GWM Haval H6 PHEV Hi4 review

A few months ago we had our first experience with new-gen GWM products when we were loaned a Haval H6. The company added new derivatives since then with PHEV powertrains, which we what we recently drove.

GWM has been operating in South Africa for the better part of 18 years. That could, in part, explain why the brand has been such a strong performer in the monthly national sales charts. Longevity, which builds consumer confidence, along with offering products that local buyers want, at competitive prices make for a good recipe. Among its many offerings across the spectrum is the ever popular Haval range.

We spent a few days with a Haval H6 hybrid earlier this year and walked away quite impressed (you can read that review by clicking this link). Since then the local subsidiary has added new derivatives further up the pecking order of the H6 family. Namely, the addition of PHEV, or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, options. It was a PHEV in range-leading Hi4 guise that we recently spent driving for a few days. So we share with you:|

Six things we learned about the GWM Haval H6 PHEV Hi4

There is very little to differentiate this PHEV H6 from its ‘regular’ HEV siblings. It has the same bold, geometric grille design, dark alloys and overall Eurocentric, if somewhat anonymous, appearance. If you didn’t look at the badges you’d have no idea this is a range-topper or what lies under the skin.
However, as befitting its station, the Hi4 derivative is comprehensively loaded. Standard features include a powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats with electric adjustment, a heated steering wheel, black synthetic leather upholstery, keyless entry and ignition, full-length panoramic roof, a 10,25-inch digital instrument cluster and 14,6-inch infotainment touchscreen, the latter with all the expected connectivity. It is worth noting that the boot volume in the Hi4 version drops a little due to the battery and motor that this variant houses over the rear axle. It is rated at, a still impressive, 560 litres.
Power is derived from a 1,5-litre turbocharged petrol engine. In addition, there are two electric motors, one per axle for all-wheel-drive (hence the Hi4 name), which ramps up power significantly. Combined system power is rated at a healthy 268 kW with a whopping 760 N.m of torque. GWM says the large family SUV can sprint from rest to 100 km/h in a pretty rapid 4,8 seconds, or quicker than any family hybrid SUV needs to. However, it is the in-gear shove that feels more impressive. Mash the gas pedal while rolling along and you feel a real shove that forces the large, almost 1,9-ton SUV down the road at a good rate of knots. Not great for fuel economy, but handy for safe overtaking.
The powertrain operates quite seamlessly, leaving the cabin fairly quiet as petrol and electrons operate individually or in unison to provide propulsion, as per the demands of the driver’s right foot. It is one of this vehicle’s more endearing qualities, the calm and quiet of the cabin.
The most salient point is that the H6 PHEV is a hybrid that can be charged from regular wall socket (which takes forever and a day) or via a proper EV car charger. This is in contrast to ‘regular’ HEVs that use their own internal combustion engines (ICE) to help refill the onboard battery.
It is also worth noting that the H6 PHEV Hi4 has a pure electric range of a claimed 100 km from a 19 kWh battery. Should you have a decent solar set up at home, or EV charging facilities at your workplace, the H6 PHEV Hi4 could make for petrol-free motoring in the week. Using both forms of propulsion nets you an even 1 000 km of range.

Summary

The Haval H6 PHEV Hi4 is a pretty impressive piece of kit. GWM, like many other brands from China, has embraced the hybrid, and now PHEV, powertrain trend. Well timed considering the current price of fuel. This results in a great deal of choice for buyers. The range-toppping Haval H6 PHEV does come with a pretty steep price tag. Convincing buyers to part with a shade under three quarters of a million rand may take some doing.

Check out the cheapest hybrids available in SA at this link.

However, this derivative delivers on all fronts. From a full-specced cabin, loads of space, polished ride quality and excellent NVH properties; H6 PHEV Hi4 delivers. Then there is the added benefit of the frugal drivetrain and EV motoring when/as the battery allows. Getting into a PHEV of this size offered by one of the ‘legacy’ brands will cost you significantly more. For example, the PHEV Toyota RAV4 is just shy of R1,05m. In that light the Haval H6 PHEV Hi4 seems like a bargain.

Model: GWM Haval H6 PHEV Hi4
Price: R749 900
Engine: 1,5-litre four-cylinder turbopetrol + two electric motors
Transmission: automatic, AWD
Max power: 268 kW
Max torque: 760 N.m
0-100 km/h: 4,85 sec
Top speed: 190 km/h
Fuel consumption: 5,3 L/100 km (6,0 during review period)