Haval has the coupé-styled SUV fringe with the introduction of the H6 GT. But how does the sportier H6 fare? We take it for a drive…
Our love affair with GTs stretches way back when the definition of a GT, or as fancy folk would call them, grand tourers, was a car that was built for speed and coupled with an appetite for long-distance travelling. Back then, most GTs came in the format of a two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupé. However, this category has broadened over the years. It now includes tall-riding crossovers and SUVs. Another design feature worth noting is the coupé styling that’s been carried over from the low-slung GT cars to SUVs.
When Haval launched the H6 in 2021, we were intrigued. Our attention was piqued for all the right reasons. From a budget point of view, the Haval H6 has plenty to offer, with a plethora of standard features, making this a definite contender within the more premium SUV segment. Fast forward to September 2022, and low and behold, Haval took an already attractive SUV and made it even more exciting by adding the sportier-looking GT-badged derivative to the local range. We sampled the H6 GT in Cape Town. So, how did the Chinese firm’s in-vogue-styled SUV perform? Let’s find out…
For starters, the H6 GT is damn desirable. It cuts a dashing figure. With our market’s adoration for coupé-styled crossover/SUVs, the H6 GT’s exterior styling will arguably intrigue consumers.
The H6 GT is like a fully loaded box meal from KFC (or its vegan alternative). And we do mean fully loaded… It’s jam-packed with standard features. Think along the lines of adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and lane-keep assist. The list of standard items also includes a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system incorporating Apple CarPlay/Android Auto screen mirroring.
There’s also a 10.25-inch digital instrument binnacle. A crisp 360-degree camera system is also present, allowing fuss-free manoeuvrability when parking. The seats offer heating functionality. Safety is paramount. There are six airbags spread across the cabin.
The H6 GT is the first Haval in Mzansi to pack a Race Mode. This mode tightens up the throttle while the transmission becomes much more responsive. Couple this with a roaring sound from the exhaust, and you instantly get transported to a very happy place.
However, there’s one drawback — The fuel consumption wasn’t amazing; the GT was pretty thirsty. On the launch route, we managed 11.2 L/100km, and that was on a relatively modest drive with some spirited uphill overtaking. However, the average fuel consumption should decrease over time. You would be looking more along the lines of 9.5 L/100km.
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that kicks out 155 kW and 325 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four corners via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
At a glance
Haval H6 GT 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury DCT
If you’re willing to look past the fuel consumption, which is undoubtedly an essential factor to consider when purchasing a car, the H6 GT is worth a look. And not only you but other road goers and pedestrians will turn their eyes to this strikingly styled SUV. The interior is equally attractive and is a comfortable place to be sat in, with numerous standard features. Although not a true-blue sports SUV, Haval has done a good job of making the GT feel sporty, not only regarding its styling but also from behind the steering wheel.
- Price: R629 950.
- Engine: 2.0 L, 4-cyl, turbopetrol
- Transmission: 7-spd dual-clutch
- Driven wheels: 4
- Power: 155 kW @ 6 000-6 300 r/min
- Torque: 325 Nm @ 1 500-4 000 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: n/a
- Top speed: n/a
- Fuel consumption: 8.4 L/100 km*
- CO2: 193 g/km
*Claimed figure
(Be sure to keep an eye on our website for the launch review of the latest addition to the H6 range, the hybrid-powered H6 HEV.)
