With its smooth contours, chiselled flanks and exquisite detailing, the H6 provides a distinctive and upmarket new alternative in the fiercely contested compact SUV/crossover segment. All South African-specification H6 models feature premium trim and, as such, boast 17-inch alloy wheels, full colour-coding with chrome detailing, roof rails, fog lamps front and rear and privacy glass.

Under its elegant bodywork the H6 features an all-new unibody platform that ensures superb rigidity and low levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). Suspension is via MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The H6’s underpinnings have been tuned to deliver maximum occupant comfort. With a ground clearance of 180 mm when fully laden, the H6 can also confidently traverse rougher roads and those middelmannetjies so typical of South African adventures.

The H6 measures 4 640 mm in length and rides on a 2 680 mm wheelbase. These generous dimensions endow the H6 with class-leading spaciousness. In fact, closer inspection of the H6’s measurements reveals that it fits into a segment between so-called compact crossovers, as typified by the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage and others, and larger offerings such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Price-wise, however, the more spacious, better-equipped H6 competes with entry level variants of compact crossovers.

The crowning jewel of the H6’s standard features list is its comprehensive info-tainment system. A full-colour touch-screen system is mounted in the centre of the facia within easy reach, and features radio/CD/DVD/MP3 playback. It is further supported by a mini-SD slot (below the screen), and USB and auxiliary ports mounted in the storage box between the seats. The system features Bluetooth integration, and can be remotely controlled via buttons mounted on the steering wheel. When reverse gear is selected, the screen displays a feed from the rear-mounted camera, aiding in parking manoeuvres. An audible warning system is also activated when reversing.

Haval’s in-house designed 4D20 turbodiesel engine develops 105 kW at 4 000 rpm and a meaty 310 Nm of torque from 1 800 to 2 800 rpm. It powers the flagship 2,0 TCI model. This super-efficient four-cylinder engine meets stringent Europe IV emission standards and carries EU certification. It features dual overhead camshafts, high-pressure common rail injection, NVH noise control, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) system and an automatic valve clearance compensator. In the H6 it is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission transmitting power to the front wheels. This powertrain delivers a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6,7 L/100 km.