Cast away images of older Haval models from your mind, as the upcoming Haval H6 will change your perception on Haval.

The Haval H6 is shaping up to be a worthy contender to the well-established Proton X70, as well as rivals like the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5.

What is the Haval H6?

First things first. The Haval H6 is a C-segment SUV that was launched by Haval in China back in July 2020. Ever since the third-generation model went on sale in China, it toppled the Geely Boyue to become the country’s best-selling C-segment SUV. No surprises really, as the Haval H6 is a new model and the Geely Boyue is nearing the end of its lifecycle.

Also Read: Geely confirms next gen 2022 Geely Boyue, to use Volvo XC40’s CMA platform

For context, Haval sold 376,864 units of the H6 in 2020, miles ahead of the Geely Boyue, which managed 240,811 units in the same year.

Closer to this region, Great Wall Motors (GWM) recently made Thailand their regional hub. The Haval H6 Hybrid will be GWM Thailand’s first launch in the Kingdom.

Also Read: Haval H6 Hybrid confirmed for Thailand, could dash X70's export hopes

Is the Haval H6 coming to Malaysia?

There is a good possibility of the Haval H6 coming to Malaysia. After all, GWM’s public relation team in Thailand did confirm that the model will be launched in Malaysia.

In fact, we have gotten up close and personal with the Haval H6 in Malaysia, alongside other GWM and Haval models.

Also Read: Haval H6, China's No.1 selling SUV is confirmed for Malaysia. Should the X70 be worried?

When will the Haval H6 be launched in Malaysia?

At this point of time, it’s hard to say when will Haval launch the H6 in Malaysia. GWM’s Malaysian distributor Go Auto, which has been rather quiet lately and has disbanded its public relations team, will continue to represent the Haval brand in Malaysia.

Curiously, while the Haval distributorship in Malaysia is currently up in the air, the Haval H6 (as well as other Haval and GWM models) were kept at a Borgward facility. Recall that the Borgward distributorship is handled by Go Bremen Motors, a sister company of Go Auto.

Also Read: Spied: Exclusive look at the Haval H6 on Malaysian soil - Be very afraid, X70

Will the Haval H6 be expensive?

Let’s get this straight: the Haval H6 will not be priced as cheap as the Proton X70 as the H6 doesn't enjoy national car privileges. At the moment, the Proton X70 is priced between RM 95k to RM 123k. 

Instead, the Haval could be priced closer to contemporary Japanese rivals such as the Honda CR-V (RM 140k to RM 163K) and the Mazda CX-5 (RM 132k to RM 175k).

The reason the Proton X70 gets away with can be priced that low is because the Ministry of Finance offers discounts on excise duties based on how much local investment a car manufacturer makes and the value of locally-soured parts purchased.

As such, with Proton and Perodua being the two biggest investors in the country, they can offer a much lower price for their models compared to their peers.

No such luck for the Haval H6, as there is little to no local investment or locally-sourced parts to speak of.

Where will the Haval H6 be assembled?

Despite the fact that Haval has a production facility in Malaysia, the upcoming Malaysian-spec Haval H6 is expected to be imported (CBU) from Thailand.

Being an imported model, it is also tough for Haval to price the Haval H6 competitively against locally-assembled (CKD) rivals.

Also Read: China's No. 1 SUV, 2021 Haval H6 to launch in Thailand, Malaysian export mulled

What engines does the Haval H6 get?

The Haval H6 can be had with a range of engines. For the Thai market, the Haval H6 Hybrid gets a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain. The main propulsion source is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine, mated to a 130-kW electric motor. Combined system output is 243 PS and an eye-watering 530 Nm.

The reason why Thailand gets a hybrid is because having a hybrid is crucial for Haval’s success in Thailand, as the H6 can benefit from lower excise tax. A number of SUVs currently sold in Thailand, including the Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota C-HR, and Nissan Kicks are available as a hybrid.

That said, the unit spotted in Malaysia is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that does 204 PS and 320 Nm. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is the sole option. This is a more likely option for Malaysia.

How’s the interior like?

If you thought that the Proton X70’s interior was impressive, wait till you step into the Haval H7’s cabin.

According to our colleague that got up close and personal with the Haval H6, he noted that the interior feels more upmarket than the X70, with better quality materials all-round.

In fact, the design of the Haval H6’s interior is also easier on the eye than the X70, as everything is laid out in a more user-friendly configuration. 

Compared to the Proton X70, the Haval H6 offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity – the one feature we wished the X70 offered.

Is the Haval H6 a safe car?

On the Chinese and Oceanic-spec Haval H6, there are 14 radars and six cameras to support the SUV’s advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which include automated emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control (ACC) with stop and go, and lane change assist.

How big is it?

The Haval H6 is 4,653 mm long, 1,886 mm wide, and 1,724 mm tall. It has a 2,738 mm long wheelbase.

As such, the Haval H6 is longer, wider, and taller than the Proton X70.

Anything else that I should know?

Watch this space for more updates on the Haval H6.