Flagship for now that is, until their full-size SUV, the H9 makes its way to South Africa. But it's this, the H6 C launched near the end of 2018 that is truly shifting those goal posts - not to be confused with the H6 originally launched as the GWM H6. Think Suzuki Vitara versus Grand Vitara and you get an idea of the distinction. The 'C' would you believe denotes Coupe? It certainly is a sportier animal, blessed with a blown two litre engine to the tune of 140kW and 310Nm which is pretty much on par with a performance hatchback circa 2014. The skin is slipperier too, resembling a 'best of' from the design sheets of the Range Rover Evoque, Peugeot 3008 and Volkswagen Tiguan. That's not an insult by any measure, no longer is ‘Made in China’ a euphemism for 'cheap copy', this very much a cohesive European styled SUV.
Clamber aboard and there's more of that Euro styling and indeed refinement, a well-appointed, softly textured cabin (and hello, mood lighting!) dominated by a large touchscreen infotainment system. Plus you get leather everything, a glass roof and all the bells and whistles you'd associate with a SUV at the price. Yes, the price - at R389,900 the H6 C isn't exactly cheap but to reiterate you get so much car here, spec for spec, a similar Tucson would set you back another R100,000 or so.
That turbo motor I mentioned earlier is mated to a dual clutch Getrag transmission, as evident by the flappy paddles behind the helm. It is further blessed with independent suspension all around, struts upfront and wishbone at the rear. The driving demeanour I observed in our short time together so far I'd have to say compares quite closely to a Subaru Forester, which if anything is a complement. Bear in mind, however, that with that comes mighty fuel tank draining ability too, but it is fun. I must drive the Chinese SUV a bit more respectfully methinks…
Till then there is much to celebrate here, in a vehicle that truly feels like a turning point for Chinese car manufacturers. For a more detailed impression we'll have a full test next week!
Haval H6 C DCT Luxury Specs:
| Price | R389,900.00 |
| Engine | 2.0 litre VVT, 6-speed DCT auto |
| Power | 140kW |
| Torque | 310Nm |
| Suspension | McPherson front, double wishbone rea |
