GRAND DESIGNS WITH CAVEAT

Eye-catching looks and a long list of luxury features are enticing … but there’s a performance catch

Most improved trophy over some of the most challenging times in recent automotive history goes to Haval. The Chinese product, which comes under the Great Wall Motors umbrella, is positioned where the likes of Kia and Hyundai were about 10 years ago.

Making a name for itself with value, combined with steady availability as rival manufacturers struggled to get stock, Haval has made ground quickly on the field.

Bread and butter SUVs that are family favourites have laid the foundation for success, but the GT version of the medium-sized H6 SUV has injected some fun into the mix.

Striking in profile, prices start from $40,990 drive-away for the two-wheel drive version.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Driving past the Haval dealership, I remember the GT catching my attention. The looks are European.

GRANT: We’ve said in the past that Haval has done an outstanding styling job with its latest introductions but this remains the pick of the bunch. The raked roofline, muscular lines, twin exhaust and showy Brembo brake calipers, its design reminiscent of BMW, Audi or MercedesBenz.

KEL: Our test car was in blue, but I think it looks stunning in the grey.

GRANT: That would be “crayon grey” … which may have been coined by Porsche. And the curved interior speakers look somewhat Burmester inspired that we have seen in the latest Mercedes models. There was no shortage of gear either, with a panoramic sunroof, wireless phone charging, 12.3-inch touchscreen and an electric tailgate among the highlights. KEL: Sprinkings of carbon fibre look finishes across the dash along with the leather and suede combination of the seats made it feel high-end. It seems to be a lot for $40k. GRANT: That is man-made leather, and the base price is for the two-wheel drive Lux version. Our experience was in the Ultra that comes with all-wheel drive and extra features for $46,490. White is the only complimentary colour, all others are an additional $495.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Coffee cups easily housed in the console, bottle holders in the doors, Apple CarPlay along with the heated seats. That ticks the primary boxes for me.

GRANT: Functionality and space are plentiful. Dropping the back seats, I accommodated an adult-size bike without having to remove any wheels. It just needs the quick release handles in the boot for additional ease of operation. KEL: Our road trip was comfortable and with two large suitcases in the boot along with other gear it still didn’t impede vision out the back. GRANT: There are various driving modes, including “race”, and an exhaust booster that provides a cool soundtrack when accelerating.

KEL: I’d still have reservations about longevity so it was good to hear there is a seven-year warranty.

GRANT: Roadside assist continues for five years, while capped price servicing over five years is an average of $352 with intervals annual or every 15,000km ( just the first service is due after 10,000km). And despite being a turbo engine, it can run on 91 octane unleaded.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: Using the touchscreen was frustrating on occasions and it wasn’t intuiative in operation.

GRANT: Agreed, we made the same observation in the standard H6 and other manufacturers have made a similar mistake. Changing the aircon controls shouldn’t require multiple buttons or swipes.

KEL: Accessing the smartphone mirroring apps was easier on this occasion, but I had a few glitches when it wouldn’t connect.

GRANT: The USB connection point for wired access was on the passenger side of the console so once that was used instead of the driver’s side option CarPlay worked for me without issue. It also needs a quick access button to change drive modes, going through the main screen is laborious.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Performance didn’t match the fast looks. GRANT: The turbocharged petrol engine is actually the same donk used in the standard H6 with identical outputs. Apart from the trick exhaust and the flashy internal additions it’s more of a sheep in wolf’s clothing.

KEL: In varying conditions the steering felt vague and too light, but parking was easy. GRANT: The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission was regularly confused, especially at low speed. Our steep driveway had it baffled – every time we approached the car essentially stopped under minimal throttle.

KEL: All the latest safety gear was there, it just lacked some cohesion and could be aggressive when you were too close to the white lines. GRANT: There was ample body roll in the bends which doesn’t live up to sporty expectations.