2024 HAVAL H6 HEV Review

Nowadays, Malaysia's C-Segment SUV market is experiencing a wave of hybrid vehicle popularity. Consumers want the refueling convenience of petrol cars while desiring the low fuel consumption and smoothness of electric vehicles — the 2024 HAVAL H6 HEV is specifically targeting this demand. As the core hybrid model of HAVAL in the local market, it boasts a combined power output of 243PS, a peak torque of 530N·m, and an official fuel consumption of 5.8L/100km as its key selling points. In this test drive, we will focus on verifying whether its power response and fuel efficiency meet expectations, while also assessing whether its space and features can meet the daily needs of family users.

From a distance, the overall style of the 2024 H6 HEV leans towards a stable and sophisticated look. The body lines are smooth yet slightly muscular, aligning with the mainstream aesthetics of C-Segment SUVs. The front features a large blacked-out grille, complemented by full-width LED daytime running lights, which are highly recognizable when lit; the trapezoidal air intake on the lower bumper and fog light areas on both sides enhance its sporty persona. On the side, the 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels and 225/55 R19 tires ensure a more balanced side profile; the waistline extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with a slightly raised spoiler to create a diving posture. At the rear, the full-width LED taillights echo the front design, while the silver skid plate on the rear bumper adds a touch of off-road appeal. The overall exterior avoids overly aggressive designs, focusing instead on well-executed details, qualifying it as a timeless design.

Opening the door, the interior adopts black as the primary tone, highlighted with silver accents, creating a simple yet refined atmosphere. The dashboard employs a layered design, with the upper layer made from soft-touch materials and the lower layer from hard plastic — the seams are even, matching the quality standards for this price range. A 12.3-inch infotainment screen is mounted on the upper section of the dashboard, offering high resolution and smooth operation while supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Below it, some physical buttons remain for controlling air conditioning temperature and airflow, making blind operation more convenient. The 10.25-inch full LCD instrument panel displays a wealth of information, supports multiple themes, and can show real-time hybrid system status, fuel consumption, and other data. In terms of features, it comes with HUD (Head-Up Display), wireless charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air-conditioning vents, and more. The front seats are power-adjustable (6-way for the driver, 4-way for the passenger) with moderate side bolster support, making them comfortable for long-duration rides. The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 split, further expanding the trunk capacity to accommodate large items.

The vehicle's dimensions are 4683mm×1886mm×1730mm, with a wheelbase of 2738mm, placing it within the mainstream range for C-Segment SUVs. Front-row space is ample, with a 175cm-tall occupant adjusting the seat still leaving a fist’s clearance for headroom. The rear legroom offers two fists and the rear headroom one fist, ensuring comfortable seating even for three adults. As for storage, the front door pockets can hold two bottles of mineral water, and the center console box is spacious enough to fit a tablet and other items. The trunk has a standard capacity of 560L, ideal for daily grocery shopping or storing a stroller, and when the rear seats are folded down, it can fit large items such as bicycles. Additionally, the rear seats are equipped with two USB charging ports and air-conditioning vents, enhancing convenience for rear passengers.

The power system consists of a 1.5T turbocharged engine and a permanent magnet synchronous motor, with a combined system output of 243PS and a combined torque of 530N·m, paired with a 2-speed AT transmission. At the start, the motor engages first, providing a quick and smooth power response without the shifting jerks typical in fuel cars; when the accelerator is deeply pressed, both the engine and motor work together, offering noticeable acceleration. The official 0-100km/h acceleration is 7.7 seconds, and in actual experience, overtaking and climbing are effortless. Three driving modes are available: eco, normal, and sport. In eco mode, power output is gentler, suitable for daily commuting; in sport mode, the throttle response is more sensitive, and the engine engages more actively, suitable for scenarios requiring rapid acceleration.

The chassis uses a combination of front MacPherson independent suspension and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned for comfort. When passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most vibrations, without any obvious harsh impacts; during high-speed cornering, body roll remains within a reasonable range and doesn't feel overly loose. The steering wheel offers moderate resistance, with minimal dead zone and good directional accuracy, making daily driving very agile. In terms of braking, the brake pedal travel is linear, and braking power is released evenly. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable.

Fuel efficiency is one of the core strengths of hybrid models. We drove 50km in both congested city roads and highways, keeping the eco mode on and the air conditioning set to 24°C throughout. In city roads with an average speed of about 30km/h, the actual fuel consumption was 6.2L/100km; on highways with an average speed of about 90km/h, the actual fuel consumption was 5.5L/100km; the combined fuel consumption was around 5.8L/100km, which is basically consistent with the official data, showcasing excellent fuel economy. Regarding noise control, there is slight motor noise at low speeds, and wind and tire noise increase at high speeds, but they remain acceptable and do not affect conversations inside the car.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2024 HAVAL H6 HEV are its smooth power delivery, low fuel consumption, and rich features. Compared to competitors in the same segment, it offers higher combined torque and better acceleration performance; in terms of features, it surpasses some Japanese competitors with extra functionalities like HUD head-up display and automatic parking, delivering outstanding value for money. It is suitable for consumers who prioritize fuel economy, smooth power delivery, and have family travel needs. Whether it's daily commuting or short weekend trips, it can meet these needs effectively. The 10-year or 1 million km vehicle warranty and 8-year or 1 million km hybrid system warranty also provide long-term peace of mind. If you're looking for a well-rounded and practical C-Segment hybrid SUV, the H6 HEV is worth putting on your shortlist.