Haval H6 HEV: Can it compete with the Corolla Cross Hybrid, CR-V e:HEV? – Test Drive

On a global scale, the trend of electric vehicle ownership appears to be slowing down.

Major automotive manufacturers worldwide are starting to pull the handbrake and make a U-turn to resume producing fossil fuel vehicles for their customers.

What is certain is that this “ancient” technology has not yet reached its end point and is now being enhanced with the help of hybrid systems for longer ranges compared to battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and certainly compared to pure internal combustion engine (ICE) cars.

One of the hybrid vehicles made in China that has already entered the Malaysian market is the Haval H6 HEV.

Officially launched a few months ago, the Haval H6 HEV is a newcomer in the C-segment SUV category, competing against rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Mazda CX-5, and Proton X70.

Apart from its size, the Haval H6 HEV also comes with an attractive price package—RM139,800—making it as more affordable compared to  the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.

Will this low pricing strategy be enough to attract buyers away from the Corolla Cross, or the more sophisticated CR-V?

We managed to obtain a test drive unit of the Haval H6 HEV for a few days, and here are our findings:

 

1. Exterior Design

Among the C-segment SUVs available, the Haval H6 HEV features a relatively safe design.

There are no aggressive sharp lines; the design is rounded, but not excessively so like the Proton X70.

The front end looks fierce with the presence of LED headlights and a wide ‘Star Matrix’ grille, though the 19-inch wheels appear somewhat small beneath the SUV’s wheel arches.

At the rear, it boasts a full-width LED light bar, along with a cluster of four brake lights positioned on the spoiler.

In short, the design is quite ordinary. There is nothing really “wow” about it, except for the HEV badge indicating that it is not an SUV that lumbers along like a baby elephant.

This rather conservative appearance also successfully conceals the fact that it is actually a fairly large SUV!

Measuring 4,683 mm x 1,886 mm x 1,730 mm, the Haval H6 is significantly wider and taller than the Honda CR-V, benefitting from a longer wheelbase.

 

2. Interior Design

Following current trends, the Haval H6 HEV presents a more minimalist cabin layout.

Its features are comprehensive, with a 10.25-inch digital screen in front of the driver, a 12.3-inch infotainment screen complete with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support (important features for a modern car!), dual-zone climate control, wireless device charging slots, a panoramic sunroof, a head-up display, and an audio system with eight speakers.

On the central console, there are several important function buttons, but unfortunately, it lacks a more crucial feature—controls for temperature and fan speed.

You have to navigate these functions through the central screen. This could be inconvenient, especially when driving alone.

The author also isn’t particularly fond of the three-tone finish featuring rose gold, which feels somewhat distracting while driving.

Moving to the front screen, we appreciate GWM’s decision not to clutter it with various logos and symbols that can be visually overwhelming.

The layout and graphics are sharp and easy to read, though it is unfortunate that there are fewer customization options available for those who prefer an analog speedometer display.

 

3. Exciting Power Package

This is one of the most powerful hybrid SUVs in its class.

The Haval H6 HEV is equipped with a hybrid engine system producing 243 PS and 530 Nm of torque, consisting of a 1.5-liter turbocharged inline-four engine (150 PS/230 Nm) and a single electric motor (177 PS/300 Nm), a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), and front-wheel drive.

With the available Sport mode, the Haval H6 HEV can accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h in just 7.75 seconds.

In comparison, the Corolla Cross Hybrid features a naturally aspirated 1.8-liter Atkinson cycle engine producing 98 PS/142 Nm and a single electric motor generating 72 PS/163 Nm, for a combined output of 122 PS.

Meanwhile, the CR-V e:HEV has a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated hybrid engine paired with two electric motors for a total output of 181 PS and 335 Nm.

 

4. Driving Experience

On paper, it certainly looks powerful, but the power delivery of the Haval H6 HEV is not as aggressive as that of sports cars or electric vehicles (EVs) with their intense torque.

When you press the accelerator pedal firmly to the floor, you can feel the responsive and smooth acceleration without straining your neck from high G-forces.

This power is particularly needed when driving with a cabin full of passengers and cargo, especially when overtaking a slow-moving eighteen-wheeler on a busy road due to overloading.

One thing we can commend about this SUV is the remarkable lack of engine vibrations felt inside the cabin.

Even at times when this SUV requires extra power, the operation of the 1.5-liter turbo engine is very efficient, devoid of the noise and vibrations mentioned earlier.

Despite its considerable size, this SUV remains easy to control, although the steering wheel feels somewhat oversized—it almost feels like driving a truck.

The handling is also satisfactory, as it is more tuned for the comfort of all passengers.

The Haval H6 HEV’s suspension system works effectively to absorb all the bumps and potholes from the road surface, while also avoiding excessive swaying on winding roads.

The braking system functions well to bring this heavy SUV to a stop; however, at low speeds, it takes a while to get used to the pedal response to avoid sudden stops.

According to GWM, a full tank of the Haval H6 HEV can cover distances of up to 1,000 km.

This figure has indeed been achieved by some media colleagues who have tested this SUV.

Based on personal experience, I managed to achieve a driving range exceeding 700 km—an impressive figure that can be attained even without driving conservatively to maximize fuel savings.

This is certainly beneficial for long-distance driving, where you won’t need to stop as frequently for refueling.

 

5. Comfort

While I am quite satisfied with the power delivery from this hybrid SUV, there is a key area that GWM needs to focus on—comfort.

For short drives, what the Haval H6 HEV offers won’t cause significant discomfort.

However, for families who often make long journeys (for instance, returning to their hometowns), this SUV may be a difficult choice.

What I noticed is that the seats in the Haval H6 HEV do not provide sufficient thigh support.

As a result, the legs of both the driver and passengers may feel dangling, leading to quicker fatigue.

The spacious dimensions allow the Haval H6 to provide ample legroom and headroom, but this is not complemented by comfortable upholstery.

There is a ‘boss switch’ feature that allows the driver to adjust the position of the front passenger seat if the passenger dozes off due to fatigue—a much-needed feature for any dedicated husband.

In terms of practicality, the Haval H6 HEV provides a cargo space of 560 liters, which is ample for carrying items such as luggage and shopping bags from major retailers.

If you need more space, simply fold down the second-row seats, and you will have a cargo space of 1,485 liters.

Finally, we found the NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) aspect of the Haval H6 HEV to be quite satisfactory.

With the use of quieter tires, it somewhat contributes to making the cabin of the Haval H6 more comfortable, effectively filtering out wind noise as well.

However, one point to note is that, despite being quiet, the standard tires on the Haval H6 HEV are not suitable for those who prefer aggressive driving styles.

A significant investment in higher-performance tires would be necessary to enjoy a more balanced driving experience in the Haval H6 HEV.

 

6. Hybrid, Yet Drives Like an EV!

You might be wondering why the Haval H6 HEV is equipped with only a two-speed gearbox.

The answer is simple: the Haval H6 HEV relies almost entirely on the electric motor for propulsion that doesn’t need too much gear ratio.

While the 1.5-liter turbo engine only engages when the driver requires extra power for aggressive driving.

The battery pack capacity is relatively small, at around 1.7 kWh, but it is sufficient to allow the Haval H6 HEV to behave like a pure EV!

The available electric range is not particularly long, stretching just a few kilometers, but I noticed that the Haval H6 HEV does not use engine power at all when driving in the city at low speeds.

In fact, some have even asked, “Is this SUV electric?” due to its remarkably quiet operation.

 

7. Value for Money

Currently, the selling price of the Haval H6 HEV in the Malaysian market starts at RM139,800, making it slightly cheaper than the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (RM142,000).

Another popular C-segment SUV, the Honda CR-V e:HEV RS, is priced at RM195,900, offering a more aggressive appearance but less power compared to the Haval H6 HEV.

This indirectly positions the Haval H6 HEV as a formidable contender against those two Japanese models, with advantages in price, power, and practicality.

The question remains, with these advantages mentioned, can the presence of the Haval H6 HEV shake the foundations established by those two Japanese manufacturers?

For me, the true answer to this question may be difficult to please everyone.

This is because, after evaluating all three SUVs, I prefer the driving experience offered by the Japanese models, which feel more lively and connected to the driver, provide much better passenger comfort, and feature essential functions that are easier to operate without relying completely on the central screen.

I do not entirely dismiss the advantages present in the Haval H6 HEV; however, the factor of driving satisfaction is more important, far outweighing what GWM tries to promote with this model.

 

Specifications of the Haval H6 HEV:

Engine: 1.5-liter turbo inline-4
Power: 150 PS/230 Nm
Electric motor: 130 PS/300 Nm
Total power: 243 PS/530 Nm
Transmission: Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) with two speeds
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 7.7 seconds
Top speed: 175 km/h