Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid review finds a solid investment for those in for the long haul

Chinese brand challenge the Toyota RAV4 with the Haval H6 Ultra Hybrid with strong features list and fuel efficient drivetrain

The 2022 model Haval H6 Hybrid starts from about $46,000 drive-away.

Pump pain is about to be inflicted again. Fuel excise discounts ended last week and unleaded petrol will soon push past $2 a litre.

Anything to relieve the hip-pocket duress is welcome and among the reasons why motoring alternative fuels are increasingly being sought.

Infrastructure is still catching up with an accelerating battery electric vehicle market, which is where hybrids fill the void.

Toyota has dominated this space. The RAV4 line-up extends to nearly a year for some models.

Now there’s a new contender which trumps the Toyota in many realms for those willing to back a new player that has rapidly made ground on the pack.

The Haval H6 Hybrid is a rival to the popular Toyota RAV4.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Flashy chrome grille, nice external lines and inside there is leather trim as well as two eye-catching screens. From the outset it ticks a lot of boxes.

GRANT: When it comes to Haval, this is as good as it gets. The hybrid H6 is only available in top-shelf Ultra specification with a drive-away price of $46k.

KEL: Given the competition that price sounds reasonable.

GRANT: A hybrid RAV4 GXL is about $47,000 drive-away, but the Haval boasts far greater specification levels. Basics include the aforementioned 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 10.25-inch LED driver instrument cluster, panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, electric tailgate and wireless phone charging.

KEL: Having a Haval dealership near our place it’s been interesting to watch the brand improvement and it’s always busy.

GRANT: Haval is a spin off from Great Wall Motors, which first made a name for itself in Australia with a dual-cab ute. The brand has been helped of late by the long waiting lists for other marques, with Haval deliveries typically available between one and three months.

Impressive internal space and an impressive features list are highlights of the Haval H6 Hybrid.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: With ample space front and back the H6 was the perfect fit for our family.

GRANT: Sitting within the mid-size segment it offers excellent head, knee and legroom in the back – aided by being two-wheel drive which means no transmission tunnel.

KEL: In darkness the dash has cool LED lighting and I found the console storage useful and smart in design.

GRANT: Style is always in the eye of the beholder, but the H6 Hybrid gains an exclusive mesh grille which sets it apart along with side trims.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: Equipment levels on paper are up there with the best, but I can see the price point. Haval lacks the finesse of other brands.

GRANT: Some of the functionality doesn’t match the more mature marques. Regularly the Apple CarPlay wouldn’t connect through the infotainment system, and I found the cruise control operation counterintuitive.

KEL: Not alone in hiding functions, I found having the seat heaters within the main infotainment menu makes things more complicated than it needs to be.

GRANT: The rear seats fold 60-40 but the H6 doesn’t have the quick-fold handles which enable you to drop them when standing at the boot. Luggage space remains impressive though, we managed to fit two large and a pair of carry-on suitcases with room for a backpack.

The driver’s instrument display in the Haval H6 Hybrid.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: I wanted five stars.

GRANT: After each stint behind the wheel the efficiency analysis provided a score out of five. I managed five a couple of occasions … you must have been a lead foot.

KEL: Never, I just don’t like to be beaten away from the lights. The performance was quick off the mark and the ride smooth.

GRANT: The petrol and electric combination is strong – 19 more kilowatts than the RAV4 – and efficient, too. While our overall average was eight litres during the test, it was close to the claimed 5.2L/100km on occasions (which is more than the RAV’s 4.7).

KEL: The steering felt too light.

GRANT: More weight is needed through the steering to engender driving confidence. The H6 falls short in this realm, with too much rock and roll through the corners, while poor quality roads really upset the ride and the safety driving aids aggressively slow progress when close to painted white lines.

KEL: Silent operation at slow speed was cool.

GRANT: A small battery powering an electric motor can drive the H6 at low speeds with support kicking in from the 1.5-litre turbo engine when required. The petrol engine takes over on the highway.

A small battery powering an electric motor can drive the H6 at low speeds with support kicking in from the 1.5-litre turbo engine when required.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Given the long list of features and the fuel efficiency, the value proposition is strong. I’m not convinced about some of the finer details which I don’t think Haval has right just yet.

GRANT: With a long warranty and cheap running costs, buyers would get the best return by running it into the ground as resale will be far less than the more recognised brands. The H6 Hybrid is an enticing offering which would best serve those looking for a long-term investment.