Haval confirms H6 GT for Oz

GWM HAVAL Australia will further expand its H6 medium SUV range with the introduction of its coupe-styled H6 GT variant from Q2 this year.

The Chinese importer says the Haval H6 GT – which is known as the H6 S in its home market – is in the country for testing and validation prior to its local introduction and that the newcomer will offer a “fresh option for buyers looking for SUV practicality but with more dynamic styling”.

The company has yet to unveil pricing for its H6 GT, but with the regular H6 line-up priced from $29,990 through to $41,990 it is expected that the new model will stay close to the sticker price of the remaining range.

In addition to significant styling and body changes at the rear – which includes dual spoilers and twin exhaust outlets – the front-end of the H6 GT features a more aggressive design with a wider grille complemented by an air intake at the lower end of the bonnet.

The wheelbase of the H6 GT matches that of the regular H6 (2738mm), but all other dimensions are increased… The new variant measures 4727mm in length (+74mm), 1940mm in width (+54mm) and 1729mm in height (+5mm). 

Under the bonnet, the H6 GT features the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission combination found in other H6 derivatives. 

The engine produces 150kW and 320Nm and is expected to offer similar fuel consumption and CO2 emissions figures as the rest of the range (9.8 L/100 km and 225 g/km respectively).

The Chinese brand’s sporty model is expected to feature Brembo brakes and Michelin tyres, while its interior will be equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel and 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, sports seats, as well as unique upholstery, GWM Haval says.

The H6 GT will carry over the donor model’s comprehensive safety features, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go, forward-collision warning, lane-keep assist and lane-departure warning.

The Haval H6 is unrated by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), but scored a five-star C-NCAP result in its home market of China. 

All GWM Haval models come with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, five years’ roadside assist and five years’ capped-price servicing. 

GWM Haval Australia says its new products – including the Jolion, H6 and GWM Ute – have helped the brand grow local sales by 251 per cent during 2021 with the H6 delivering almost 3500 units since launching in April (2021). 

Locally, the GWM Haval H6 competes in the SUV Medium (under $60,000) category. It finished 2021 in the top 10 with unit sales of 3635. 

Segment leaders in the category include the Toyota RAV4 (35,751), Mazda CX-5 (24,968), Mitsubishi Outlander (14,572), Hyundai Tucson (14,194), Nissan X-TRAIL (13,860), Subaru Forester (11,810), Kia Sportage (7949), Honda CR-V (6875) and MG HS (6828).

Further details, pricing and specifications of the H6 GT line-up will be disclosed nearer to the release date.