Road Test: 2018 Haval H6C 2.0T Luxury

I take the powerful Chinese SUV, the Haval H6C for a drive around the peninsula and walk away with some interesting thoughts…

I’ve never driven a Chinese car before.  I’ve driven a few posing as Europeans but never an actual Chinese car so when Haval confidently called me to test drive the H6C I was left wondering if they knew something I didn’t.

First impressions

At first look, the Haval H6C is an attractive car. And I’m not the only one that thinks so.  I took a survey amongst a few, shall I say, discerning friends (read fussy) and the majority of them, after making a few China Town jokes got serious and confessed that they would consider owning the car. And here’s why:

Looks and interior

H6C looks handsome and cool, but not in a knock-off kind of way. Yes, there are similarities but unlike other Chinese cars, this one has a distinct design that is just good. Proportionate and spacious, the H6C even has an interior that looks modern and up to date.  It has a gigantic panoramic sunroof, tyre pressure monitors, and touchscreen infotainment.  Handbrake assist, rear and side cameras, park distance were also fitted.  The team at Haval have loaded this car with so many features AND made it up to R70 000 cheaper than its competitors.

But how does it drive?

The H6C engine is much more powerful than the rivals and our test unit, the 2.0 Turbo pushes out an impressive 140kW and 310Nm.  Fuel consumption is rated at 9.1l/100 but even when driving gingerly, can be difficult to attain.  Unfortunately no diesel is offered in the range, I think for those more fuel conscious this could be a winner.

The suspension feels sporty but not too firm.  Push on and if you plan a corner properly you can even lift off a little and the front tucks in nicely. Our test unit had over 24 000 torturous km on the clock.  So the slightly wooden brake pedal and heavy steering load on cornering might be attributed to that. For the daily commute or a drive around the peninsula, H6C drives well and the engine mated to the automatic gearbox, feels unstrained and willing.

Verdict

Recently the H9 was launched and my motoring colleagues said that its almost as good as the segment leaders and costs hundreds of thousands less.  The H6C is good but still has a few quirks, such as the radio that keeps playing embarrassingly even after one gets out the car or the bright neon colours on the puddle and interior lights. Quirks that I would be willing to live when considering its value for money at R369 900.

Just like this one is an evolution for the brand, each new model is being improved upon with every new Haval launched. Watch out for this brand over the coming years. I think most will be pleasantly surprised. I certainly was.