Haval updates H9 large SUV

HAVAL has detailed the first update for its H9 large SUV, taking in feedback from the media and its Australian customers to produce a car with higher power output and, what promises to be, greater levels of refinement ahead of a local launch in the fourth quarter.

The Chinese manufacturer has boosted power output from its 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine from 160kW/324Nm up to 180kW/350Nm, while fuel consumption is reportedly down from 12.1 litres per 100km to 11L/100km.

However, any plans to introduce a turbo-diesel engine into the range have been canned, according to Haval Australia public relations and product specialist Andrew Ellis, with the brand’s head office in China deciding that the future of powertrains for the brand will lie in forced induction petrol, hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) technologies.

GoAuto previously reported that Haval was mulling the introduction of a Great Wall-sourced 140kW/410Nm to take the fight to the likes of Toyota’s LandCruiser Prado, however Volkswagen’s dieselgate scandal was said to have deterred the company from introducing oil-burning engines.

Safety technology has been boosted across both Premium and Lux variants after the H9 recorded a four-star ANCAP safety rating, with blind spot monitoring and lane departure warning now both offered as standard.

Visual tweaks have been made in the form of a redesigned front bumper, grille and foglamps, while 18-inch wheels will now be made available on both variants, replacing 17-inch hoops on the Premium variant.

On the inside, an updated instrument panel will come as standard and includes a digital speedometer due to customer feedback.

A redesigned centre console with T-bar shifter is also part of the update, while the Lux model will now come with a panoramic sunroof as standard.

Mr Ellis said that Haval would strive to keep any price increases with the new model at a minimum. The Premium currently retails for $46,490 driveaway, while the Lux is offered at $49,990 driveaway.

Haval Australia chief marketing officer Tim Smith said he believed customers would be impressed by the updates made to the refreshed H9.

“Haval has always prided itself on listening to customers and I’m confident the Australian market will see they have clearly responded with the first major model update since launch,” he said.

“When we asked what changes (the media) would like to see, they listed performance, better economy and new safety technology as key updates.

“We’re confident they are going to be very impressed with the updated H9 when it lands.”

Haval has struggled to gain a sales foothold since it launched in Australia in October 2015, registering only 90 sales of the H9 since release, 14 of which have come in 2017.

So far in 2017, the brand’s best-selling model, the H2 small SUV, has registered 100 sales to the end of April, while the larger H6 and H8 have sold 60 and 12 units respectively over the same time period.

Exact pricing will be announced closer to the H9’s launch.