Haval's affordable H2 can hang with the big boys

What do we have here?

Haval is a manufacturer of SUVs owned by Great Wall Motors. They launched locally in 2017 and brought with them an arsenal of well-specified, quality utility vehicles, such as the H9, H1, H6 and H2. The H2 particular, has been a sales sensation worldwide, with over 750 000 models sold since it was first launched. It is also the brand's best-selling model in South Africa.

With the H2 facelift, Haval is aiming to raise the bar in this hotly-contested segment which is dominated by manufacturers such as Nissan, Renault, Toyota, Hyundai and Ford. The H2 is not only well-specced, but has ample amounts of power too, leaving dust in the faces of many better-known brands. 

Related: Chad Lückhoff reviews the outgoing Haval H2 1.5T Luxury auto

 

How does it look?

Featuring largely generic Asian styling, the H2 is not a head-turner, but its looks have been improved by incorporating a new hexagonal grille and pentagonal headlamps. The fog lamp area looks more three-dimensional and the LED daytime running lamps are now placed within the fog-lamp housing section.

Around the back, the rear-end features new hexagonal taillights, a new chrome strip, a raised bumper with reflectors, and a larger rear diffuser, as well as larger exhaust pipes. 18-inch alloys are standard, and when you view the H2 from most angles, it's really quite a neat and well-turned out little SUV, if not particularly striking.

Related: 2020 builds on established virtues but gets a new face

 

 

And the interior?

Despite being quite affordable, the flagship model looks surprisingly upmarket inside, and the only telltale sign that it's not a premium car, is the type of plastics used on top of the dashboard and in the doors. It's clear they went for the soft-touch type, but it doesn't quite feel like a Mazda CX-3 dash (which has a starting price of R311 500).

The rest of the surfaces and switchgear look and feel decidedly smart. Leather seats are also standard, but you can specify a red/black interior colour combination if you find the plain black too dull.

The short time I spent using the touchscreen (now in all models, and with Apple CarPlay as standard) proved to be hassle-free. Every model in the lineup now also gets satellite buttons on the steering wheel (for Bluetooth, cruise control and Audio settings), as well as a rearview camera and en electronic parking brake. 

The H2 scores five star in the ANCAP safety rating. It has stability control (as well as ABS, EBD and brake assist) and other safety kit such as anti-dazzle rearview mirrors, a tyre pressure monitor system, ISOFIX child seat anchorage points and a fuel cut-off system should the H2 be involved in a collision of some sort.

Related: Is the Haval H2 good for families?

 

 

The H2 vs. "The Cape Doctor"

There was a car for each of us to be sampled on the test route, and mine turned out to be a "Mars Red" automatic Luxury model, the flagship of the range, priced at R 329 900. It scores ten out of ten for driver comfort — the seats are supportive (Lux models' seats are 6-way electronically adjustable), the interior layout works well, and it's easy to get into and out of, especially if you have knee or hip issues (yep, the fun starts after 40!). Lux models have a sunroof as standard with a fancy rotary dial that also feels like it belongs in a higher segment. Boot size is decent and the lip is low enough so you don't put your back out when loading a sixth-grader's 20 kilogram school bag into it.

Driving the H2 is effortless, with light steering in town which becomes more meaty once you hit the open road, and good visibility all around. Despite being blown about by the South-Easter's gale force winds on Clarence drive, the H2 wasn't fazed much, and defiantly made its way to The Thirsty Oyster in Gordon's Bay.

Its 1.5-litre turbo engine/6-speed gearbox combination certainly works a charm. Not many cars in this segment have as much get-up-and-go as the H2. With 105 kW and 202Nm I had ample power to overtake anxious tourists in rental cars on the way back. When you put your foot flat, there's some engine noise, but who cares when you actually have a bit of power to back it up with?

I also requested to drive the lesser-known Viljoenshoop road (with a proper gravel section that snakes through the Overberg's best boutique wine farms), but since there was protest action near Grabouw and Sir Lowry's Pass, we were all told to use the same launch route back to our hotel. When we get the H2 on test, we'll be sure to take it for a leg-stretch on some lovely corrugated dirt sections.

Related: Top 5 safety features on a Haval H2. 

 

 

Verdict

Haval is expanding and 5 to 10 more dealerships will be opening their doors locally in 2020. The brand is hell-bent on making a dent in a segment that is dominated by the Germans, Koreans, French and Japanese, with a car that has everything the modern family needs (including plenty of legroom on the rear bench), but at a price that isn't going to cause a lump in your throat. 

Haval's after-sales service and warranty are also pretty comprehensive. They're offering a 5-year or 100 000 km warranty, 5-year / 60 000 km service plan, and roadside assistance for up to five years. As South Africans are becoming more value and less brand-conscious, the H2 is certainly the SUV to watch!

 

 

Pricing

H2 City 6MT — R269 900
H2 Luxury 6MT — R294 900
H2 City 6AT — R304 900 
H2 Luxury 6AT — R329 900

 

Recommended next

Haval H2 vs. Nissan Qashqai vs. Toyota RAV4