Haval H6 (2025) Launch Review
Buckle up, Mzansi! We’ve got an exclusive first drive of the facelifted Haval H6, in 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury DHT guise, straight from the updated range’s local launch.
Thanks to its generous features list and compelling value proposition, the Haval H6 has become a firm fixture in SA’s highly competitive family-car segment, of which it has achieved a notable market share.
The 2025 Haval H6 isn’t just a minor cosmetic update; it’s a comprehensive refresh that builds on the SUV’s strengths while introducing enhancements in tech, comfort, and ownership peace of mind.
We recently had an exclusive first drive of the 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury DHT variant of the updated medium SUV to bring you this in-depth assessment shortly after the conclusion of the local launch.
Furthermore, alongside the H6 facelift, Haval has introduced the punchy H6 GT 1.5T PHEV Ultra Luxury DHT 4WD – marking Great Wall Motor’s inaugural plug-in hybrid offering in South Africa.
See also: Haval H6 (2025) Price & Specs
See also: Haval H6 GT PHEV (2025) Launch Review
Competitive Pricing
One of the most impressive aspects of the 2025 Haval H6 lies in its strategic pricing, which remarkably holds the line against inflation and adds even more value. At launch, the top-spec (non-GT) Haval H6 variant – the 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury DHT – is listed for R686 500 (June 2025).
What’s astonishing about this is that it represents an increase of only R3 550 compared with the price of the outgoing model’s HEV 2 years ago – a negligible increment for an extensively facelifted family car.
What’s more, Haval has also shrewdly introduced a slightly lower-spec 1.5T HEV Luxury DHT variant, positioned at an even more accessible R641 500. This makes it a significant R40k less expensive than the pre-facelift HEV variant, effectively widening the Haval H6 HEV’s appeal to a broader audience.
Torquey, yet efficient hybrid power unit
The facelifted Haval H6 HEV is powered by a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol motor mated with an electric motor that delivers combined outputs of 179 kW and a substantial 530 Nm of torque. These figures ensure brisk acceleration and effortless cruising, whether in urban environments or on the open road.
From an efficiency standpoint, Haval claims an impressive 5.2 L/100 km on the combined cycle. In real-world driving conditions, during our previous economy test of a pre-facelift H6 HEV, we achieved figures around 6.1 L/100 km.
That wasn’t too far away from the manufacturer’s claim and was an excellent return for a vehicle of the Haval H6 HEV’s size, performance, and luxurious appointments, especially when compared with its conventionally powered (ICE) rivals. The intelligent hybrid system seamlessly switches between electric, petrol, and combined power, optimising fuel consumption without requiring any input from the driver.
Haval adds more luxury and tech features
The interior of the facelifted Haval H6 has undergone a substantial upgrade, particularly in the Ultra Luxury trim, justifying its R47 000 premium over the Luxury variant with a host of desirable features.
The 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury DHT variant is distinguished by the following features:
- Advanced Lighting: Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam assist that automatically adjust light distribution to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic.
- Sportier Aesthetics: New, sportier 19-inch wheels and integrated puddle lamps add a touch of sophistication and convenience, illuminating the ground around the doors at night.
- Enhanced Seating: Higher-quality artificial leather seats provide exceptional comfort, with the driver’s seat offering 8-way electric adjustment and memory functions. Both front seats are heated and ventilated, a luxurious touch that enhances comfort in varying climates.
- Immersive Infotainment: The centrepiece of the cabin is an enlarged 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which provides crisp visuals and an intuitive interface. This is complemented by an upmarket 8-speaker audio system, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Advanced Driver Assistance: The Ultra Luxury variant boasts a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assist systems. This includes a 360-degree surround-view camera with a “transparent chassis view” – an innovative feature that provides a virtual undercarriage view to aid in tricky parking or off-road situations, reverse memory assistance and adaptive cruise control.
The overall interior design and the tactile quality of materials used are impressive, drawing comparisons to vehicles in a much higher price bracket. The layout is clean and user-friendly, with a focus on modern aesthetics and functionality. The panoramic sunroof (a standard feature on both HEV variants) floods the cabin with natural light, creating an airy ambience, particularly to the benefit of rear occupants.
Speaking of the aft occupants, the rear bench offers good thigh and back support, as well as generous legroom, which ensures that even taller adults can stretch out comfortably on long journeys.
Convenience features abound, including both USB Type-A and Type-C ports for charging devices, a central armrest with integrated cupholders, and importantly, a 3rd safety belt for the middle occupant.
Less-than-cavernous load bay
While the interior space for passengers is plentiful, the Haval H6 HEV’s load bay, by necessity, presents a slightly different picture. Due to the integration of the hybrid components and battery pack beneath the load floor, the load bay is somewhat shallow. This design choice means there’s no space for a traditional spare wheel; instead, the vehicle comes equipped with a compressor pump for tyre inflation.
A minor point of contention noted during our review was the inability of the Haval H6 HEV’s parcel shelf to fully cover a standard cooler box, which could raise security concerns for some prospective buyers.
Despite this, practicality is still a strong suit of the H6. Both Luxury and Ultra Luxury HEVs feature an electric tailgate, 40/60 split-folding rear seats to expand cargo capacity when needed, and ISOFIX child seat mounts for secure installation of car seats, all of which underscore its family-friendly credentials.
What is the 2025 Haval H6 like to drive?
As opposed to its (performance-oriented) all-wheel-drive H6 GT PHEV sibling, the 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury DHT is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, and its primary focus remains on delivering a comfortable and refined driving experience tailored for daily commuting and family adventures.
Don’t let its family-car packaging fool you, however. With 179 kW and 530 Nm of torque on tap, the Haval H6 HEV is a surprisingly zippy car for its segment. Acceleration is impressive, allowing for confident overtakes and responsive performance in various driving scenarios. The hybrid system produces notably smooth take-off and acceleration, with the electric motor providing instant torque at lower speeds.
The ride quality is also a standout; the H6 HEV is exceptionally well-damped and absorbs most road imperfections, to the benefit of occupant comfort. Despite its comfort-biased suspension, the Haval maintains a composed demeanour through corners, with surefooted handling for an SUV of its size.
While the H6 HEV excels in many areas, a slight increase in road noise was noted, perhaps making it “probably the worst of the 3” compared with Chery and Omoda models in this regard. However, this is by no means a deal-breaker and doesn’t significantly detract from the overall refined driving experience.
How much does the updated Haval H6 cost?
| H6 2.0T Luxury DCT | R495 500 |
| H6 2.0T Super Luxury DCT | R542 500 |
| H6 2.0T Luxury 4WD DCT | R574 500 |
| H6 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4WD DCT | R614 500 |
| H6 1.5T HEV Luxury DHT | R641 500 |
| H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury DHT | R686 500 |
| H6 GT 1.5T PHEV Ultra Luxury DHT 4WD | R799 900 |
The prices above include GWM’s 7-year/200 000 km warranty and a 7-year/75 000 km service plan (with intervals of 15 000 km). Hybrid derivatives furthermore benefit from an 8-year/150 000 km warranty specific to the battery pack and other high-voltage components.
Summary
The 2025 Haval H6 arrives in the South African market as a more mature, refined, and even more compelling package than its (pre-facelift) predecessor. While the shallow load bay is a drawback of the HEV variants, this and other minor shortcomings are easily outweighed by the list of positives. With its aggressive pricing strategy, class-leading warranties, extensive list of standard features, and a powerful yet efficient hybrid powertrain, the highly likeable Haval H6 HEV represents exceptional value for money.
Find a used Haval H6 on Cars.co.za
Buy a new Haval H6 on Cars.co.za
Also watch our other video reviews of the Haval H6 below:
Haval H6 GT Review – The Superstar SUV that every brand on our roads should be worried about
New Haval H6 Hybrid Economy Test and Review – How efficient is it in the real world?
Chinese SUV Fight! Haval H6 vs new Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max (in-depth comparison)
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Haval H6 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is the Haval H6 a reliable car?
Comprehensive datasets on the reliability of the multitude of vehicle derivatives offered in South Africa are unfortunately few and far between, so it’s difficult to make a definitive statement on the H6’s performance in this regard. We’d suggest talking to H6 owners to learn about their personal experiences.
2. Which Haval is the best?
The best Haval for you will depend on your needs. The Haval Jolion is a compact model with youthful appeal, while the H6 caters for the family-car buyer who needs more space. The H7 is larger and will appeal to a buyer looking for a more sophisticated SUV experience.
3. Is the Haval H6 a good buy?
In its segment (and on paper), the facelifted Haval H6 appears to offer excellent value-for-money with a strong standard-feature set and comparatively attractive pricing.