2021 Haval H6 Lux review: Good looks and value are tempting

The latest SUV from an emerging Chinese brand has hit Aussie roads. It has good looks and a very attractive price tag, we find out if it’s worth a look.

2021 Haval H6.

Chinese car brands are on the rise in Australia, and Haval is fast becoming a common sight on our roads.

Haval is the SUV brand of parent company Great Wall Motors, and it has just launched the new H6 mid-size SUV.

Prices for the three-tier H6 range start at $30,990 drive-away for the two-wheel drive Premium grade.

The mid-size Haval H6 starts at $30,990 drive-away.

This is about $8000 cheaper than entry-level versions of the Toyota RAV4 and new Hyundai Tucson.

You get a big chunk of standard kit for the price. Base versions score 18-inch alloy wheels, daytime running lights, LED head and tail lights and handsome boxy styling.

Haval has gone heavy on tech features with a pair of 10.25-inch screens; one for the infotainment and climate features, with the other acting as a digital instrument display. But it only comes with Apple CarPlay, so Android owners will have to make do with Bluetooth and radio.

The Haval presents well, and build quality has improved dramatically.

Safety is comprehensive, the car will detect a collision with a car, cyclist or pedestrian and stop automatically. It will let you know if you are wandering out of your lane and gently guide you back into place.

But its driver assistance cameras can be overbearing. They take over the central screen every time you engage an indicator, making adjusting airconditioning or changing music while waiting to turn impossible.

For $3000 more you can get into the mid-tier Lux version tested here. This adds roof rails, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated and electronically adjustable front seats trimmed in faux leather, radar cruise control and a birds-eye view camera.

The top-grade H6 Ultra adds a further $3000 and opting for all-wheel drive will take the price up to $38,990.

The interior is packed full of soft touch materials and tech features.

The extra spend gets you extra goodies such as a larger central screen, power tailgate, panoramic sunroof, head-up display and ventilated seats.

Safety is boosted, too, with rear cross traffic alert with auto braking function and fully automatic parking included as standard.

Early Havals had some issues with build quality and their fit and finish, but the all-new H6 presents very well. There are no creaks or rattles and the doors close with a heavy thud.

To ease any quality concerns surrounding the emerging brand, Haval backs its vehicles with a seven-year/unlimited km warranty.

Servicing is cheap at $1560 over five years, intervals are 12 months/15,000km except for the first service which happens at 12 months/10,000km.

The H6 sounds good on paper and shines on the showroom floor, but on the road it is a different story.

The drive experience is a let down.

All versions are powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine making 150kW and 320Nm, paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.

The engine is strong with decent shove thanks to the ample torque delivered early in the rev range. But the two wheel drive version we tested had issues putting that grunt to the ground with lots of wheel spin in the wet unless you apply the lightest of throttle pressure off the mark.

The dual-clutch can be a bit jerky at lower speeds, but flips through the gears nicely during free-flowing traffic.

Corners were a worry, the transfer of weight as you straighten up is very noticeable as it causes the vehicle to rock and wobble. A lack of grip also saps confidence when cornering and numb, slow steering provides minimal feedback.

The ride can feel busy over small bumps but also has a tendency to wallow in bigger dips as the suspension struggles to bring the car under control.

The Haval performed better at highway speeds, there is decent noise insulation and the H6 had no issues overtaking or powering up hills.

Two wheel versions drink a respectably 7.4L/100km, this jumps to 8.3L/100km for all-wheel drive versions.

VERDICT 3/5

The new Haval H6 presents well with lots of kit and a great warranty, but the driving experience leaves a lot to be desired.

HAVAL H6 LUX VITALS

Price: $33,990 drive-away

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, 150kW/320Nm

Warranty/servicing: seven year/unlimited km, $1560 over five years

Safety: 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, driver fatigue warning, radar cruise control, birds-eye view camera.

Thirst: 7.4L/100km

Cargo: 600L