Haval of the hour

The refreshed third-generation H6 aims to remain a step above its Chinese midsize-SUV rivals

- By: Marius Boonzaier

Price: R686 500 Powertrain: 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol + electric motor Transmission: 2-speed DHT Power: 179 kW Torque: 530 N.m 0-100 km/h: 8.5 seconds* Top Speed: n/a Fuel consumption: 5.2 L/100 km* CO₂ emissions: 121 g/km* Rivals: Ford Territory; Hyundai Tucson; Jaecoo J7; Kia Sportage; Toyota RAV4; Volkswagen Tiguan

Highlighted in the June 2025 issue of CAR, among the Chinese automotive brands that have already set up shop in South Africa this year, a host of other manufacturers from the People's Republic is headed our way, each aiming to stake their claim against their compatriots and European rivals. However, in a country as brand loyal as ours, establishing yourself as a key player in the car market is no mean feat — it's an exercise that takes time. However, it’s a feat GWM has achieved over its 18 years of trading in SA.

Introduced to our market in 2017, the Baoding-based company’s Haval sub-brand has seen a significant growth in popularity, especially with its Jolion and H6 offerings. The third-generation H6 is arguably one of the automaker's most polished products, and the facelifted model aims to build upon this.

The refreshed H6 cuts a handsome figure. The most notable cosmetic enhancements are a revised front grille and redesigned LED headlamps, replete with new DRL signatures, and taillamp clusters. Rolling on 19-inch alloy wheels, shod in 235/55-size tyres, the updated car is marginally longer than its predecessor (4 703 vs. 4 653 mm), but the height, width and wheelbase remain unchanged.