Haval H6 GT PHEV review
This hybrid-powered machine has the stats to take on the biggest players in motoring. But does it deliver in the real world?
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This is Australia’s longest-range part-time EV.
The GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV is said to offer customers up to 180km of full EV driving from its battery pack, with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine picking up the slack once the battery is depleted.
But the engine isn’t just a generator – it can also help move this hybrid SUV along. And rapidly.
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The combined outputs of the H6 GT PHEV are 321kW and 762Nm, and it shouts about a 4.9 second 0-100km/h time. Those numbers were unheard of in Family SUV Land a few years ago, especially at this price.
And that’s one of the big considerations here. At $53,990 drive-away, this highly specced all-wheel- drive family coupe-crossover is cheaper than the most affordable (and very basic) Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and line-ball with the BYD Sealion 6 AWD.
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It doesn’t skimp on stuff, with a LED lighting, 19-inch wheels, keyless entry, an electric boot, and a panoramic glass sunroof. There’s goodies inside, too, including a 10.25-inch driver info screen, a head-up display, 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (not wireless, though), not to mention heated and ventilated electrically adjustable front seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The seats are trimmed in “Comfort-Tek” fake leather with suede-like trimming, and it’s a pretty comfy space to sit. Storage needs are well taken care of, with ample stowage upfront.
In the second row there’s an abundance of space.
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Despite the fact this is a coupe-style SUV, the roofline doesn’t impact headroom, and adults will be easily accommodated, as will kiddos with ISOFIX (x2) and top-tethers (x3). There are directional air-vents, storage pockets on the seats, and apart from it having a few cheaper trim elements in the back, it’s a comfy space.
The boot is bigger than the 392-litre capacity figure suggests. I put my family of five (three humans, two canines) in for a long-distance weekend away, and we had space to spare in the cargo zone.
Just keep in mind there is no spare wheel – a tyre repair kit is all you get – but you do score a charging cable under the boot floor.
As for the drive? It’s a massive improvement over the existing powertrain, which remains available.
That one is an indecisive and unpleasant thing with a 2.0L turbo engine and dual-clutch auto.
But this? It’s a revelation.
I did two EV range tests to see whether the claim is realistic, and in unrealistic conditions (37 degrees C, climbing over the Blue Mountains; then 36 degrees C, from Cowra back uphill towards home) the car managed 120km of EV driving in both cases. That was good, by my reckoning, and you’ll certainly see better in urban driving where the regen system can do a better job. Flatter roads will definitely help, too.
The hybrid system is smooth, smart and allows the car to run in EV a lot of the time. There are multiple drive modes to choose from, and even a launch control system. But fast as it is, it’s also the way it handles itself that impresses. The ride is comfortable, the body is pretty well controlled, and it steers predictability.
The biggest issue is the brake pedal feel. On a few occasions the system activated ABS
unnecessarily, and the pedal has an uncertain action to it.
It comes with a seven-year new-car warranty, there’s an eight-year battery warranty for the high-voltage unit, and there will be a capped-price servicing plan for five years, but the intervals and costs are still to be decided.
This is undeniably an interesting choice for plug-in hybrid buyers, and it’s definitely the best Haval I’ve driven.
3.5 STARS
GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV
PRICE: From $53,990 drive-away
POWERTRAIN: Petrol engine, three electric motors, two-speed hybrid transmission, AWD
POWER OUTPUTS: 321kW/762Nm
BATTERY: 35.4kWh NMC
RANGE: 180km EV driving
CHARGING: 6.6kW AC, 48kW DC
SPARE: Repair kit
LUGGAGE: 392L boot
Originally published as Haval H6 GT PHEV review
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