To us, the current sixth-gen Honda CR-V is one of the best models not just in its segment but among the best new cars you can buy today. We are more inclined to the e:HEV RS variant but its RM 195,900 price tag might sound a bit too steep.

Enter the 2024 Haval H6 HEV, which after its first public appearance at the 2023 Malaysia Autoshow, is finally ready to make an official launch around the third quarter of the year (Q3 2024).

Bookings have been announced with an estimated price tag of under RM 145,000 and the cars will be locally assembled (CKD) at its contract assembler EPMB's newly built assembly plant in Pegoh, Melaka.

Not only is the Haval H6 HEV an estimated RM 50,000 less than the lone CR-V e:HEV variant but it is also priced closely to the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid (from RM 143,000).

A CR-V-sized SUV for the price of a Corolla Cross Hybrid does sound tantalising and after all, it might not be surprising to know that the H6 once outsold the CR-V in Thailand.

Still, should Honda and Toyota rest easy over its upcoming Chinese rival or be worried? We took the Haval H6 HEV on a 2-day trip to Desaru and back to get acquainted with the latest addition to a highly competitive segment.

The Haval H6 HEV has yet to launch in Malaysia so all H6 HEV units seen here are preview units imported (CBU) from China. The specifications and features though would be similar to the upcoming CKD units that Malaysian customers will receive.

Looks – Playing it very safe

Malaysians might recognise the Haval brand since it has been in the market for around a decade. However, the H6 HEV is far more accomplished than the H1 and H2 in terms of looks.

It has a modern design inside and out but that’s just about the only praise I could give because, honestly, the H6’s looks are rather conservative. The large HAVAL script on the tailgate is distinguishable from afar but remove the badges and it just looks like any crossover or SUV on the market.

At least it wins over the Corolla Cross' more anonymous styling but it is not quite as bold as the CR-V's.

Possibly the most distracting angle of the H6 though is the side profile. The SUV sits on 225/55R19 Hankook Ventus wheels but there is so much gap between the rubbers and the wheel arch that the body appears to be floating.

The black alloy wheels didn’t really help much to hide that.

Moving on to the minimalist interior, the rose gold trims and accents add a bit more personality. Some might find this to be a bit too much, but a little bit of colour brightens up the otherwise typically Chinese interior.

Like many modern SUVs, the H6 HEV is offered with a couple of screens in the form of a 10.25-inch fully digital driver display and a 12.3-inch infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support – both wired.

While there are physical buttons arranged in the centre, most of the features are, just like its Chinese contemporaries, controlled via the screen.

Worse still, there is no dedicated home shortcut button which meant that something as simple as adjusting the A/C fan speed, for instance, would require you to take your eyes off the road for a moment.

Performance – Very impressive

Though the looks are rather safe compared to its rivals, the Haval H6 HEV has a rather interesting bit of technology within its hybrid powertrain. The hybrid system is a combination of a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine (150 PS/230 Nm) under the hood with a 130 PS/300 Nm electric motor.

Combined, the H6 HEV’s powertrain produces 243 PS and 530 Nm which are rather decent figures for a hybrid SUV of this category.

We have driven the H6 HEV before last year though that was merely a brief drive around GWM Malaysia's showroom in Subang. While we were initially amazed, let's see whether this more extensive 800-km round trip can maintain that impression.

Driving power to the front wheels is a 2-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) developed by GWM. This transmission is easily the hallmark of the SUV as it together with the electrified drivetrain, provides a seamless driving experience that behaves more like an electric vehicle (BEV).

Acceleration is very smooth and responsive with the SUV easing itself to overtake quite effortlessly. However, performance isn’t the role meant for the H6 as it is more of a cruiser but even that has a few setbacks.

The steering wheel is large to hold like an old-school Mercedes but has a vague feeling just like an old-school Mercedes.

There are 4 driving modes offered – Normal, Sport, Eco, and Snow – which can only be switched via the screen as there are no dedicated buttons. We only tried Normal and Sport modes during our drive.

Sport mode doesn’t make much of a difference to the way the steering is felt and merely gives the impression of a more responsive acceleration. You have no control in changing gears (there are only two forward ratios anyway) either as there are no paddle shifters or a manual mode.

With “Launch Control” enabled, the Haval H6 HEV has a claimed 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 7.75 seconds.

Still, the H6 is not an engaging SUV to drive and switching from Normal to Sport mode also briefly turns the hazard lights on, at least on our unit, which is rather strange.

Comfort – Ruined by the seats

While the H6 HEV can get to cruising speed rather smoothly, you might not want to bring it out for long. Unfortunately, our nearly 400 km drive to Desaru felt tiring both as driver and passenger but it’s worse for the driver.

It is quite difficult to get into a comfortable driving position and there is a lack of thigh support. The seats are also hard which makes the discomfort level almost unbearable during long-distance driving.

The back row of this 5-seater SUV isn’t quite as comfortable either due to the hard seats and a rather upright seating position that can’t be adjusted. There is enough legroom and a nearly flat floor but unfortunately, the hard seats ruined any comfort merits.

Which is a shame because the H6’s suspension and ride are rather pliant. Going through the bumps and undulations of the road, the SUV absorbs them with such aplomb and the cabin noise is not so intrusive even at higher speeds.

Conclusion

So, is the H6 HEV a recommended alternative to the CR-V e:HEV RS and Corolla Cross Hybrid? In terms of pricing, the H6 sounds like great value for money considering the number of features, size, and the hybrid technology offered.

In terms of refinement, the H6 is just as well as any other modern Chinese SUV and is rather acceptable for one with an estimated RM 145k price tag. It will not strike a chord with enthusiasts with its driving prowess or lack of comfort, but it could win over bargain hunters looking for a direct CR-V rival with Corolla Cross prices.

Despite being the better all-rounder, the CR-V e:HEV RS has some flaws with the biggest issue probably regarding its price while the Corolla Cross Hybrid feels like a sensible choice yet is as plain as vanilla. We can’t say which provides better fuel economy so you’ll have to wait for a more in-depth review in the future.

In the end, the Haval H6 HEV is a proven competitor to the two established Japanese SUVs. Its hybrid powertrain easily displays the most remarkable and seamless acceleration while giving plenty of space for an estimated sub-RM 145k price tag. Maybe Honda and Toyota shouldn't get too comfortable.

Also read: CKD 2024 Haval H6 HEV open for booking - est. below RM 145k, 1 million warranty, rivals Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid