Hang on, is this a Haval? The last Haval I drove did not look half as good as this. It felt a bit tinny, and to be completely honest, a little on the budget end of town.
This Haval H6 Ultra is the top-spec model and starts from $37,990 drive-away for the FWD model as tested (AWD $39,990 drive-away).
That’s excellent value for a mid-size SUV that looks this good, and goes this well. It’s competing with cars like the Toyota RAV4 and the Mazda CX-5, both of which have much pricier top models.
Here’s how the Haval H6 did driving over seven days for this week’s family review.
GWM Haval H6 2022: Ultra
| Engine Type | Turbo 4, 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type | Premium Unleaded Petrol |
| Fuel Efficiency | 9.8L/100km (combined) |
| Seating | 5 |
| Price From | $22,440 - $27,720 |
| Safety Rating |
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How does it look?
Like a much more expensive car. It’s unrecognisable from Havals of the past (or possibly just other models). This H6 has a beautifully designed exterior with a modern shape, a large, classic looking grille, and enough body definition to make The Rock proud.
Inside is much more luxurious than I would be expecting for this price bracket. Usually with cars for this price, you’re able to spot the plastic-y interiors from a mile away, but if Haval's gone budget on the H6 interior, you can’t tell.
There are synthetic leather seats that feel comfortable, they’re heated and cooling, a leather steering wheel that’s heated, and a panoramic sunroof to let in natural light.
What’s the tech like?
This Ultra model has a 12.3-inch multimedia screen which takes centre stage in the interior design. It comes with Apple CarPlay which is the technology you’re after because it works like a large version of your phone, and syncs with the main apps instantly. There are six speakers and there’s a digital dash in front of the steering wheel.
How easy is it to use every day?
On this top model you’ll find power-operated front seats and a power tailgate.
For storage there are two cupholders in the front, a decent centre storage bin plus a giant space underneath the centre console which is always handy for transporting things, plus storage pockets in each door.
There are two USB ports in the front but it took me a while to find them. Prizes to anyone who finds them in less than a minute!
Rear passengers get directional air vents and two USB ports which brings the USB outlet total to four.
The gear shifter is a radial dial, which works well enough, but isn’t my dream arrangement.
How spacious is it?
The H6 is quite roomy up front, with enough leg and headspace for taller people. It’s wide enough that you don't feel like you're jostling shoulders between front passenger and driver.
The second row also has good headspace and at 161cm, there’s enough room between my knees and the seat in front of me that taller adults and teenagers will have enough room. My two children, aged seven and nine, were very comfortable in the back.
And the boot is large. At 600L it fits a double pram or suitcases and is plenty for a family of four. In fact, it's up there with the top of the category.
How does it drive?
This was the most pleasantly surprising thing about it. The Haval is smooth, responsive to driver instructions, and has good handling. The steering turns easily and the car feels good on the road.
It’s not heavy on take-off and with a 2.0-litre, turbo-petrol, four-cylinder engine it has enough power to get up hills easily and you’ll feel comfortable on highways, too. There’s also a hybrid option coming if that’s something that’s important to you. It’s certainly on my priority list.
Parking is easy in the H6 with a decent reverse parking camera, the car is mid-size so you’ll fit into most spaces well, and the steering is easy to turn so it’s not a huge effort.
How safe is it?
The Haval H6 Ultra comes with auto emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and an 'Intelligent Dodge' overtaking system.
Airbags are there for driver and front passenger with side curtain airbags for first and second rows. There are two ISOFIX points and three top tether points for kid’s car seats in the second row. The H6 hasn’t yet been ANCAP rated.
How much does it cost to own?
The Haval H6 Ultra costs $37,990 drive-away in the FWD version tested. The combined fuel consumption figure is 8.3L/100km and I averaged 9.5L/100km doing mostly suburban driving.
It’s covered by Haval’s seven year/unlimited km warranty which is among the best on the market. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, although the first service is required at the 10,000km point, then 25,000km and so on.
Servicing is capped at $210 for the first service, $280 for the second, $380 for third, $480 for the fourth, and $210 for the fifth.
Verdict
Driving the Haval H6 Ultra for the week was a nice surprise. I thought I was in a more expensive car, so if you’re after the luxe feel without the price tag, you may like the H6. It looks great, drives well, is spacious with a large boot and has all the latest in safety and technology. To be honest, the value for what you get with the Haval H6 seems too good to be true. They’ve even got hybrid versions on the way.
I gave it a family rating of 7.9 out of 10 and my kids gave it a 7.5. They loved the large screen.
Pricing Guides
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