GWM H6 – China’s hot SUV is now in South Africa

All South African-specification H6 models feature premium trim, 17-inch alloy wheels, full colour-coding with chrome detailing, roof rails, fog lamps front and rear and privacy glass.

Under its elegant bodywork the H6 has an all-new unibody platform that ensures superb rigidity and low levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). Suspension is via MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. The underpinnings have been tuned to deliver maximum comfort.

With a ground clearance of 180mm when fully laden, the H6 can also confidently handle rougher roads.

The H6 measures 4 640mm in length and rides on a 2 680mm wheelbase. These generous dimensions endow it with class-leading spaciousness. In fact, closer inspection of the H6’s measurements reveals that it fits into a segment between so-called compact crossovers, as typified by the Hyundai ix35 and Kia Sportage, and larger offerings such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento. Pricewise, however, the more spacious, better-equipped H6 competes with entry level variants of compact crossovers.

The driver’s seat features manual height adjustment, while the rear bench boasts a reclining backrest. The rear seats are split 60:40 and can tumble forward to transform the already spacious boot into a truly cavernous area. The boot features a handy secondary shelf (removable) to help organise luggage. A spare wheel is hidden under the boot floor.

From the driver’s seat, the emphasis on maximum ergonomic efficiency is obvious. The leather-trimmed steering wheel is adjustable for both rake and reach, the facia-mounted gearlever falls easily to hand and there are fold-out armrests for both front seats.

The interior is finished in upmarket black, with satin silver accents. Leather and soft-touch surfaces also appear on the doors.

The crown jewel of the H6’s standard features list is its comprehensive info-tainment system. A full-colour touch-screen system is mounted in the centre of the facia within easy reach, and features radio/CD/DVD/MP3 playback. It is further supported by a mini-SD slot (below the screen) and USB and auxiliary ports mounted in the storage box between the seats.

The system features Bluetooth integration and can be remotely controlled via buttons mounted on the steering wheel.

When reverse gear is selected, the screen displays a feed from the rear-mounted camera, aiding in parking. An audible warning system is also activated when reversing.

Other standard features include climate control, power steering, cruise control, electric windows all-round, electric mirror adjustment, rain-sensing wi-pers and automatic headlights with manual levelling, among others.

GWM is introducing two engine options in South Africa, with the 2.0 litre turbodiesel-equipped flagship arriving first, and a 1.5 litre turbopetrol following soon after. GWM’s in-house designed 4D20 turbodiesel engine develops 105kW at 4 000rpm and a meaty 310Nm of torque from 1 800rpm to 2 800rpm.

In the H6 it is coupled with a six-speed manual transmission transmitting power to the front wheels. This powertrain delivers a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 6.7 litres/100km it is claimed.

Due within weeks is the brand’s new GW4G15B 1.5 litre turbopetrol engine. Perfectly aligned with the current trend of engine downsizing, it promises the performance of a larger, naturally aspirated engine, but without the accompanying fuel consumption penalty.

The engine delivers 105kW at 5 600rpm and 210Nm of torque from 2 200rpm to 4 500rpm. This engine is also mated with a six-speed manual transmission and delivers a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 8.5 litres/ 100km it is said.

The H6’s high-strength body has been designed to meet glo-bal safety requirements. The H6 achieved a maximum five-star rating in China’s C-NCAP crash testing regime, which is aligned with Euro NCAP in terms of procedures.

South African vehicles feature dual front SRS airbags, disc brakes all-round, ABS with EBD (electronic brake force distribution) and BAS (brake assist). The front seatbelts are height-adjustable and feature load limiters and pre-tensioners. At the rear, Isofix child seat mounts provide the safest possible anchorage points for child seats.

Tyre pressure monitors are also standard on both models. Fog lights front and rear boost visibility in poor weather conditions. The rear park sensors (with camera view) limit the chances of parking scrapes. Security is provided by a standard alarm and immobiliser, with the further convenience of remote central locking.