By Prashirwin Naidu
Haval, a sub-brand of Great Wall Motors (GWM) – alongside Tank, P-Series and ORA – has given its popular H6 SUV a stylish and tech-savvy refresh. The recent launch experience was as impressive as the car itself.
First Impressions
Our journey began at the elegant Asara Wine Estate & Hotel in Stellenbosch. After a quick lunch stop at Anton Rupert’s restaurant, we hit the road on a scenic 120km route that curved through Franschhoek’s mountain passes, ideal terrain for getting a feel for the H6’s updates. Banter and performance checks between co-drivers made it a day to remember.
With GWM growing steadily in South Africa over the past 18 years, and a global footprint in 170 countries, the brand’s momentum is undeniable. Globally, they’ve sold over 14.9 million vehicles. Still, some caution lingers around long-term reliability, especially since technology evolves rapidly.
Design Updates
The facelift brings a bolder grille, sleeker LED taillights replacing the old light bar,
and striking 19-inch black alloy wheels. A new gold paint option also joins the colour palette, ideal for those who like to stand out.
Interior
Step inside, and you’re met with a clean, modern cabin that feels solid and
thoughtfully designed. The materials give off a premium vibe, but GWM still has
room for improvement.
One frustrating miss: no volume knob. The steering wheel volume controls didn’t work, forcing me to navigate menus on the touchscreen, not exactly ideal mid-drive. On the upside, the 14.6-inch touchscreen pairs well with the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Other high-end touches include wireless charging, voice command, a head-up display, auto-parking assist, and even a heated leather steering wheel.
The driver’s seat is 6-way electrically adjustable, sound is pumped through a 9-speaker system, and the hands-free boot lid is a blessing when you’ve got your hands full. There’s generous space throughout the cabin, with the boot easily fitting four suitcases. A downside: no spare wheel. The H6 relies on run-flat tyres, which could be tricky to replace in more remote towns, something long-distance travellers should keep in mind.
Safety First
The H6 pulls no punches when it comes to safety. It includes Adaptive Cruise
Control; Lane Keep Assist; Automatic Emergency Braking; Traffic Jam Assist and Traffic Sign Recognition. All this contributes to its 5-star ANCAP safety rating, a reassuring detail for any family-focused buyer.
The Drive
Under the bonnet, the H6 houses a refined 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, now more powerful than before. Paired with a smooth 9-speed dual-clutch transmission, the drive feels composed and confident.
There is a hint of turbo lag, and the gearbox hesitates slightly under hard acceleration, but that’s not the H6’s sweet spot anyway. It’s built for cruising in comfort, not boy-racer antics. Official fuel consumption sits at 7.4L/100km for the 2WD and 8.3L/100km for the AWD.
On launch day, we clocked around 12L/100km, which is expected for a brand-new engine. Expect this to settle as the car gets run in. While we didn’t get to test the new hybrid model at launch, it features a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine paired with an electric motor. On paper, it’s the more fuel-efficient choice. We’ll report back once we’ve had some proper time behind the wheel.
Verdict
All things considered, the refreshed Haval H6 leaves a solid impression. It feels more confident, better equipped, and is cleverly packaged for families who want a premium feel without paying a premium price.
With generous warranties, standout safety features and sleek styling, it’s clear Haval wants to shake up the segment, and they’re doing just that.
Pricing and Models
The updated H6 now comes in six derivatives. Prices start at R495 500 for the 2.0T Luxury 9DCT and go up to R686 500 for the range-topping H6 DHT Ultra Luxury Hybrid.
I drove the H6 2.0T Super Luxury 9DCT, priced at R542 500, a smart deal for a family-friendly SUV packed with features. Every model includes a 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 7-year/75 000 km service plan.
For hybrid models, GWM adds an 8-year/150 000 km battery warranty. These warranties are also transferable, great news for resale value.
