Haval South Africa will introduce a facelifted version of its H2 compact family car at the end of the 1st quarter of 2020. Apart from aesthetic updates, the 4-derivative range will see the introduction of more features and will be offered in a choice of 6 colours and 2 dual-tone exterior finishes.

In a popular segment of the new vehicle market, which features models such as the Ford Ecosport, Hyundai Creta, Nissan Qashqai, Renault Duster and Captur, Suzuki Vitara and Toyota CH-R, Chinese SUV-brand Haval’s H2 has steadily grown in popularity since its localintroduction in 2017.

Given that competition in the compact family car segment will soon heat up further with the arrival of the Volkswagen T-Cross and (a while later) Kia Seltos, an imminent facelift to the generously-specced H2 range should ramp up renewed interest in the 2017/18 #CarsAwards semi-finalist.

Recently shown at the Wesbank Festival of Motoring in Gauteng, the revised H2 features the same platform, suspension, powertrains and safety features as its predecessor, but it looks markedly different by virtue of a revised front grille, bonnet and fenders, restyled headlights and bumpers. Eighteen-inch alloys are still standard, but they feature a new 5-spoke “throwing star” design.

New bonnet, front grille and headlight treatment denote the facelift H2.

The facelifted range will comprise the 1.5T City and 1.5T Luxury, both of which are available with either a 6-speed manual ‘box or 6-speed automatic transmission. The H2’s 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrolproduces peak outputs of 105 kW and 202 N.m of torque and is said to consume an average of 8.2 L/100 km in the case of the manualand 9.0 L/100 km for the automatic.

Compared with current versions of the H2, facelifted derivatives will all feature Apple CarPlay-, USB- and Bluetooth-enabled infotainment systems and sunroofs (panoramic on 1.5T Luxury). Apart from minor updates to the cabin’s upholstery and trims, a revised transmission lever has been introduced on automatic versions. Upon closer inspection of Haval’s brochure for the updated range, a reverse-view camera with guiding lines will be standard across the range, although dual-zone auto aircon will be reduced to single-zone climate control on top-spec derivatives.

Generousstandard spec

Apart from the features already mentioned, the 1.5T City comes equipped with: fog lamps and DRLs, keyless entry and start/stop button, a multifunction steering wheel with remote audio and cruise control buttons, 6-way adjustable driver’s seat (manual), adjustable centre armrest, power windows all round (one-touch up/down and anti-pinch on driver’s door), split-folding rear seatback with 3 headrests and a pair of cupholders integrated in the fold-out armrest, plus rear PDC (in combination with the reverse-view camera).

Haval's infotainment screen now has Apple Carplay as well.

The 1.5T Luxury, on the other hand, additionally features leather-trimmed seats (6-way electrically adjustable for the driver) and steering wheel, automatically activated (LED) headlamps and wipers, climate control and electrically adjustable and folding side mirrors with integrated turn signals.

6 airbags on Luxury derivatives

Safety-wise, H2s are fitted with dual front airbags (plus side- and curtain ‘bags on 1.5T Luxury), disc brakes all round (ventilated at the front), ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic parking brake, electronic stability control, tyre pressure monitor, as well as ISOfix child-seat anchor points.

Upon its release, the newcomer will be available in Classical Black, Hamilton White, Pittsburgh Silver, Datura Red, Atlantis Blue, Brown, plus red-with-black roof and brown-with-white roof combinations. The current range comes with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty, including unlimited km roadside assistance for its duration. The kilometre limit of the 5-year service plan is 60000 km.

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