Affordable and luxurious

THE year ends on a high note for GWM (Great Wall Motors) South Africa. This company recently introduced the most affordable full-size SUV on sale in the country, the H5 City and added the high-value H6 City to its South African model range.

As is the case with the H5 City, the new entry level H6 derivative appears just as neat and sophisticated as its more expensive siblings, with the only giveaway to its status being the lack of roof rails.

It boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, comprehensive colour coding, daylight running lamps and rear privacy glass as standard, lending the H6 City an upmarket appearance that belies its price positioning.

The H6 measures 4 640mm in length and rides on a 2 680mm wheelbase. These generous dimensions endow the H6 with a very spacious cabin, as well as a very large luggage area.

Comfort levels are further boosted by a generous standard specification package. As is the case with all H6 derivatives, the steering wheel offers generous rake and reach adjustability and there are fold-down armrests for both front occupants.

Climate control keeps the very spacious cabin cool and the radio and CD system boasts USB and auxiliary input support, ensuring on-going entertainment on those long family trips.

It goes without saying that power-assisted steering, power windows all-round and electric mirror adjustment are all standard, but the fitment of rear park sensors will come as a surprise at this price level.

Dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and rear Isofix child seat mountings are part of a comprehensive safety package.

The H6 City is powered by the company’s recently introduced GW4G15B power plant that is perfectly aligned with the current trend of engine downsizing. The engine delivers the performance of a larger, naturally aspirated engine, but without the accompanying fuel consumption penalty.

It develops 105kW at 5 600rpm and 210Nm of torque from between 2 200 to 4 500rpm. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the engine boasts a claimed combined cycle fuel consumption figure of only 8,5 litres per 100km.

Five-year warranty:

• Like all GWM passenger vehicles, the H6 City is backed by a five-year or 100 000km warranty.

• It comes standard with two-year or 24-hour AA roadside assistance.

• A five-year or 60 000km service plan is available at any of GWM’s more than 65 dealerships.

Pricing:

• GWM H6 1,5T City – R259 900.