Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury (2025) Review
With cash-strapped consumers looking for savings wherever they can find them, New Energy Vehicles (NEVs) have never been more popular, especially when they have proven themselves. We test the H6 HEV from Haval to see if it's worth consideration in a highly competitive segment.
Fast Facts
Pros
Exceptional fuel efficiency
Feature-packed & luxurious interior
Comprehensive safety & warranty
Cons
Vague steering feel
Focus on comfort over dynamics
Shallow load bay
Related: Haval H6 GT 1.5T PHEV 4WD Ultra Luxury (2025) Review
Introduced into South Africa in mid-June 2025, the Haval H6 is part of the Chinese manufacturer's refreshed lineup. These vehicles represent GWM's (Great Wall Motors) plan to introduce new energy vehicles to the buying public and expand the brand's footprint in SA.
Related: Haval H6 GT PHEV vs Omoda C9 PHEV vs Chery Tiggo 7 CSH: Which one has the lowest running costs?
The best part of these NEVS is the substantial fuel savings, which could single-handedly solve one of consumers' most significant issues with Chinese-made vehicles. We spent a week piloting the Haval H6 HEV around Gauteng without visiting a fuel station, only relying on the recharging system and clever hybrid drivetrain.
Styling
The Haval H6 HEV showcases a modern and sophisticated design, both inside and out. The front end of the H6 HEV features a revised and eye-catching star matrix pattern front grille. It has a bold and sporty vibe, and the headlights have a new teardrop shape on the outer edges with a distinctive daytime-running light signature. Around the back, the vehicle has undergone some updates, shifting away from the full-width LED light bar seen on previous models to separate LED taillights. Dual rear spoilers and a sporty rear diffuser also add to the aesthetic.
The Drive
Driving the Haval H6 is a treat; it is remarkably comfortable with a soft and supple suspension with a definite lean to comfort over dynamics. That doesn't mean that it's not capable in the corners; it handles well, and if you toggle through the drive modes, you can feel a definite change in the demeanour of the vehicle. The steering weight is also adjustable with sport, light and heavy settings, changing how the steering responds. It's a great feature, but it sometimes makes the steering vague.
Performance
The H6 HEV is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with an electric motor. This combination delivers significant power, with a combined output of 179kW and 530Nm of torque. The hybrid system provides impressive acceleration, with the electric motor delivering instant torque at lower speeds. This makes for smooth take-offs and confident overtaking manoeuvres. We found a 0-100 km/h sprint time in the 8.0-second range, which is quick for an SUV of its size.
Space and Comfort
A central feature of the cabin is a large, high-resolution infotainment touchscreen with a 14.6-inch screen. A digital instrument panel complements this and features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The H6 HEV offers a spacious cabin with ample legroom and headroom for front and rear passengers. A panoramic sunroof is a standard feature in higher-spec models, which floods the cabin with natural light and creates an airy and open feeling.
The cabin features impressive materials, including high-quality artificial leather heated and ventilated seats (HEV Ultra Luxury & 2.0T Super Luxury). The seats are also highly adjustable, with the driver's seat offering electric adjustment and memory functions. Other notable interior design elements include a rotary shift knob, a dual-level centre console for extra storage, and ambient lighting.
Safety
ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) has awarded the Haval H6, including the HEV variant, a 5-star safety rating. In its testing, ANCAP rated the H6 with solid scores across all categories, including 90% adult Occupancy Protection, 88% Child Occupancy Protection, 73% Vulnerable Road User Protection (for pedestrians and cyclists), and 81% Safety Assist Systems.
Not only does the H6 come with 6 airbags, it also has a complete ADAS system that incorporates:
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB):
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Lane Change Assist (LCA)
Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
360-Degree Camera
Rear Collision Warning
Automatic Parking System
Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR)
Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
Fuel Consumption
A significant highlight of the H6 HEV is its fuel efficiency. Haval claims an impressive combined fuel consumption of 5.2L/100km. On our combined cycle testing, we returned very similar figures, returning at its worst after long-distance driving of 7.2L/100km.
Price
| Haval H6 2.0T Ultra Luxury 4WD | R 614 500 |
| Haval H6 1.5T HEV Luxury | R 641 500 |
| Haval H6 1.5T HEV Ultra Luxury | R 686 500 |
The Haval H6 HEV is sold with a 7 Year / 200 000km warranty on the vehicle and an 8 Year / 150 000km warranty on the hybrid battery and high-voltage parts.
* Pricing correct at time of publication, subject to change at any time
The Verdict
The Haval H6 HEV offers a smooth, comfortable, and much-improved driving experience. The hybrid system delivers a compelling blend of brisk performance and excellent fuel economy, making it an attractive option as a family-friendly SUV. While it might not be a corner-carving sports machine, it does what it sets out to do by focusing on comfort, practicality, advanced technology, and robust powertrain, making it a highly competitive and appealing vehicle.
