GWM raises the bar with updated Haval H6

Chinese carmaker Great Wall Motors (GWM) has updated the Haval H6 four years after introducing the SUV to South Africa. The Citizen's Charl Bosch sampled the impressive new model in a cold and wet Cape Town.

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The first and most comprehensive update to the Haval H6 since its local market arrival four years ago, the changes not only involve aesthetics, but also the interior in a such way that it could be described as a completely new vehicle.

While indeed referred to by the company rebranded last year as GWM Haval, hence the H6 sporting GWM branding on its tailgate and no longer simply only Haval, the launch in a drizzly and cold Cape Town also came with a surprise in the first-time sampling of the sportier H6 GT.

A key model for GWM alongside the Jolion, the H6 lineup spans four models, excluding the pair of GT variants.

All H6s receive new LED headlights, a redesigned front bumper, a new chrome grille, and Peugeot-type fog lamps that run in a claw motif from the main clusters down the flanks of the bumper.

Not stopping there, GWM has updated the lower air intake and fitted gloss black 19" alloy wheels across the entire range after it proved popular on higher-end versions of the pre-facelift model.

NEW REAR STYLING

Just as prominent are the changes at the rear, comprising the GWM logo in a block letter typeface between the new LED light clusters, a restyled bumper, roof rails and window surrounds finished in gloss black, and a slightly changed tailgate.

Completing the exterior, the choice of colours has been streamlined to comprise three carryover options and a new addition, the former trio being Hamilton White, Ayers Grey and Sun Black, and the latter a shade called Noble Gold.

Opening the door, the sweeping changes see the H6 adopt the now customary minimalistic design similar to the H7, but without letting go entirely of physical switches for some functions.

The interior feels plush, premium and well put together, with only the odd scratchy surface being present.

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