First Impressions - THE GWM Haval H6 HEV Hybrid SUV is highly impressive, but it's not for everyone

KUALA LUMPUR:  If you're in the market for a hybrid SUV, you’ve probably heard the same names again and again—Honda CR-V e:HEV or Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid. These are the fan favourites, right? But for a while now, hybrid options have been pretty limited unless you were willing to stretch your wallet.

Well, GWM Malaysia just crashed the hybrid SUV party with something new and exciting—the Haval H6 HEV, and let me tell you, it’s not just another option. It’s a bold, electrified contender that wants to shake up the segment. But the real question is: does it really have what it takes to topple the hybrid giants?

Luckily, we didn’t have to rely on speculation because GWM Malaysia organized a two-day drive from Kuala Lumpur to Desaru, Johor and back—perfect for getting to know the car a little better. This journey wasn’t just a long cruise; it was a thorough test of everything this SUV brings to the table, from highways to twisty roads. So, what’s the verdict?

Power and Performance: Electrified Punch

Beneath the hood of the Haval H6 HEV, you’ll find a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine working in tandem with an electric motor to deliver an impressive 243 PS and 530 Nm of torque. For a hybrid SUV, this is serious muscle. It doesn’t just whisper “eco-friendly”; it confidently roars it.

The two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) seamlessly orchestrates the transitions between electric and petrol power, with the electric motor taking the lead most of the time, especially during low-speed driving. At higher speeds, the turbo engine steps in, but in many cases, it primarily acts as a generator to power the hybrid system, which is backed by a 1.8kWh battery pack.

Unlike Toyota’s and Honda’s hybrids, which start silently and run on EV power at low speeds before the petrol engine engages, the Haval H6 can switch in and out of EV mode even at high speeds. While models like the Corolla Cross and Honda CR-V Hybrid offer near-silent idling and smooth transitions, the H6 can feel a bit grumbly at idle. Nevertheless, the hybrid powertrain is genuinely impressive. It offers effortless thrust and proves punchy in all driving scenarios, making highway cruising an absolute breeze in the H6.

On our drive, the power was addictive. Every time we hit the pedal, the electric motor delivered instant torque that made overtaking a breeze. At its best, we clocked 7.0L/100km, but let’s be real here, it could probably have done better if we weren’t having so much fun tapping into that power. It’s a hybrid, but it doesn’t feel like you’re sacrificing performance for efficiency—quite the opposite. GWM Malaysia quoted that the SUV can achieve 5.8L/100km, so maybe, better driving manners would help achieve that. Nonetheless, it seems like when the tank is full with petrol, the range shown on the meter cluster tells us that we have around 530 km of driving range.

Spacious and Family-Friendly: Room for Everything

Step inside, and you’re greeted by a cabin that doesn’t just feel modern—it feels premium. This SUV boasts the longest wheelbase in its segment, so space is definitely not an issue. The rear seats are roomy enough for your tallest friends or growing kids, and the boot? Absolutely massive—perfect for long road trips, grocery runs, or family vacations.

The interior has thoughtful touches like the dual-zone climate control, rear air-con vents, and a Qi wireless charger, but the real star is the tech. You get a slick infotainment system with all the bells and whistles, though there’s one catch. Most of the car’s functions, including the climate control, are operated through this screen. While it’s modern and stylish, fiddling with touchscreen controls to adjust the air conditioning while driving? Yeah, that’s not ideal. We would’ve appreciated physical buttons for those moments.

Hybrid Tech and Comfort: Smooth Operator but with a compromise

On paper, the Haval H6 HEV promises hybrid efficiency, but how does that translate to real-world driving? Well, let me tell you, the hybrid system is smooth. In the city, the electric motor glides along with a whisper, and when the petrol engine takes over at higher speeds, it does so effortlessly, without any fuss. This isn't your typical stop-and-go hybrid with jerky transitions—it's refined, almost luxurious in how gracefully it shifts between power sources.

And speaking of luxury, the suspension—oh man, it’s incredibly soft. Sure, it results in noticeable body roll when tackling corners, so don't expect sporty handling here. But here’s the catch: that soft suspension is a blessing on Malaysia’s famously rough roads. Potholes? Hardly noticed.

The Haval H6 HEV glides over them with ease, delivering a plush, cloud-like ride in the city. Plus, that same softness makes it surprisingly adept off the beaten path. While we didn’t test its limits with serious off-roading, it’s safe to say the H6 can handle light dirt trails without batting an eye.

The head-up display is a thoughtful touch, and the adaptive cruise control works flawlessly. As a commuter, the H6 is a star—comfortable, smooth, and practical. But it’s clear that the car doesn’t exactly beg to be driven with enthusiasm. It’s more about soaking up the miles than setting lap times, and honestly, it’s great at what it does best: keeping you comfortable and relaxed.

 

Tech and Features: Packed to the Brim

This SUV isn’t just about hybrid tech and comfort—it’s got a feature list that would make luxury brands blush. Matrix LED headlamps, 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, and the signature ‘Star Matrix’ grille give it a bold look on the outside, but it’s the inside where things really shine. You’ve got a panoramic sunroof, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, head-up display, and even a ‘boss seat’ shoulder switch for that extra touch of convenience.

On the safety front, GWM didn’t skimp either. You’ve got six airbags, a 540-degree camera, and a host of ADAS features, including AEB, adaptive cruise control, lane change assist, and more. Whether you’re navigating traffic jams in KL or cruising down the highway, the Haval H6 HEV seems to have your back with some of the most advanced driver aids in the game.

Verdict: A Hybrid Contender with Character

So, is the Haval H6 HEV a worthy alternative to hybrid heavyweights like the Honda CR-V e:HEV

and Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid? Without a doubt. It brings a compelling mix of power, space, and comfort that's hard to overlook. Sure, the suspension might not thrill sporty drivers, but for those prioritizing a comfortable, family-friendly SUV that can navigate city streets and handle a bit of dirt, this one’s a strong contender.

The Haval H6 HEV doesn’t just blend in with the hybrid crowd—it boldly throws down the gauntlet. If you're tired of the same old offerings and want something fresh, modern, and packed with value—especially with more power than what the Japanese giants are offering—this is the hybrid for you.

There will be just one variant of the H6 HEV in Malaysia, and it comes fully loaded, with an estimated price tag of below RM145,000. At the time of writing, it also boasts a 10-year/1 million KM engine warranty and an 8-year/1 million KM hybrid system warranty, which is impressive.

In summary, while the infotainment system could be a bit more intuitive and the ride and handling are on the floaty side, the Haval H6 HEV offers serious grunt for a hybrid SUV. When you consider that you can get this fully loaded hybrid for about the same price as a Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid or a non-hybrid base Honda CR-V, it starts to make perfect sense. Sure, you might get the occasional rumbly sound that interrupts the usual hybrid serenity, but the trade-off is a more powerful powertrain than what Toyota brings to the table.

Add to that a spacious, well-built interior, and the H6 offers impressive value for money. It might seem a bit pricey for a Haval, but considering the features, it’s a deal that's hard to ignore.

Also Read:  GWM Haval H6 Hybrid open for booking - Under RM145k, up to 243PS and 530Nm of torque, Q3 launch