Starting at a very attractive price of R699 900, a two-wheel- (2WD) and four-wheel-drive (4WD) ‘standard’ PHEV derivative joins the performance GT PHEV model that heads the line-up. Together, the three PHEVs and three self-charging hybrids (HEVs) in the line-up mean six of the 10 models in the Chinese carmaker’s Haval H6 range are now NEV offerings.
The standard PHEV models are powered by a turbocharged 1,5ℓ petrol engine hooked up to 19,1kwh battery and a single electric motor (2WD) or dual electric motors (4WD).
Plenty of power
The 2WD model produces 240kW of power and 540Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels via a two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). It will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 7,85 seconds and only consume 5ℓ/100km on a combined cycle. GWM says it has an electric range of up to 106km and total range of 1 106km.
Called the Hi4, the 4WD version’s powertrain sends 268kW of power and 760Nm of torque to all four wheels via a four-speed DHT. GWM claims the Hi4 will sprint from 0 to 100km/h in 4,85 seconds and consume 5,3ℓ/100km when using engine and electric power. It has an electric range of 100km and a total range of 1 043km.
The Hi4, which stands for hybrid intelligent 4WD, gives the driver a choice of three power modes: full electric, full electric priority, and intelligent hybrid. Once a power mode has been chosen, the hybrid system automatically switches between nine operating modes to ensure optimal performance and efficiency from the powertrain.
Clever tech
The Hi4 features intelligent torque vectoring control, which uses the front and rear electric motors to ensure better load distribution. This helps reduce oversteer and understeer, lowers the risk of skidding, delivers enhanced traction, and improves high-speed cornering.
Both models support DC charging of up to 50kW and will take 28 minutes to charge from 30% to 80%. Charging from 15% to 100% takes around three hours with a 7kW AC home charger.
Apart from the tailgate badging, the PHEV Haval H6 is visually identical to its HEV and petrol-powered siblings.
As it is only offered in top-spec Ultra Luxury trim, the PHEV is loaded with goodies. The plush interior has a 14,6” infotainment system featuring GWM’s latest CoffeeOS software platform and a nine-speaker sound system along with a 10,25” digital instrument cluster. It also has electrically adjustable and heated front seats, a head-up display, panoramic sunroof, and foot-operated electric tailgate.
Smooth operator
As with the HEV, the PHEV uses run-flat tyres and doesn’t have a spare tyre, as the battery pack takes up the space beneath the boot board. As a result, it offers a generous 560ℓ of boot space.
In terms of safety, the Haval H6 PHEV is equipped with a comprehensive range of advanced driver assistance systems, including a 540° panoramic camera, forward collision warning with automatic emergency braking, and driver fatigue monitoring. Automatic Park assist also comes standard.
The PHEV is a smooth operator that packs a punch. When the battery is charged, starts, pull-aways, and general easy cruising all happen without any engine noise. The engine only becomes noticeable when the battery charge starts to diminish, or during hard acceleration when you need more power.
What’s the verdict?
The Haval H6 is an important model for GWM, and the addition of the standard PHEV models will stand the carmaker in good stead in a highly competitive segment.
Vehicle pricing
H6 1.5T DHT Ultra Luxury PHEV – R699 900
H6 1.5T DHT Ultra Luxury 4×4 PHEV – R749 900
Pricing includes a seven-year/200 000km warranty, eight-year/150 000km high-voltage battery warranty, and seven-year/75 000km service plan.
