HAVAL H6 GT ARRIVES

Following delays due to global supply chain issues, the first units of Haval’s new H6 ‘GT’ started to arrive in dealerships across Australia in July. The new model variant adds a premium look, on a par with coupe SUVs from European manufacturers.

While the coupe SUV styling often results in compromised interior space, Haval addresses this on the five-seat H6 GT with increased length, width and height compared to the regular H6 it shares a 2,738mm wheelbase with. Although no numbers on luggage space are provided, the coupe roof means it’ll be less than the wagon-type H6’s maximum of 1,485 litres (600lt with the rear seats occupied), with another trade-off being reduced ground clearance of 165mm compared to the regular H6’s 172mm.

Available in either 2WD Lux or 4WD Ultra grades, the H6 GT also offers an increase in standard specification compared to the H6, including a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument display of the same size, eight-speaker DTS sound system, eco-leather seat upholstery, 360-degree camera and power tailgate.

Drivetrain is the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine used in the standard H6, featuring an “active exhaust booster” and matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Producing 150kW and 320Nm, listed fuel economy from this drivetrain is 7.5lt/100km for the Lux and 8.4lt/100km for the Ultra.

Standard features on the H6 GT Lux include 19-inch alloys, LED lighting, dual-zone climate control, USB ports front and rear, heated front seats and power driver's seat and a leather-trimmed steering wheel. The safety suite is in line with that of the 5-star ANCAP-rated H6 that includes AEB, lane departure warning, forward collision warning, traffic sign recognition, adaptive cruise control, driver drowsiness assist, hill descent control and front and rear parking sensors.

To this, the 4WD H6 GT Ultra adds a four-wheel drive system with four selectable driving modes (Normal, Eco, Sport and Snow) and an ‘All-Terrain Response System’. Other upgrades include Brembo brakes, Michelin Sport tyres, a larger 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, head-up display, panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, hands-free power tailgate, more front seat comfort features and a heated steering wheel, while safety and convenience features include rear cross traffic alert and fully automatic parking.