We are in the midst of a rapid shift to Chinese-made automobiles here in Australia. New brands are providing alternatives to the cars we know, and that includes fastback SUVs, once associated with premium European brands only.
The GWM Haval H6 GT, first launched in mid-2022, is a coupe-shaped medium SUV similar to a BMW X4, but without the high price tag. It builds on the Haval H6 as a base, and gives it an athletic GT design overhaul. But can a brand known to be frugal on your budget pull off a sporty, premium-feel SUV?
2024 GWM Haval H6 GT: Specifications
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder
Output: 150kW@6000-6300rpm / 320Nm@1500-4000rpm
Gearbox: Seven-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 19ร7.5, 235/55
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1615kg
Power-to-weight: 10.76:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 8.4L/100km
Our consumption: 10.2L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 60L/91 RONPower efficiency: 17.85kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 3.64 seconds*
0-100km/h: 8.12 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.19 seconds*
1/4 mile: 16.03 seconds at 140.4km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.667g*
100-0km/h braking: 39.92m in 3.14 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.257g*
Decibel at idle (/Race mode): 40/43*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 86*
Starting price: $46,490
*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different
2024 GWM Haval H6 GT: How much does it cost?
You can opt for the front-wheel drive Lux from $40,990, or a four-wheel drive Ultra that we’re testing here for $46,490 (excluding on-road costs).
There are no direct competitors with the same fastback design in the medium SUV market under $60k. But compared to top variants of regular medium SUV shapes, it is about $8k cheaper than the Toyota RAV4 Cruiser AWD hybrid, and about $14k cheaper than the top-spec Hyundai Tucson N Line Premium.
In comparison to the premium variants of other Chinese brands, the H6 GT lands with the highest price. The MG HS Essence X undercuts it by $10k, the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro Ultimate is $500 cheaper, and its own H6 Ultra with standard SUV styling is $6k cheaper. So, overall, this is a cheap vehicle compared with the top-spec established rivals but it’s not as cheap as it should be in our opinion.
For those who have reservations about longevity, warranty on Havals are above industry standard. You get a seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty, and five years or 100,000km of complimentary road-side assistance. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, except for the first, required at 10,000km. If services are conducted at a GWM dealership, the first five services are capped at $225, $280, $500, $550, then $225.
2024 GWM Haval H6 GT: Interior & packaging
Starting with the interior, the H6 GT presents as premium and relatively sophisticated for the price. Suede-feel areas, leather-look materials, ambient lighting (though, only in the front row), and textured plastic gives the cabin a classy feel.
The space is also generous in size, with room for all passengers. It feels big and practical, thanks to a large storage area under the large centre console, large door pockets, and the rear row has an almost flat centre floor tunnel.
That coupe-like rear shape means the H6 GT has a tiny rear window and no rear wiper. Both of which contribute to diminished rear visibility. The sloping boot design also causes a hefty decrease in boot volume from 600 litres to 392 litres compared with the conventionally shaped H6 SUV. Volume is cut from the top, not the boot floor. So, it is still adequate to stow unstacked luggage.
Back to the front and you are presented with a huge 12.3-inch multimedia touch-screen, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, and a head-up display for the driver. Screen resolution is high, but the transitions between the menus are frustratingly slow when driving. The digital instrument cluster is also not as customisable as others in terms of layout choices, and the screens auto brightness levels take longer than they should to respond to light changes. Even at the lowest setting, they seem to bright at night as well, in our opinion.
Multimedia plays on a rather inferior unbranded audio system. It offers reasonable bass on low volume, but as soon as you crank it up, the bass level diminishes significantly. Oddly, there is no volume control knob, button or on-screen control, only the steering wheel volume exists in terms of physical control. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are also absent.
The feature list is generous for the price. Highlights include a heated steering wheel, heated, vented, โeco-leatherโ electrically adjustable front seats, wireless phone charging, an electric tailgate with handsfree function, a panoramic sunroof, heated door mirrors, fully automated parking, rear cross-traffic alert with braking, a 360-degree camera view, traffic jam assist, and driver drowsiness detection.
The exterior design expresses the looks of a modern, European-designed, fast SUV, unambiguously. Contours at the front are sharp and flowy to impose the idea of speed and aerodynamics. Strident LED headlights that border around the puffed bonnet line also give off an angry and athletic vibe.
A large lower grille, high waistline and tall front and rear lights expose a dominating presence. The rear spoiler and glossy black alloys certainly emit a sporty edge. But itโs a pity the chrome exhaust shapes integrated into the bumper do not actually connect to the quad-outlet exhaust system underneath.
2024 GWM Haval H6 GT: Powertrain & handling
All Haval H6 GTs are granted with a peppy 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that spills out 150kW and 320Nm. In the driverโs seat, it feels like a keen amount of power to play with โ especially for the price. Then it feels like even more when you throw it in Race mode. The idle rises and an active exhaust booster amplifies the sound into hot hatch territory. We timed 0-100km/h in 8.12 seconds, which seems a bit slow for the power and for the noise and excitement it builds up.
Tied to the end of the engine is a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It is a suitable fit for fast gear changes to maximise performance, and much more athletic than common CVT transmissions seen in this class. However, the dual-clutch exhibits a mix of springy and delayed qualities on gentle take-offs. It makes it difficult to negotiate in tight spaces as gentle inching is problematic.
If fuel efficiency is high on your important attributes list, the H6 GT will disappoint. Officially, it burns an average of 8.4L/100km. During our time across a mix of suburban and highway routes, our average was a poor 10.2L/100km. Among todayโs standards, it needs to do better. At least it can run on cheaper 91 RON fuel.
In an ostensibly weak attempt to reduce fuel use is the engine start/stop feature. But there is a woeful delay in the engine restarting and taking off. In busy traffic, seconds matter. Other cars do it much faster. Also, there does not seem to be enough battery strength, as the headlights flick off and on when the engine resumes. Some poor engineering and quality control standards seem to be demonstrated here.
In motion, the suspension is comfortable over minor bumps. Though, bigger bumps create a nasty crash and thud, resulting in the H6โs track getting thrown into some disarray. During impassioned driving it stays suitably rigid through corners, aside from minor body control laziness. Michelin performance tyres and that four-wheel power holds up decent grip in wet conditions.
Although the H6 GT advertises as an SUV to take off road, we would only recommend light off-road duties. The all-terrain response system could help to tackle dirt and snowy roads, but a low 165mm ground clearance and those sports tyres will not go well over more serious terrains.
In general, everyday usability of the Haval does not feel as graceful and natural as other manufacturers. For example, there is an annoying delay with unlocking doors via the proximity sensors. When it is pouring rain and you need to jump in the car quickly, the delay is very frustrating.
Dash messaging and feedback to the user could also be improved. There is also an Emergency Lane Keep (ELK) message that constantly chimes every time it picks up a reliable lane marking on the road. The constant chime is unnecessary.
2024 GWM Haval H6 GT: Key attractions/reasons to buy
- Unique styling: The only coupe-style SUV you can buy in the mid-size market under $60k.
- Engine power: The engine specs look good on paper and the active dynamic sports exhaust is a complement for this class.
- Warranty: A seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty is at the top of the class (aside from Mitsubishi’s 10-year coverage).
2024 GWM Haval H6 GT: Key considerations before you buy
- Style vs practicality: That coupe-like styling means boot size is reduced by 208 litres compared with the standard Haval H6.
- Efficiency: The real-world fuel average is archaic compared to current standards. 8.4L/100km is the official read and ours was 10.2L/100km. Both not good for this segment.
- Engine stop-start delay: By the time it takes the engine to start, get into gear, and take-off at the lights, the delay is long enough to get beeped from the driver behind you.
- Design and quality control niggles: They range from delayed door unlocking, no physical volume control, minimal cluster customisation, headlights flicker during engine resume, slow menu transitions, incessant ELK chime, springy transmission on slow inching, and an inferior sound system.
2024 GWM Haval H6 GT: Video
How does it rate against its rivals?
Final word
The 2024 Haval H6GT Ultra is a worthy sporty alternative to the medium SUV range because of its willing engine and active exhaust, and athletic coupe-like appearance. But Haval cars still have some peculiarities to improve on in terms of usability and messaging. It also falls behind terribly on fuel consumption. If you’re worried about longevity, a competitive seven-year warranty might appease you.