The Haval H6 has become a familiar sight on South African roads, but GWM has decided that familiar does not necessarily mean slow. Enter the H6 PHEV, a plug-in hybrid version that adds serious power, usable electric range and enough technology to keep even the most gadget-hungry driver occupied.
More power than you might expect
Under the skin, the H6 PHEV combines a turbocharged petrol engine with dual electric motors and an all-wheel-drive system. The result is a substantial 268 kW and 760 Nm.
Those are not numbers you would normally associate with a family SUV at this price point. In fact, the torque figure alone is enough to make some performance cars slightly uncomfortable.
Fortunately, the H6 PHEV does not deliver its performance in a dramatic or unruly manner. Power comes through smoothly and quickly, particularly when the electric motors are doing their thing. Put your foot down and there is an immediate response, while the all-wheel-drive system helps the SUV put its considerable power to the road without any unnecessary fuss.
It is quick, undoubtedly, but the performance feels more effortless than aggressive. That suits the H6’s character well, as this remains a family SUV rather than something designed to spend its weekends terrorising hot hatches.
EV when you want it, hybrid when you need it
One of the biggest advantages of the plug-in hybrid setup is the ability to drive using electric power alone for a meaningful distance. Haval claims up to 106 km of electric range, which means many owners could potentially complete their daily commute without using much petrol, provided they make regular use of a charging point.
In electric mode, the H6 PHEV is quiet and refined, making it particularly well suited to urban driving. When the battery charge drops and the petrol engine joins the party, the transition between electric and hybrid power is impressively smooth.
The system largely goes about its business without constantly reminding you what is happening beneath the bonnet, which is exactly how a plug-in hybrid should behave.
Fuel consumption in the real world
Haval claims fuel consumption of as little as 1.1 L/100 km when the hybrid battery is fully charged, with a combined consumption figure of 5.3 L/100 km.
As always with plug-in hybrids, those figures depend heavily on how often the vehicle is charged and how it is driven. During our time with the H6 PHEV, we recorded an average of 6.1 L/100 km.
That is still a respectable figure considering the size of the vehicle and the fact that it has 268 kW and 760 Nm on tap. It also highlights the balancing act that comes with a PHEV. Keep the battery charged and make use of the electric range, and fuel consumption should remain impressively low. Forget about charging it regularly, however, and you are essentially carrying around a rather large battery as extra luggage.
A cabin loaded with technology
Inside, the H6 PHEV follows the same technology-focused approach as the rest of the H6 range. The dashboard is dominated by GWM’s Coffee OS system, which incorporates a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a large 14.6-inch infotainment display.
The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Bluetooth connectivity and a nine-speaker sound system are also included.
The cabin feels well equipped, with electrically adjustable front seats that feature both heating and ventilation. The steering wheel is heated, while dual-zone climate control and ambient lighting add to the overall sense of comfort.
Rear passengers have not been forgotten either, with USB ports, a centre armrest and cup holders helping make longer journeys more accommodating.
Plenty of safety technology
The H6 PHEV also comes loaded with driver assistance and safety technology. Among the highlights is a 540-degree camera system, which gives the driver an extensive view around the vehicle and should prove particularly useful when navigating tight parking spaces.
A comprehensive suite of active safety and driver assistance systems is also included, adding to what is already a generous standard specification.
Final thoughts
The Haval H6 PHEV adds another dimension to the H6 range. It retains the comfort, technology and practicality that have helped make the standard model popular, while introducing a drivetrain that offers both strong performance and the potential for low fuel consumption.
The 106 km claimed electric range makes the plug-in hybrid system genuinely usable for daily driving, while the combined 268 kW and 760 Nm ensure that there is no shortage of performance when needed.
Our recorded consumption figure of 6.1 L/100 km was higher than Haval’s claimed 5.3 L/100 km combined figure, but it remains respectable for an all-wheel-drive SUV with this much power. As with any PHEV, the real secret lies in charging it regularly and making the most of its electric capability.
At R749,900, the H6 1.5T DHT Ultra Luxury 4×4 PHEV offers a lot of performance, technology and equipment in one package. For buyers looking to dip their toes into electrified motoring without fully committing to life without a petrol engine, it makes a compelling case.
