H6 Generation 3 hits South African shores
What is a symphony? Well a symphony is an elaborate musical composition for a full orchestra. What is the all new HAVAL H6? An elaborate mobility composition for any driver. The all new HAVAL H6 is the latest incarnation of a product that has been number 1 in its segment in the biggest automobile market on the planet, mainland China, for close on 8 years. The Chinese auto market is worth around 28 million units per year so with H6 holding number one in retails sales in China means that the same very car could be one of the best-selling SUVs on earth in the recent years.
The 3rd Gen HAVAL H6 features a leading high-level intelligent driving experience with five-dimensional upgrades in the areas of design, intelligence, power, safety, and comfort. In China, the New H6 gained instant popularity since its launch, selling over 20,000 units in less than a month. Among the early owners, lady drivers praised the rich intelligent driving assistance, which is close to Level L3 autonomous driving, while the men simply adored the intelligent connectivity like FOTA upgrade tech, and the unexpected performance of the engine, transmission and chassis system. But that’s China - lets talk about what’s just arrived in SA….
A lot has been said about HAVAL’s new L.E.M.O.N platform of late, JOLION which we launched in April was the first product to feature this new technological leap. In layman’s terms, the new platform allows more strength at a lower weight. As you may know being light weight is of great significance to the automobile industry mostly due to increased performance and improved economy. The LEMON platform can form up to 438 basic modules and 113 standard modules and has completed road testing of over 6 million kilometres including 76 different kinds of road surface found globally.
Being the third generation of H6, the all New H6 is quite literally a quantum leap for South Africans as we skipped a model, unfortunately for us Generation 2 was never made in right hand drive. This makes the 3rd Generation of H6, more than a generation ahead. The vehicle boasts three new standards that were set out from the start, the first being an Intelligent SUV with the world’s leading safety, the creation of a comfortable riding space for driver and passenger and lastly an efficient technical standard ensuring supreme efficiency on all levels. Designers strived for three best in class features namely, best in class application of 2000MPa thermoformed steel, to be the only SUV that can activate autonomous Emergency Braking in all driving scenarios and best in class SUV with super-sensitive and cutting-edge intelligent cockpit. Bold statements? Oh no, we call them ticked boxes.
The all new HAVAL H6 has a purposeful design aesthetic with the goal to be unapologetically futuristic with a “sci-fi-esc” design intention ushering in a new generation of design. Everything from the front bumper and mesh grille flows stylistically into an uninterrupted Phil Simmons design that embraces the futuristic mindset from the outset. The streamlined waistline mimics an archer’s bow string, poised and ready to fire. The LED Lighting is striking and effective to say the least and together with the 19-inch alloy wheels makes for a fast pose even when standing still. Inside, the design aesthetic is maintained through an Oriental styled intelligent cockpit with a virtual dashboard without a heads-up display (other than on Super Lux version which does have the heads-up display).
H6 also boasts new generation technologies: All models come fitted with Full-Speed-Range Adaptive Cruise Control and boasts to be the only SUV in its class that can activate AEB in all driving scenarios, including passing pedestrians, bicycles and traffic intersections. This intelligent SUV features TSR (Traffic Sign Recognition) assisting the driver to further abide by the rules of the road and ensure passengers’ safety. TJA (Traffic Jam Assist) offers the driver the option to engage cruise control in bumper to bumper traffic with this setting engaged, while the 12.3-inch super intelligent touch screen and the 10.25-inch super intelligent full-colour instrument panel allows for seamless vehicle interactions. On the top model, the Intelligent full-colour HUD (head-up display) means you never take your eyes off the road while the 15W wireless phone charging and Intelligent tailgate bring everyday convenience.
Complimenting this new generation offering in the new H6 are new generation “controls” in the form of an all new 2.0 GDIT (gasoline direct injection turbo) powerplant that is an inhouse creation featuring a Double overhead cam with continuous variable valve timing. This new unit offers 38% thermal efficiency ensuring lower running temperatures, whilst still churning out 320 Nm of torque between 1500-4000rpm creating a smooth and linear power band. Maximum power output is at 150kw at an RPM of 6000-6300. The entire range features the 2nd Generation 7DCT with an overall transmission efficiency of 95.6%, class leading figures again. New generation “control” is further upgraded with newly adopted McPherson strut independent front suspension and Multi-link independent rear suspension which largely improves handling capabilities while the centre of mass of the vehicle is lowered by 20 mm aiding the reduction of body roll.
From the outset, comfort has been a key priority for the boundlessly versatile H6. A best-in-class wheelbase of 2738 mm, 8-way adjustable driver seat (6-way for seat and 2-way for lumbar support) and 4-way adjustable front passenger seat as well as leather seats with maximum ergonomic efficiency all contribute to amazing comfort. A Negative Ion air cleaner and N95-grade filtration system ensures your cabin is purer from a breathing point of view than outside in the fresh air. Aerospace level of NVH or noise controls makes for one of the most silent cabins from Haval ever. Keyless entry and one-button start as well as the panoramic sunroof add to the glamour and user-centric nature of the car while large areas of leather and soft-touch surfaces, seats with ventilation and heating functions and Electrical heating steering wheel add to the comfort, space and glamour.
The 3rd generation Haval H6 also boasts a new “Generation of Safety”, the latest 9.3 Gen ESP (electronic stability program), HD 360 Degree View Camera, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist, an All-round Blind Spot Monitoring system As well as Tire-pressure Monitoring System. 71.61% of the H6’s overall construction is of hi-strength steel with 2000 MPa in a thermoformed process. An intricate pedestrian protection system with a Collapsible energy absorption system, All-round 6 airbags, Automatic Collision Unlocking Function, Anti-theft Alarm System and Electronic engine Immobilizer are all standard features.
The new HAVAL H6 comes in 7 vibrant colours namely, Ayers Grey; Red; Hamilton White; Messiah Brown; Green; Atlantis Blue and lastly Black. There are also four interior colours, black interior, Black and brown interior, Black and grey interior and lastly Black and red interior. HMSA will be stocking black interior “en-mass” and other interiors may be ordered specially with a 4 to 5-month lead time in the worst-case scenario.
The H6 offers a 5 year or 100 000km warranty as well as a 5 year 60 000km service plan.
With all the above said and done, the point must still be pondered, is the Haval H6 worthy of the label “a symphony of moments”? We say a resounding yes, but the proof lies in the driving, the experiencing, the immersion. Contact one of our dealer’s country wide to immerse yourself in the symphony of moments that is H6.