Overview
THERE are lots of GWM Haval H6 wagon and H6 GT coupe-SUV variants available including the newly minted H6GT Ultra PHEV, GWM’s first plug-in hybrid in Oz.
The Chinese manufacturer has thrown everything at its new PHEV in features, performance and dynamics as befits a range topping model priced from $53,990 drive-away.
The ask represents a $7000 premium over the penultimate 2.0-litre turbo-petrol hybrid Ultra model, but is still an arresting price compared to other offerings in the segment of which there are only a few.
“Competitors” aren’t within cooee of the H6GT PHEV particularly on price (Mitsubishi’s base model Outlander ES PHEV is from $57,290 and the Mazda CX60 PHEV is from $73,600 both excluding on-road costs) or performance with the test model capable of clocking a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.9 seconds thanks to its triple motor (one ICE, two electric) AWD powertrain.
The H6GT PHEV combines a “highly efficient” turbocharged 1.5-litre turbo petrol motor delivering 110kW/230Nm, a front axle electric traction motor producing 130kW and a rear axle electric traction motor producing 135kW the electric motors good for 300Nm and 232Nm respectively.
The combo churns out a whopping 321kW and 768Nm, easily eclipsing its competitors and many others.
The front electric motor integrates with the petrol engine’s drivetrain, while the rear electric motor delivers power directly to the rear wheels through a two-speed gearbox, ensuring seamless power distribution.
GWM says this advanced setup provides all-wheel drive capability, enhancing traction, stability, and delivering an exhilarating driving experience.
The PHEV is equipped with a high-capacity 35.4kWh battery, allowing for up to 180km of electric only driving — like a dedicated BEV. When the battery runs low, the system seamlessly transitions to hybrid mode, where the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine takes over to power the vehicle while simultaneously recharging the battery.
This ensures uninterrupted performance and efficiency according to GWM.
As the range topper, the H6GT PHEV scores an extensive suite of ADAS and other safety equipment while creature comforts and convenience is heightened by the inclusion of items such as: Comfort-Tek grey suede leather accented seat trim, eight-way electric adjustable driver seat including two-way lumbar support.
Additionally, the PHEV features four-way electric adjustable front passenger seat, front heated & ventilated seats, dual-cone climate control, ambient lighting (single colour), microfibre leather heated steering wheel, four-way manual adjustable steering wheel, wireless charging, front 12V power outlet, luggage cabin 12V power outlet, dash cam USB port, cargo cover.
The exterior is highlighted by 19-inch black alloy wheels, electric tailgate with hands-free activation, panoramic sunroof with shade blind, keyless entry, roof rails, shark fin aerial, rear privacy glass, power adjustable heated door mirrors, LED headlights with DRLs, LED taillights, automatic headlights, LED front fog lights with assist lighting function, LED rear fog lights.
Infotainment is via a 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through an eight-speaker audio system.
Driving Impressions
“Whooshdah” pretty much encapsulates this car.
With the available prodigious power and torque and despite weighing two tonnes, the H6GT PHEV is one quick piece of kit in a straight line.
And that applies out of the blocks and on the move with the driver simply pushing the accelerator pedal to access rollicking, near silent performance at will.
Then, enable launch control, and everything is ratcheted up characterised by stomping on the accelerator and brake pedals at the same time and simply sidestepping the brake to slingshot away from the line.
In normal driving power delivery is so linear and silent that you could forget there’s an ICE engine ticking away under the bonnet assisting the twin electric traction motors. It feels as though you could be in a BEV.
On a decent test drive, we put the PHEV through city peak hour driving and along inter urban link roads, winding back roads and motorways for a good old drink of its capabilities and we really enjoyed the exercise save for the dynamic limitations imposed by the model’s weight.
The latter attributable to three power plants and a large battery to say nothing of the standard kit contained within.
You feel the mass exerting its influence on tight corners taken relatively quickly with a push out effect coming from the chassis and tyres as they grapple with the demands of corralling this much instant power, torque and mass.
The limitations are clearly defined but are at a relatively high level as we found hooking the PHEV from apex to apex on a sweetly winding coastal back road.
In point and squirt driving between corners, the medium size SUV is properly quick and even the brakes, upsized from other H6GTs with four piston grabbers on the front, are up to the task exhibiting fade free retardation at a sporty car level.
Circling back to the brakes, we find they are electronically operated which is a first for us, but we couldn’t tell the difference between these and hydraulically operated brakes in bite or firm pedal feel.
Six drive modes cover off most applications including Mud and Sand we primarily used Normal and Sport for the test drive with the latter adding a sharper edge to most dynamics and power delivery.
On mundane sections, Normal gives a limo-like supple ride with near silence even from the low profile 19-inch rubber.
We didn’t get to assess the makers range claim of 1000-plus kilometres but our 300km test loop saw it register 6.6 litres per 100km from the ICE meaning the claim has veracity with 55 litres of juice in the tank.
One pedal driving is facilitated by the vehicle’s three mode regenerative braking system that can take the car down to a complete stop for lazy bones drivers.
The interior is lavish in a minimalist way replete with a flat top and bottom steering wheel and a bevy of info screens to play with along with the driver’s cluster that is almost information overload.
We found the PHEV a comfortable vehicle and suggest it is more along a Grand Tourer line rather than a sporty SUV.
It looks good in stealth clothes, appears well made judging by the paint, panel fit, design and tech inside.
Ample room for five is provided by the two seat rows with a large load space behind.
For mine, I found the multiple functions accessible through the screen menu annoying and only found a few complaints with some ADAS functions which were obviously not calibrated by someone who likes to drive and be in complete control of the vehicle.
One day they’ll realise…. Maybe.
Gauged off price, features and performance, the GWM Haval H6GT Ultra PHEV represents great value, delivers on its performance promise, doesn’t rely on recharge facilities and can be driven from here into the boonies without a worry in the world…. Happy days.
