Great Wall takes on the West

TONY VERDON DRIVES THE NEW GREAT WALL UTE AND HAVAL H6 SUV AS THE CHINESE MOTOR GIANT HAS ANOTHER CRACK AT THE NEW ZEALAND MARKET

The model handles corners well, although the alert system comes on, signalling an emergency stop, even when braking lightly on a sharp corner.

The H6 is a much more contemporary vehicle in every respect.

It provides evidence of the rapid progress the Chinese motor industry is making to produce vehicles for the much more competitive and mature Western motor markets.

Haval design director Pierre Leclercq ( a Belgian who previously worked for BMW) said the new H6 represented a new global design direction for the company.

“The development of future Haval models is heading toward a much more globally orientated philosophy, and the H6 is leading that new direction.

“It’s a dynamic design, incorporating a fluid waistline and floating roof tapered to the rear and a fashionable hexagonal grille, which is very important for recognition.

“The design philosophy we are implementing is to keep the design simple, but strong. We don’t want to over- complicate the theme or the surfacing, but rather keep it simple.”

Built at a fully automated robotic manufacturing plant, the SUVs are well assembled, with high- quality paint work and high- end specifications.

The H6 will be introduced in New Zealand next year, and is powered by a 2- litre direct injection turbocharged engine, producing 145kW of power and 315Nm of torque.

The model has already recorded more than a million sales in China, where it is that country’s biggest selling SUV. Year to date, Great Wall says it is the fifth biggestselling SUV in the world.

The Great Wall ute and the H6 SUV will compete in two of the fastest- growing segments of the local market and provide more choice for New Zealand vehicle buyers.