Haval H6 I (2011–2017)

Haval H6 at a glance

The H6 builds on its predecessor, the Great Wall Hover H6, taking over its engineering, styling and interior and refining them. Its proportions and details follow European and American practice rather than older Chinese designs. More SUVs of all brands are listed in our car catalogue.

Design

The front has a large grille with chrome surround and horizontal bars, the brand name on a red background, halogen or (on higher trims) xenon headlights, a lower grille and round fog lamps beside long LED daytime running lights. The heavy bonnet is supported by two gas struts. Higher trims have a heated wiper rest area and frameless wipers.

In profile, large wheel arches and a curved line from the front arch to the tail lights stand out; the door handles sit high, close to the windows, which some find awkward. Plastic lower cladding comes in black or body colour, and the mirrors have LED indicators, electric adjustment, heating and folding (automatic folding optional). Base cars ride on 17-inch alloys, with room for 18-inch wheels. Ground clearance is 170 mm unladen and 140 mm fully laden. At the rear are large lights, a small spoiler with an LED brake light, a central diffuser and two long LED fog lamps.

Interior and practicality

The interior layout recalls the Honda CR-V, with a split centre console. There are seat-heating buttons, a phone charger and two small armrests - one for the driver, one for the passenger - which are not very comfortable. The sporty front seats have side support; the driver's seat adjusts six ways and the passenger seat four, manually or electrically depending on version, though drivers over 1.90 m may struggle to find a good position. Sound insulation is a pleasant surprise.

The instruments are easy to read, though the trip computer display could be larger. The steering wheel adjusts for height and reach. The audio system has seven speakers, a large touchscreen, Bluetooth, AUX and USB, but the screen reflects sunlight and the interface is not intuitive. Dual-zone climate control works well, though its small display is dim with the headlights on. The rear bench is wide and suits passengers of average height; upholstery is fabric, with synthetic leather on the top-spec version. The boot holds 800 litres, or 2,010 litres with the rear seats folded, and a full-size spare is provided.

Engines and transmissions

Gearboxes are a six-speed manual or a smooth six-speed automatic. Base versions are front-wheel drive; more expensive ones have intelligent all-wheel drive with an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch.

Chassis

The H6 has a strong monocoque body with MacPherson struts at the front and an independent double-wishbone rear, with anti-roll bars at both ends. Brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear, and the rack-and-pinion steering has hydraulic assistance.

Safety and equipment

Active driver assistance is limited, appearing only on the richest versions. Equipment includes front and side airbags, curtain airbags, a rear camera with dynamic guidelines, a camera in the right mirror for the blind spot, front and rear parking sensors, rain and light sensors, keyless entry, "follow me home" lighting, ISOFIX, emergency brake assist, ABS, EBD, stability control, cruise control and a full-size spare. Options include a parking assistant, surround-view cameras, puddle lamps projecting the logo and extra chrome and protective trim. Even the base version has 17-inch alloys, LED daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, heated electric mirrors, keyless start and dual-zone climate control.

Key specifications

Strengths and weaknesses

Owners praise the rich equipment, good materials and assembly, a reasonable price, a well-tuned suspension, good sound insulation and stability, the economical diesel and the available all-wheel drive. The 1.5 turbo has enough power but needs to be revved. Criticisms include modest performance, limited ground clearance when loaded, a notchy manual gearbox, high consumption from the petrol engine, an awkward and unreliable tailgate lock and blind spots when turning. Rivals include the Geely Atlas, Kia Sportage and Ford Kuga.