GWM will showcase its first ever unibody, front-wheel drive SUV, the H6, at the Johannesburg International Motor Show next week.

The sporty and luxurious SUV first appeared in South Africa at the Durban Motor Show last year and is China’s best-selling SUV so far this year. Soon to be available for purchase in South Africa, the SUV will be offered with two engine options.

Power and economy

The GWM H6 engine line-up will consist of two powerplants, the first being the company’s proven 2.0-litre TCI turbodiesel engine that produces 105kW at 4000 rpm and 310Nm of torque between 1800 rpm and 2800 rpm. Following soon after will be a 1.5-litre turbopetrol that delivers the same power (105kW) but with 210Nm of torque.

Both engines will be connected to a six-speed manual transmission transmitting power to the front wheels, and delivering a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.7-litres/100 km (for the turbodiesel).

Premium ‘Elite’ specification

On the styling front, the GWM H6 is distinguished by smooth contours and chiselled flanks, including 17-inch alloy wheels, full colour-coding with chrome detailing and tinted windows for the rear doors and tailgate. The all-new unibody platform makes for excellent rigidity and low levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), while the SUVs underpinnings have been tuned to deliver maximum occupant comfort. Suspension is via MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear.

Interior features include an adjustable leather trimmed steering wheel, facia-mounted gearlever, black and silver satin finishes, full-colour touch screen system with radio/CD/DVD/MP3 playback, Bluetooth integration, rear-mounted camera and an audible warning system. Rear seats with reclining backrest are split 60:40 and can tumble forward to provide more boot space, while the height-adjustable driver’s seat and front passenger seat both feature fold-out armrests.

Other standard features include climate control, power steering, electric windows all-round, electric mirror adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights with manual levelling.

Safety features

Safety comes from dual front SRS airbags, disc brakes all-round, ABS with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BAS (brake assist), height-adjustable seatbelts with load limiters and pre-tensioners, Isofix child seat mounts, as well as front and rear fog lights and rear park sensors (with camera view).

Want to see the GWM H6 for yourself at the Johannesburg International Motorshow? You can win tickets to the show by visiting the GWM website (www.gwm.co.za).

GWM H6 gellery