Haval has witnessed remarkable success in the South African market over the past few years. With strong sales, the Chinese automaker is now in position to offer a sporty derivative of one of its best-selling models.
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The Haval H6 has proved itself as a strong value proposition for buyers in the booming compact crossover SUV segment in South Africa (a right hand drive market like ours). The automaker has now introduced the sporty derivative called the H6 GT, but it’s not just a cosmetic overhaul without the grunt to match.
As Conrad Groenewald, the Chief Operating Officer of Haval South Africa puts it:
“Adding the GT to our H6 line-up makes the perfect flagship model to what has become a very popular model exceeding our expectations, from both a sales point of view but also the type of customer we are seeing join our Haval stable. We are confident the GT will deliver on the promise for the more astute motorist, seeking something more dynamic in its design.”
The H6 GT gets a more powerful variant of the 2.0L engine that comes fitted with the regular Haval H6. It now churns out 208hp and 325Nm compared to 203hp and 320Nm of the regular variant. Power is sent to the wheels via a 7-speed DCT gearbox and the model comes standard with a torque-on-demand 4WD system.
While the Haval H6 is a conventional crossover SUV, the H6 GT is more like a coupe SUV with the silhouette of its body sweeping at the rear roofline, having its C-pillar merging into the rear fascia. The H6 GT rides on 19-inch black alloy rims with sufficient tire wall to ensure it can mount the occasional kerb and put its SUV fundamentals to use. It also comes fitted with a ‘Race Mode’ which provides a more prominent exhaust tone with a more aggressive throttle and transmission response.
Interior of Haval H6 GT
Inside there is a panoramic sunroof, while the interior gets 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster in front of the driver, red and green accents on the dashboard, and green stitching on heated Alcantara seats. The center console has a 12.3-inch display that features 360-degree view camera, phone connectivity in the form of Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or Bluetooth pairing while a wireless charging port is concealed beneath.
Safety features in Haval H6 GT include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Intelligent cruise, Intelligent cornering, traffic jam assist, Pre-collision warning with automatic emergency braking (AEB Pedestrian and Cyclist), Lane Departure Alert (LDW), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Blind spot detection with Rear Cross Traffic Alert through the controls.
The 2022 Haval H6 GT in South Africa is priced at R629 950, (PKR 82.42 lac) while the H6 line-up starts at R479 950 (PKR 62.79 lac). Pricing includes a 5-years/ 100,000km warranty and 5-years/60,000km service plan.
Related: Local Assembled Haval H6 Rolls Off the Assembly Line in Pakistan
Sazgar in Pakistan just started the local assembling of Haval H6 in both 1.5T and 2.0T guises, priced at Rs 7.425 million and Rs 8.499 million, respectively. According to company sources, they will also assemble the Haval Jolion SUV in later stages & plan to expand the lineup based on market demand. However if they bring in the H6 GT, it will be the first coupe-SUV to be introduced in our country.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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