Haval H6 GT put through its paces
The Chinese automakers have their sights clearly set on the South African market. Not only has Haval established itself in the local market but the likes of Chery and now Proton are after a piece of customer attention. Haval however aims to retain some interest with its striking new H6 GT, a sporty version of the popular H6 SUV. Here are some details.
The All-New H6 GT is a blend of coupé-inspired design merged with the practical accolades of a modern SUV. The standout styling, a unique design feature of aero side skirts, enhanced visual accents, semi-Autonomous Driving, and most importantly, curb appeal makes it their most dynamic SUV to date.
This sportier-looking HAVAL H6 GT presents a different offering to the H6 SUV, while still complementing the H6's current distinctive style language. And it's not just that sloping roofline with a panoramic sunroof that sets it apart. The HAVAL H6 GT sports offers a more streamlined body, wheel arch cladding as well as gloss black accents, and carbon fibre inserts on the front and back. The rear is finished with a roof-mounted spoiler and lip spoiler enhancing the fastback rear.
To reinforce its ambitious stance, you’ll find that the interior delivers sophisticated comfort with sporty green trimming and stitching with Alcantara inserts. With a driver-centric design, the HAVAL H6 GT boasts branded and heated seats, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless charging, and a 12.3-inch central display that sits atop the beautifully crafted, dual-tier dash panel. The centre display is also ideal for the 360-degree view camera system that makes parking a breeze.
Integrated into the camera system the GT offers, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Intelligent cruise, Intelligent cornering, traffic jam assist, Pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking (AEB Pedestrian and Cyclist), Lane Departure Alert (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Blind spot detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Combining sleek and sporty exterior lines with SUV practicality, the new 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine packs a punch with 155kW and 325Nm. The power is delivered through a 7-speed DCT when and where you need it, matched with a torque-on-demand 4WD system, this SUV is also the first Haval in the country to have ‘Race Mode’. The Sport exhaust tone also offers an aggressive throttle and transmission response. We will caution you though, it likes to drink and its preference is 95 octane.
Out on the road it does seem to offer a dynamic driving experience. Is it on par with the Germans though. No, not yet but considering the advancements that the brand is making and at the speed it is doing so we reckon it is only a matter of time before we see a truly engaging offering.
For now though it is a charming car that looks great and is packed with features. A German equivalent will cost you almost double the price. We however would also consider the Haval H6 HEV as a more fuel efficient alternative.
