its petrol equivalent (2075kg kerb weight). With much greater EV range, that gives you plenty of time to decide when you are going to plug in again. And then you'll only use the engine on long jaunts. In the urban setting, GWM suggests overall fuel use of 0.8L/100km (rightcar 1.0L/100km). It's around 5.4 otherwise. Any other downsides then? This isn't quite as dynamic as the regular ICE-power H6 models, despite decent Michelin Primacy rubber and its AWD status. It can be a bit squirrely in the wet. GWM has fettled the suspension for the increased weight to make it ride appropriately, which it really does. Brakes are uprated too but have an odd pedal feel. No mind, because high-level recuperation does most of the braking for you. We found the central IFT control screen disappointing. Repeated jabs and stabs were often needed, and it's a bit slow. Moreover, the layout is messy. Its saving grace is a pulldown menu for things you might want to turn off frequently. And voice control; use that when you can. While this H6 is mercifully free of warning bongs, it makes one loud one when you start it up and set off. Why is unclear, and no, you cannot cull it. The wheel spokes are oddly placed too, forcing a 10 past 2 hand position. Can it go? Can it ever! This can really tramp. That's the result of having a motor for each axle and a turbopetrol engine. Overall system output is 342kW and 762Nm. Strewth, that's a heap of grunt for a car costing this much. It can hit 100km/h in just under 4.9sec with LC and needs just over 3sec to jet from 80-120. It would be even quicker if the hybrid two-speed transmission didn't dither between first and second. Practically speaking this is sound. There's genuinely decent room for five grown-ups. And luggage capacity is 392-1390L. That's the same as for the Ultra GT AWD upon which it is based. The Haval H6 range gets more, however, 560-1485L, if luggage capacity is a big deal. Same with towing. The PHEV is good for 750-1500kg, while the H6 petrol can haul 2000kg of braked trailer. What else? Surprise and delight items include powered, heated and vented seats that are really comfy, a head-up display and surround camera. The overall shape is appealing too, though the rear window is tiny, and has no wiper. But the resolution from the reversing camera compensates. With all the new energy brands incoming, it is Leapmotor's C10 REEV at $49,990 plus ORCs that is the Haval's main rival. Sure, it has slightly less EV range (145km) but most will likely find that's enough for a week of urban travel. It's nowhere near as quick, however. The 0-100 claim is 8.5sec because the engine acts only as a generator for the battery. So it is reliant on its lone 158kW/320Nm motor for go power. If you want serious performance, and ridiculously low fuel use, go for the Haval which comes with a seven-year/unlimited km warranty. GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV $58,990 / 0.8L/100km / 19g/km 0-100 km/h 4.82s Engine 1500cc / IL4 / T + twin motors Max power 321kW Max torque 762Nm Weight (claimed) 2075kg
The Advertiser
07-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 GWM Haval H6: Updated RAV4 rival nears Australian launch, packing more power
A refreshed GWM Haval H6 is set to launch later this month, and it will bring a more powerful petrol engine. Government approval documents seen by CarExpert show the updated mid-size SUV will continue to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but its power output has been boosted from 150kW to 170kW. Additionally, it ditches its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a nine-speed dual-clutch auto. A torque figure isn't listed, but in China this powertrain produces 175kW and 385Nm. The latter represents a significant increase of 65Nm. Meantime, the Haval H6 Hybrid's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain appears unchanged. While total system outputs don't appear in the approval documents, the outgoing Haval H6 Hybrid produces 179kW and 530Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Only front-wheel drive petrol and hybrid powertrains are listed in the certification documents, though GWM has previously indicated all-wheel drive hybrid versions and a plug-in hybrid powertrain will follow later in the year. Previously reported to be coming here in 2024, the facelifted Haval H6 rollout is set to start later this month. While GWM previously offered a PHEV version of the pre-facelift Haval H6 in its home market, a facelifted PHEV vehicle doesn't appear on its Chinese website. It's unclear, then, which powertrain the Haval H6 PHEV will use in our market – whether it's the heady 342kW/762Nm 1.5-litre turbo PHEV of the Haval H6 GT PHEV with its sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h time, or something more tame. In Thailand, for example, the Haval H6 PHEV features a 27.54kWh battery and total system outputs of 240kW and 530Nm. It has claimed electric-only range of 150km on the NEDC cycle, down from 180km on the more powerful H6 GT PHEV which uses a 35.4kWh battery. The updated Haval H6 adopts a new face with vertical LED daytime running lights – but largely unchanged headlights – and a grille consisting of dozens of metal-look rectangle trim pieces, rather reminiscent of the grille on the outgoing Hyundai Palisade or the upcoming MG U9. The full-width LED light bar at the rear has been replaced with separate tail-light clusters, with badging placed in between. The light bar lives on in facelifted Haval H6 models sold in Thailand. Inside, there's a new centre console design and steering wheel, while the carryover 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now sits next to a larger 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The current, third-generation Haval H6 debuted in 2020, and arrived in Australia in 2021 to replace the 2015-vintage model known in China as the H6 Coupe. A sleeker, coupe-style version of the current Haval H6, called the H6 GT, arrived here in 2022, followed by the PHEV version earlier this year. GWM Australia is adding another mid-size crossover SUV to its ranks in the third quarter of this year with the Haval H7. This shares its platform with the H6 and H6 GT but features a locking rear differential, a "light off-road cruising mode", and unique styling. MORE: Everything GWM Haval H6 Content originally sourced from: A refreshed GWM Haval H6 is set to launch later this month, and it will bring a more powerful petrol engine. Government approval documents seen by CarExpert show the updated mid-size SUV will continue to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but its power output has been boosted from 150kW to 170kW. Additionally, it ditches its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a nine-speed dual-clutch auto. A torque figure isn't listed, but in China this powertrain produces 175kW and 385Nm. The latter represents a significant increase of 65Nm. Meantime, the Haval H6 Hybrid's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain appears unchanged. While total system outputs don't appear in the approval documents, the outgoing Haval H6 Hybrid produces 179kW and 530Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Only front-wheel drive petrol and hybrid powertrains are listed in the certification documents, though GWM has previously indicated all-wheel drive hybrid versions and a plug-in hybrid powertrain will follow later in the year. Previously reported to be coming here in 2024, the facelifted Haval H6 rollout is set to start later this month. While GWM previously offered a PHEV version of the pre-facelift Haval H6 in its home market, a facelifted PHEV vehicle doesn't appear on its Chinese website. It's unclear, then, which powertrain the Haval H6 PHEV will use in our market – whether it's the heady 342kW/762Nm 1.5-litre turbo PHEV of the Haval H6 GT PHEV with its sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h time, or something more tame. In Thailand, for example, the Haval H6 PHEV features a 27.54kWh battery and total system outputs of 240kW and 530Nm. It has claimed electric-only range of 150km on the NEDC cycle, down from 180km on the more powerful H6 GT PHEV which uses a 35.4kWh battery. The updated Haval H6 adopts a new face with vertical LED daytime running lights – but largely unchanged headlights – and a grille consisting of dozens of metal-look rectangle trim pieces, rather reminiscent of the grille on the outgoing Hyundai Palisade or the upcoming MG U9. The full-width LED light bar at the rear has been replaced with separate tail-light clusters, with badging placed in between. The light bar lives on in facelifted Haval H6 models sold in Thailand. Inside, there's a new centre console design and steering wheel, while the carryover 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now sits next to a larger 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The current, third-generation Haval H6 debuted in 2020, and arrived in Australia in 2021 to replace the 2015-vintage model known in China as the H6 Coupe. A sleeker, coupe-style version of the current Haval H6, called the H6 GT, arrived here in 2022, followed by the PHEV version earlier this year. GWM Australia is adding another mid-size crossover SUV to its ranks in the third quarter of this year with the Haval H7. This shares its platform with the H6 and H6 GT but features a locking rear differential, a "light off-road cruising mode", and unique styling. MORE: Everything GWM Haval H6 Content originally sourced from: A refreshed GWM Haval H6 is set to launch later this month, and it will bring a more powerful petrol engine. Government approval documents seen by CarExpert show the updated mid-size SUV will continue to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but its power output has been boosted from 150kW to 170kW. Additionally, it ditches its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a nine-speed dual-clutch auto. A torque figure isn't listed, but in China this powertrain produces 175kW and 385Nm. The latter represents a significant increase of 65Nm. Meantime, the Haval H6 Hybrid's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain appears unchanged. While total system outputs don't appear in the approval documents, the outgoing Haval H6 Hybrid produces 179kW and 530Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Only front-wheel drive petrol and hybrid powertrains are listed in the certification documents, though GWM has previously indicated all-wheel drive hybrid versions and a plug-in hybrid powertrain will follow later in the year. Previously reported to be coming here in 2024, the facelifted Haval H6 rollout is set to start later this month. While GWM previously offered a PHEV version of the pre-facelift Haval H6 in its home market, a facelifted PHEV vehicle doesn't appear on its Chinese website. It's unclear, then, which powertrain the Haval H6 PHEV will use in our market – whether it's the heady 342kW/762Nm 1.5-litre turbo PHEV of the Haval H6 GT PHEV with its sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h time, or something more tame. In Thailand, for example, the Haval H6 PHEV features a 27.54kWh battery and total system outputs of 240kW and 530Nm. It has claimed electric-only range of 150km on the NEDC cycle, down from 180km on the more powerful H6 GT PHEV which uses a 35.4kWh battery. The updated Haval H6 adopts a new face with vertical LED daytime running lights – but largely unchanged headlights – and a grille consisting of dozens of metal-look rectangle trim pieces, rather reminiscent of the grille on the outgoing Hyundai Palisade or the upcoming MG U9. The full-width LED light bar at the rear has been replaced with separate tail-light clusters, with badging placed in between. The light bar lives on in facelifted Haval H6 models sold in Thailand. Inside, there's a new centre console design and steering wheel, while the carryover 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now sits next to a larger 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The current, third-generation Haval H6 debuted in 2020, and arrived in Australia in 2021 to replace the 2015-vintage model known in China as the H6 Coupe. A sleeker, coupe-style version of the current Haval H6, called the H6 GT, arrived here in 2022, followed by the PHEV version earlier this year. GWM Australia is adding another mid-size crossover SUV to its ranks in the third quarter of this year with the Haval H7. This shares its platform with the H6 and H6 GT but features a locking rear differential, a "light off-road cruising mode", and unique styling. MORE: Everything GWM Haval H6 Content originally sourced from: A refreshed GWM Haval H6 is set to launch later this month, and it will bring a more powerful petrol engine. Government approval documents seen by CarExpert show the updated mid-size SUV will continue to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but its power output has been boosted from 150kW to 170kW. Additionally, it ditches its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a nine-speed dual-clutch auto. A torque figure isn't listed, but in China this powertrain produces 175kW and 385Nm. The latter represents a significant increase of 65Nm. Meantime, the Haval H6 Hybrid's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain appears unchanged. While total system outputs don't appear in the approval documents, the outgoing Haval H6 Hybrid produces 179kW and 530Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Only front-wheel drive petrol and hybrid powertrains are listed in the certification documents, though GWM has previously indicated all-wheel drive hybrid versions and a plug-in hybrid powertrain will follow later in the year. Previously reported to be coming here in 2024, the facelifted Haval H6 rollout is set to start later this month. While GWM previously offered a PHEV version of the pre-facelift Haval H6 in its home market, a facelifted PHEV vehicle doesn't appear on its Chinese website. It's unclear, then, which powertrain the Haval H6 PHEV will use in our market – whether it's the heady 342kW/762Nm 1.5-litre turbo PHEV of the Haval H6 GT PHEV with its sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h time, or something more tame. In Thailand, for example, the Haval H6 PHEV features a 27.54kWh battery and total system outputs of 240kW and 530Nm. It has claimed electric-only range of 150km on the NEDC cycle, down from 180km on the more powerful H6 GT PHEV which uses a 35.4kWh battery. The updated Haval H6 adopts a new face with vertical LED daytime running lights – but largely unchanged headlights – and a grille consisting of dozens of metal-look rectangle trim pieces, rather reminiscent of the grille on the outgoing Hyundai Palisade or the upcoming MG U9. The full-width LED light bar at the rear has been replaced with separate tail-light clusters, with badging placed in between. The light bar lives on in facelifted Haval H6 models sold in Thailand. Inside, there's a new centre console design and steering wheel, while the carryover 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now sits next to a larger 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The current, third-generation Haval H6 debuted in 2020, and arrived in Australia in 2021 to replace the 2015-vintage model known in China as the H6 Coupe. A sleeker, coupe-style version of the current Haval H6, called the H6 GT, arrived here in 2022, followed by the PHEV version earlier this year. GWM Australia is adding another mid-size crossover SUV to its ranks in the third quarter of this year with the Haval H7. This shares its platform with the H6 and H6 GT but features a locking rear differential, a "light off-road cruising mode", and unique styling. MORE: Everything GWM Haval H6 Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
06-06-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
2025 GWM Haval H6: Updated RAV4 rival nears Australian launch, packing more power
A refreshed GWM Haval H6 is set to launch later this month, and it will bring a more powerful petrol engine. Government approval documents seen by CarExpert show the updated mid-size SUV will continue to be powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, but its power output has been boosted from 150kW to 170kW. Additionally, it ditches its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for a nine-speed dual-clutch auto. A torque figure isn't listed, but in China this powertrain produces 175kW and 385Nm. The latter represents a significant increase of 65Nm. Meantime, the Haval H6 Hybrid's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol-electric powertrain appears unchanged. While total system outputs don't appear in the approval documents, the outgoing Haval H6 Hybrid produces 179kW and 530Nm. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Only front-wheel drive petrol and hybrid powertrains are listed in the certification documents, though GWM has previously indicated all-wheel drive hybrid versions and a plug-in hybrid powertrain will follow later in the year. Previously reported to be coming here in 2024, the facelifted Haval H6 rollout is set to start later this month. While GWM previously offered a PHEV version of the pre-facelift Haval H6 in its home market, a facelifted PHEV vehicle doesn't appear on its Chinese website. It's unclear, then, which powertrain the Haval H6 PHEV will use in our market – whether it's the heady 342kW/762Nm 1.5-litre turbo PHEV of the Haval H6 GT PHEV with its sub-5.0-second 0-100km/h time, or something more tame. In Thailand, for example, the Haval H6 PHEV features a 27.54kWh battery and total system outputs of 240kW and 530Nm. It has claimed electric-only range of 150km on the NEDC cycle, down from 180km on the more powerful H6 GT PHEV which uses a 35.4kWh battery. The updated Haval H6 adopts a new face with vertical LED daytime running lights – but largely unchanged headlights – and a grille consisting of dozens of metal-look rectangle trim pieces, rather reminiscent of the grille on the outgoing Hyundai Palisade or the upcoming MG U9 . The full-width LED light bar at the rear has been replaced with separate tail-light clusters, with badging placed in between. The light bar lives on in facelifted Haval H6 models sold in Thailand. Inside, there's a new centre console design and steering wheel, while the carryover 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster now sits next to a larger 14.6-inch infotainment touchscreen. The current, third-generation Haval H6 debuted in 2020, and arrived in Australia in 2021 to replace the 2015-vintage model known in China as the H6 Coupe. A sleeker, coupe-style version of the current Haval H6, called the H6 GT, arrived here in 2022, followed by the PHEV version earlier this year. GWM Australia is adding another mid-size crossover SUV to its ranks in the third quarter of this year with the Haval H7. This shares its platform with the H6 and H6 GT but features a locking rear differential, a 'light off-road cruising mode', and unique styling. MORE: Everything GWM Haval H6
