GWM South Africa gave us a detailed breakdown of their product umbrella at the launch, shedding light on how the company is structured to cater to different consumer segments in the market. This provided valuable insight into the six sub-brands under the GWM banner (HAVAL, ORA, TANK, GWM, WEY, POER), their intended target audiences, and upcoming brand debuts and product introductions.
For context, it’s important to note that GWM has been operating in South Africa since 2007. With 18 years of presence, they stand alongside many of the legacy brands that South Africans have come to know and trust. One such key player under GWM’s umbrella is Haval, and the updated H6 SUV was the focus of this launch.
Overview: What’s New with the Haval H6?
The refreshed H6 lineup now includes a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) in the mid-range, and a H6 GT Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) that offers a claimed range of 1,000 km on a full charge. GWM also revealed that their market share footprint in South Africa has grown from 2.1% to 3.1% in 2024, a notable leap for the brand.
Exterior Highlights
There are major design updates across the range:
Front Fascia: The front end now features a neater design with horizontal daytime running lights, a revised grille, and sportier black-finished alloy wheels.
Rear End: The signature light bar has been replaced with teardrop-inspired LED taillights, making room for the all-new GWM wordmark branding.
Tyres: New 19 inch alloys. The HEV models now run on run-flat tyres.
New Colours: A striking Noble Gold paint option joins the colour palette.
Sport Kit (Optional): Adds piano black accents on window surrounds, wheels, and panels for a more aggressive look.
Interior Features
Significant upgrades continue inside the cabin:
- A large 12.6 or 14.6-inch infotainment screen dominates the dash (housing most of the important controls and functions like AC).
- Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now come standard.
- New wireless charging pad and four USB charging ports.
- The gear lever has moved from the centre console to a steering column-mounted shifter.
- Added ambient lighting and ventilated/heated leather seats.
- A thicker, leather-wrapped steering wheel offers enhanced grip.
- Increased cabin storage (30 or so compartments) and 560L of boot space.
- Interior design prioritises a “Simplified, Comfortable & Technological” philosophy with fewer physical buttons.
Technology & Safety
Packed with advanced safety systems:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Keep Assist
- Traffic Jam Assist
- Intelligent Cornering Control
- 360-degree HD camera system
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Pre-Collision Warning
- These systems aim to ease driver workload and enhance road awareness.
Launch Drive Experience
We tackled the scenic routes around Cape Town, getting decent time behind both the petrol and HEV variants. The car felt solid, composed, and remarkably refined for its segment.
The 9-speed dual-clutch transmission stood out for its smooth and responsive shifts, offering intuitive power delivery across different driving conditions. I was also impressed by the HEV’s ability to seamlessly alternate between electric-only and engine-assisted modes and the transition is barely noticeable, even under load.
The steering feel from the new thicker wheel is on point and adds much needed confidence and sporty control to an already comfortable SUV.
Powertrains & Technical Specs
Entry of the range affords you a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder producing 170 kW and 380 Nm — a 20 kW and 60 Nm improvement over the outgoing model. The HEV variant keeps the 1.5 liter engine that is paired with an electric motor.
Transmission is now paired with a new 9-speed DCT, replacing the previous 7-speed whilst buyers can opt for either Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) or All-Wheel Drive (AWD) depending on the trim level.
HEV & GT PHEV: The hybrid variants are equipped with GWM’s advanced DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission), with the PHEV boasting a 1,000 km electric-assisted range under optimal conditions.
Warranty & Service Plan (South Africa)
Service Plan: 7-year / 75,000 km
Vehicle Warranty: 7-year / 200,000 km
HEV Battery Warranty: 8-year / 150,000 km (transferable if within coverage)
Pricing (June 2025)
Model Price (Incl. VAT)
2.0T Luxury DCT R495,500
2.0T Super Luxury DCT R542,500
2.0T Luxury AWD DCT R574,500
2.0T Ultra Luxury AWD DCT R614,500
1.5T HEV Luxury DHT R641,500
1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury DHT R686,500
GT 1.5T PHEV Ultra Luxury 4WD DHT R799,900