The 2021 Haval H6 is off to a good start in this region. Initial reviews from Thailand, including from our sister site Autofun have painted a relatively good picture for the new SUV. Granted, the Haval is better simply because it is a newer model.

With news that Proton wants to crack the Thai market with the Proton X70, does it have what it takes to earn a slice of Thailand’s C-segment SUV market?

Haval H6 has a sophisticated FOTA update system in place

Just like the Proton X70, the Haval H6 is also able to receive Firmware Over-the-air (FOTA) updates, but with a big difference.

Unlike the X70’s FOTA that only updates the infotainment system, Haval takes it one step further, as its FOTA is also capable of updating the SUV’s core system, including adding more features to the ADAS suite and even gearbox calibration.

Also Read: Proton X70 - Is the GKUI infotainment system any good?

In the past, this was far from possible, as vehicle manufacturers typically have multiple control units running within the car’s body, with each control unit responsible for a particular system.

But, thanks to Haval and its Lemon platform, the vehicle’s control unit is centralized, interconnected with Gigabit ethernet that allows a whole vehicle FOTA to become a reality.

Also Read: 2021 Haval H6: Launching in Malaysia as an X70 rival, here's a brief review from Thailand

If you thought that the Proton X70’s ADAS suite is good, the Haval H6 is even better

While the Proton X70 may be Proton’s first-ever model to be fitted with an ADAS suite, it is far from being the most comprehensive in its segment. One core feature the X70 lacks is Lane Keep Assist (LKA). 

That award goes to the Haval H6 and its Level 2 Autonomy (L2) ADAS suite. Never mind the fact that the Haval H6 gets Lane Keep Assist (LKA) which the X70 lacks, the party trick for the Haval H6 is the fact that it can park itself into tight parking spots. That said, the cheaper and newer Proton X50 does have this feature, so all is not a lost. 

As quirky as Wisdom Dodge System (WDS) may sound, it is actually a clever one – the system detects and automatically controls the H6 to keep a fixed distance from large-size vehicles, such as trucks, in adjacent lane while overtaking and automatically steer the vehicle back to its original track after passing them.

The Haval H6 also has a far more sophisticated powertrain

Another surprise is the Haval H6's powertrain. Never mind the sophisticated petrol-electric hybrid, even the regular turbocharged engines are rather advanced. 

You see, the Haval H6's engines boast a thermal efficiency of 38% - just slightly less Toyota's latest Dynamic Force range of engines, which boast a thermal efficiency of 40%. A higher thermal efficiency is a key to better fuel consumption.

Haval says that the China-spec, non-hybrid, turbocharged 1.5-litre H6 returns 6.8-litre/100 km (7.1 litre/100 for the 2.0 turbo version), considerably lower than the Boyue's 7.7-litre/100 km. 

The Haval H6’s engine also features a Continuous Variable Valve Lift (CVVL) system. The Proton X70, on the other hand, features the older Variable Valve Timing (VVT). 

Difference between the two lies with the operation method. CVVL continuously vary the intake valve lift, while VVT alters the valve lift at a fixed rpm. 

Any luck for the Haval H6 in Malaysia?

Is it necessarily game over for the Proton X70 if and when the Haval H6 arrives in Malaysia? Far from it really, as our taxes would put the Haval H6's prices considerably higher than the X70, likely on par with the Honda CR-V and Mazda CX-5. 

Also, there is the question of GWM's distributor in Malaysia. It remains to be seen if Go Auto will continue to represent the brand here, seeing that they have been rather quiet lately and has since disbanded their public relations team.

Also Read: Coming to challenge the X70 and CR-V in Malaysia, here’s all you need to know about the Haval H6