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.
Also worth a look: the Haval Jolion Pro and the Haval H6 Gt.
FAQ
Q: What does the Haval H6 GT cost in South Africa?
The Haval H6 GT starts at around R589,900 for the base model, making it a premium offering in Haval's lineup that sits above the standard H6 SUV variants.
Q: Is the Haval H6 GT worth buying over the regular H6?
The H6 GT is worth the extra cash if you want that coupe-SUV styling and sportier interior with green accents, but you'll pay around R50,000 more than the standard H6 for what's essentially a design upgrade with the same mechanicals underneath.
Q: What engine does the Haval H6 GT have?
The H6 GT comes with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 150kW and 320Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the front wheels.
Q: How does the Haval H6 GT compare to other coupe SUVs in South Africa?
The H6 GT undercuts German rivals like the BMW X4 by over R400,000 while offering similar coupe-SUV styling, though it can't match the premium feel or brand prestige of the established European players.
Q: What safety features does the Haval H6 GT include?
The H6 GT packs adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system as standard equipment across the range.
Should You Buy It?
The Haval H6 GT at R589,900 is a solid choice if you want coupe-SUV styling without the German premium, but it's hard to justify over the regular H6 unless you're absolutely smitten with that sloping roofline. The best coupe-SUV under R600,000 in South Africa is actually this H6 GT, since there's practically nothing else in this price bracket offering the same combination of style, tech, and semi-autonomous driving features. Buy it if you want to stand out from the sea of standard SUVs and don't mind explaining to people what a Haval is, but skip it if you prioritise brand recognition or need maximum practicality from your family hauler.
