Is the 2025 Haval H6 HEV the best Chinese car in South Africa?
You don't need us to remind you there's been a veritable invasion of Chinese cars into South Africa in the last five years. Moreover, the Chinese approach is to have premium marques for each brand, which gives the impression of even more product flooding our roads. For example, Haval is Great Wall Motor's premium brand (hence both badges on this car). And over the years, it's been the Chinese nameplate that European, Japanese and Korean manufacturers have been taking notice of. Subtle refinements to the 2025 Haval H6's styling like distinctive, horizontal LED running lights, only add more appeal. Image: GWM/Haval
Allow us to explain why this particular Chinese car has shifted our perspective on what our BRICS+ partners can achieve. Unarguably the most striking aspect of the 2025 Haval H6 lies in its improvement in what engineers call 'intuitive usability.' Essentially, it's how naturally a driver can interact with the vehicle's control systems. This has always been a Volkswagen Group strength and that's why so many people feel comfortable in 'peoples' cars.'
Previously, Chinese cars often suffered from poor interfaces and menus buried within menus. Key functions were scattered across multiple screens, complicated to access, like puzzle pieces waiting to be assembled. Now, however, the 2025 Haval H6 has a user experience (UX) worthy of praise. A 12.3-inch infotainment display responds with smartphone-like fluidity. And the dead-ahead instrument cluster, while slightly small, provides hierarchical information in a logical manner. The learning curve here is measured in minutes rather than days. The Chinese marque's quick adoption of hybrid technology really caught out many of the established car brands in South Africa. Image: GWM/Haval
One of the best hybrids we've ever drive is the Honda Fit. And for just R100 000 more you can have similar technology in a full-size SUV. As such, the technical centerpiece of the 2025 Haval H6 HEV vehicle lies in its dual-motive drivetrain. Denoted as DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Technology), it combines a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor. And it isn't transmitted via some forgettable CVT but rather a decent 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. In practice it's a carefully orchestrated system where both power sources work in harmony for either efficiency or performance, depending on driving conditions.
In mixed driving scenarios is where the 2025 Haval H6 hybrid shines. The electric motor provides immediate torque for urban acceleration, while the petrol engine seamlessly engages for highway cruising. The transition between modes occurs with such smoothness that passengers often remain unaware. During our testing through stop-start traffic, the system consistently delivered refined performance at low speeds. The claimed fuel economy figure is 5.2 l/100 km, however, a realistic real-world figure is a still-impressive 6.5 l/100 km. Striking good looks and impressive hybrid efficiency keep it top of mind for full-size SUV buyers in South Africa. Image: GWM/Haval
One bugbear we'd love to see rectified on the next Haval HEV is quicker access to its regenerative braking modes. There are three settings and its only accessible via the central touchscreen, when paddles or standalone buttons would work much better. The Western Cape's undulating terrain and frequent traffic provide ample opportunities for energy recovery, which the H6 hybrid doesn't always fully utilise.
Therefore, the 2025 Haval H6 battery, while adequate, never once reached full charge during our test. Unlike plug-in hybrids that can rely on external charging, the H6's battery depends entirely on engine charging and regenerative braking for replenishment. After a while it just gets disheartening not to see the battery at more the 50-60% no matter how clever you get with your technique. And during extended highway driving, where regenerative braking opportunities are minimal the engine simply works harder to keep you going. Clean, minimalist and concise. A few more hard buttons wouldn't go amiss but, overall, the UX is much improved in the 2025 Haval H6. Image: GWM/Haval
However, we cannot fail to highlight 2025 Haval H6 Luxury's excellent cabin. This brand has undergone substantial improvements in build quality since the days of the GWM Florid, which I'm sure many would care to forget for its cavernous trim-gap tolerances. The interior materials feel premium to the touch, with soft-touch surfaces extending across most contact points. Likewise, interior space is absolutely massive, swallowing a surfboard or bicycle (not at the same time) without having to adjust the front row of seats.
The cabin remained free from any squeaks, rattles, and creaks during the test period. Of course, this progression extends to all digital elements of the 2025 Haval H6, too. A suite of driver-assistance technologies is made up of adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keeping assistance systems. Each works with a human-like smoothness most of the time and provides gentle adjustments to control interfaces without much intrusion. Ground clearance is ample, as is interior utility space. As such, there's precious little the new Haval H6 doesn't excel at. Image: GWM/Haval
Crucially, at just R641 500, the Haval H6 1.5T DHT Luxury Hybrid represents compelling value in South Africa. This excellent price positions it well below established competitors, while offering technology and refinement levels that often exceed them. The 2025 Haval H6 HEV marks not only a significant milestone but signals the arrival of a truly impressive Chinese car. This combination of sophisticated hybrid drivetrain, dramatically improved UX, a comprehensive technology suite, and solid build quality mean this is indeed the best Chinese car in South Africa. But new cars are coming thick and fast … 2025 Haval H6 1.5T DHT Luxury Hybrid
Price: R641 500
R641 500 Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder, turbo petrol + electric motor
1.5-litre 4-cylinder, turbo petrol + electric motor Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch auto
7-speed dual-clutch auto Power: 179 kW
179 kW Torque: 530 Nm
530 Nm Zero to 100 km/h: 8.5 seconds (claimed)
8.5 seconds (claimed) Consumption (claimed/tested): 5.2 l/100 km & 6.5 l/100 km
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