New Chinese Toyota RAV4 rival revealed: Upgraded Haval H6 headed to Australia with improved cabin tech and fresh hybrid power to challenge the Kia Sportage

Haval has shown off a significantly updated H6 mid-size SUV at a preview event in China.

The current H6 is believed to be replaced by a globally facelifted version soon, with a new generation also potentially based on the already-revealed Xiaolong MAX.

Haval has done a big overhaul of the interior along with mild exterior styling tweaks.

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Inside, the brand’s new steering wheel (which will also be seen in other future product), new Mercedes-style stalk shifter, a tidier centre console, and a much larger 14.6-inch multimedia screen are the highlights.

It looks as though the facelift will feature the brand’s new software system (dubbed Coffee intelligent system 2.0) and the 2.0-litre combustion engine will get a transmission upgrade from a seven-speed dual-clutch auto to a conventional new nine speed unit. It continues to feature BorgWarner-sourced hardware for all-wheel drive variants.

The facelifted model will continue to sport familiar engines to the outgoing model, with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder with slightly boosted power and torque outputs, or a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo hybrid model which produces 179kW/530Nm driving the wheels via a two-speed transaxle.

Haval has shown off a significantly updated H6 mid-size SUV at a preview event in China.

GWM also promises improved refinement and more environmentally friendly material choices for the facelift.

A plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version exists for the current vehicle, but it is not exported to Australia. CarsGuide understands GWM’s Australian division is very keen to offer a PHEV as part of its line-up, but is yet to decide on which will arrive first from its catalogue.

The models that could receive plug-in hybrid power outside of the H6 include the Cannon and Cannon Alpha utes, both the Tank 300 and 500, and possibly the Jolion small SUV.

Upfront is a 14.6-inch multimedia screen.

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The H6 features a tidier centre console.

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The potentially H6-replacing Xialong MAX mid-sizer is thought to be between 12- and 18-months from an international launch. It will feature many of the same cabin tech upgrades like the new software as the incoming H6 facelift. It is significantly larger, measuring 103mm longer than the H6 and also features not two but three 12.3-inch interior displays.

The big news is the Xialong MAX will be the first Haval to feature the brand’s new Hi4-T drivetrain tech, which combines a 1.5-litre engine with a 70kW motor on the front axle and 150kW rear electric motor, for total outputs of 205kW/585Nm. A 20kWh battery provides a claimed 83km of driving range.

The H6 upgrades come as part of a range-wide suite of new-generation and updated models, which includes the GWM Cannon Alpha, Tank 500, as well as the all-new Tank 700 that could be a strong candidate for a local hybrid off-road flagship for the brand.