As promised, the Haval product onslaught gains momentum with the freshly launched H6C, a well-priced new competitor in South Africa's busy compact SUV/family car segment.

Haval, the premium SUV brand of GWM (Great Wall Motors), launched its H2 compact crossover in South Africa earlier this year and has been doing brisk business with that value offering ever since. The H2 has also gained widespread recognition as the best Chinese vehicle yet, including from our own test team (view the video review here). Since the introduction of the H2 it has also launched the H1 in South Africa, which is essentially a rebadged version of the GWM M4.

Now, the H6C, based on the underpinnings of the H6, China's top-selling SUV, adds an even more upmarket, stylish offering to the firm's local offering.

Lots of features, modern drivetrain

The H6 C is claimed to markanother step up for Chinese cars in terms of interior design and quality.

The sleek H6C (short for Coupe) again seems to raise the bar for vehicles originating from China. It is powered by a 2.0-litre turbopetrol that develops140 kW and 310 Nm of torque, from 2 000 to 3 600 rpm. Haval claims it can sprint to 100 kph in 9 seconds. The H6C is offered locally with a choice of either a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (a first for the brand in SA) or a 6-speed manual. All-wheel drive versions are available on special order.

The H6C is offered in South Africa in 3 trim levels; City, Premium and Luxury. All variants (barring the base City) have 6 airbags, while ESP (stability programme), hill-descent and -ascent control and a reverse camera are standard across all variants.

Given its specification, powertrain and good looks, the Haval H6 C looks like a strong new contender.

Also standard on all derivatives are; dual-zone climate control, electric/folding side mirrors with demister, keyless entry, remote audio controls and auto lights/wipers. All variants (but the entry City model) get an 8-way electrically adjustable driver's seat and (synthetic) leather upholstery. The flagship Luxury has a panoramic sunroof and xenon headlights as standard. The infotainment systems in all derivatives offer full Bluetooth, Aux and USB functionality, with the top-specification Luxury model offering a higher-grade system.

Pricing and Warranty

The Haval H6C, like its smaller sibling the Haval H2 isbacked with a 5-year/100 000km warranty, a 5-year/60 000km service plan, and 5-year/unlimited km roadside assistance.

2.0T MT City 4X2 – R329 900

2.0T MT Premium 4X2 – R339 900

2.0T MT Luxury 4X2 – R359 900

2.0T DCT City 4X2 – R359 900

2.0 DCT Premium 4×2 – R369 900

2.0 DCT Luxury 4X2 – R389 900

You may also be interested in;

Haval H2 1.5T Luxury Auto (2017) Review + Video

Compact Crossover Comparison: Hyundai Creta vs Toyota C-HR

Shanghai MotorShow: China's Haval storms upmarket

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