The H6 GT 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury is more than a coupe-styled variant of Haval’s popular medium SUV range… The extensively equipped halo model represents a strong statement to the South African SUV market by a rapidly evolving brand.
PARTNERED CONTENT
1. Distinctive, aero-optimised design
The H6 GT blends coupe-inspired design with the practical attributes of a modern medium SUV. This sportier-looking newcomer presents a purposefully distinctive offering to the H6, although it complements its sibling’s distinctive style language.
Until the recent arrival of the H6 GT, only German premium manufacturers have launched coupe-styled medium SUVs in the local market, but this newcomer offers comparable standout kerb appeal at a more affordable price point. From a stylistic point of view, it sets a benchmark for volume-produced compact crossover models.
The H6 GT is distinguished by its more streamlined body, replete with a sloping roofline and sporty bumpers, wheel-arch cladding, gloss black accents (on the 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails and side mirrors), plus carbon-fibre inserts fore and aft.
The aerodynamic body kit is certainly eye-catching, but it’s entirely functional too; it incorporates side skirts, as well as roof- and tailgate-mounted lip spoilers and a sporty rear diffuser, all of which enhance the Haval’s fastback-like appearance.
2. Punchy performance
Although the H6 GT is powered by the same 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine as most of Haval H6 derivatives, it packs extra punch courtesy of higher peak outputs (155 kW at 6 000 rpm and 325 Nm of torque from 1 500 to 4 000 rpm).
All 4 wheels are driven via a quick-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which is augmented with steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles – these enable a driver to actuate manual gear changes with their fingertips, if they so prefer.
The torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system is aided by the fitment of grippy 235/55 R19 tyres to the sporty alloy wheels, while electronic traction- and stability control systems complement the ABS (with EBD and brake assist) to ensure that the H6 GT tracks safe and true in the event that the vehicle’s grip limits are exceeded.
3. Race Mode & evocative soundtrack
The H6 GT is not only the sportiest-looking Haval to reach our shores (so far), but the first Haval model to be equipped with a Race mode (apart from the Standard, Eco, Sports, Snow Sand and Offroad driving and terrain modes) in South Africa.
When Race mode is engaged, the H6 GT’s throttle response becomes sharper, and its transmission adopts a sportier shift mapping. What’s more the vehicle’s exhaust note becomes noticeably more purposeful/sonorous to heighten driver involvement.
The speed-sensitive electric steering setup offers a trio of dynamic steering modes to choose from (Sport, Comfort, and Light) and a driver can programme their favourite settings into the H6 GT by using the star-button functionality on the steering wheel.
If they’ve used the star button to create a shortcut to Race mode, for example, they can use it to quickly engage the sportiest drive mode when road conditions permit.
4. Generous features list
As befitting a performance-oriented derivative, the H6 GT has an upmarket and driver-centric cabin design, highlighted by a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, as well as branded and heated electrically adjustable front seats (6-way with 2-way lumbar support for the driver, 4-way for the passenger), which are trimmed in black artificial leather and Alcantara with sporty green contrast stitching.
What’s more, the 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury comes with keyless entry and push-button start, electrically adjustable and folding side mirrors, automatically activated wipers and -headlights, dual-zone climate control, a wireless charging pad, as well as a 12.3-inch touchscreen that sits atop the beautifully crafted, dual-tier dash panel.
The touchscreen infotainment system is combined with an 8-speaker audio setup; it supports Bluetooth connectivity/streaming, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and serves as the display for the H6 GT’s standard 360-degree-view camera system.
5. Pleasant accommodation
Although the H6 GT is meant to project the perfect balance of style, luxury, and high technology, it also offers excellent versatility, with generous space for up to 5 adults and their luggage, making it ideal for city trips – or adventure-filled long journeys.
To that end, the Haval’s cabin is fitted with fore and aft 12V power outlets, a quartet of USB charging ports (2 front and 2 back), rear aircon vents and -privacy glass, a 60/40-split seatback and an electrically operated tailgate, while the spectacular panoramic sunroof bathes the H6 GT’s occupants in cascades of natural light.
6. Semi-autonomous driving
Apart from the previously mentioned safety features, the H6 GT comes equipped with 6 airbags (dual front-, side and curtain ‘bags), driver fatigue alert, an electronic anti-glare rear-view mirror, ISOfix child-seat mounts, plus front/rear parking sensors.
However, the 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury is further fitted with semi-autonomous driving technology that enhances its credentials as a safety-oriented medium SUV.
Here are only some of the Haval’s features: adaptive cruise control (with intelligent cruise and -cornering functions), traffic jam assist and -sign recognition, pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking (AEB Pedestrian and Cyclist), lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist and lane-centre keeping, as well as blind-spot detection, combined with rear cross-traffic alert and lane-change assist.
7. Strong value proposition
.jpg?tr=w-800)
Haval SA says the H6 GT 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury signifies “the start of new possibilities for the brand” in our market, where it spearheads “a robust product line-up that put the individual first with world-class technology, at phenomenal pricing”.
“The H6 GT is the perfect flagship of what has become a very popular model. The H6 has exceeded our expectations, from both a sales point of view, but also the type of customers we are seeing join our Haval stable,” Haval South Africa COO Conrad Groenewald said recently. We are confident the H6 GT will deliver on the promise for the more astute motorist, seeking something more dynamic in its design.”
The H6 GT retails for R629 950 (the H6 line-up starts at R479 950), which includes a 5-year/100 000 km warranty, 5 years’ comprehensive roadside assistance (provided by the AA) and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan.
Related content:
New Haval Specs & Prices in South Africa
