Chinese brand Haval will launch a new coupe-styled version of its H6 SUV in Australia next month, known as the H6 GT.
UPDATE, 14 June 2022: Initially due in showrooms in the second quarter of the year (April to June), the 2022 Haval H6 GT is now due in Australia next month.
“Having initially been slated for a Q2 launch, the H6 GT was delayed as a result of global supply chain restrictions but GWM were able to commence mass production during May ensuring that this sporty new model could join the existing Haval SUV range from July,” GWM Haval Australia explains.
Our original story from January continues unchanged below.
18 January 2022: Chinese SUV brand Haval will expand its Australian range within the coming months with the 2022 Haval H6 GT – a sportier, coupe-styled version of its H6 mid-size family SUV – due in showrooms between April and June 2022.
Known overseas as the H6S, the new H6 GT will be presented in Haval Australia showrooms as a sportier alternative to the standard H6 SUV, with a coupe-styled roofline, sport-themed design cues, and new performance components under the skin to set it apart.
Prices and specifications will be announced closer to launch, however it’s probable the H6 GT will command a premium over the regular H6 which, following a price rise earlier this month, costs between $32,990 and $41,990 drive-away.
As reported first by Drive, despite the car’s sporty looks, Australia-bound H6 GT models will be powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine as the standard H6, sending 150kW and 320Nm to the road through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Government documents unearthed by Drive late last year indicate buyers will be given a choice of front- or all-wheel drive, while 19-inch alloy wheels are poised to be standard-fit in Australia.
Styling differences between the H6 GT and H6 are led by the former’s sloping roofline – joined by a unique front end with a larger grille and Audi Quattro-esque ‘nostrils’ below the grille, a restyled rear end, unique alloy wheels, dual exhaust tips and, in China, the option of lime green exterior accents.
Inside, the H6 GT retains the standard vehicle’s 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 12.3-inch central touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), but adds unique carbon-fibre-look trim and a set of front sports seats wrapped in suede and leather.
While it may not get any more power, the H6 GT scores Brembo performance brakes and Michelin Primacy 4 tyres. Chinese-market models even offer a ‘Track’ drive mode optimised for race circuits, but it’s not clear if this will be available in Australia.
The Haval H6 GT rides on the same 2738mm wheelbase as the regular H6 family SUV, but measures 74mm longer overall (4727mm total), 54mm wider (1940mm) and 5mm taller (1729mm). Government documents indicate ground clearance falls from the H6’s 170-172mm, to 165mm.
A range of active safety technologies will be standard across the H6 GT range, including autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, adaptive cruise control with stop and go, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist and lane departure warning.
Other available features in China include wireless phone charging, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a nine-speaker sound system, adaptive LED headlights, parking sensors, a 360-degree camera, a sunroof, and an electric tailgate.
It’s not clear all of if these features will be standard in Australia, or whether some will be limited to more expensive variants placed further up the range.
The 2022 Haval H6 GT will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of 2022 (April to June), with further details of pricing and the model range to be detailed closer to launch.
GWM Haval Australia has confirmed one H6 GT example has arrived on local soil for testing – likely the car used to certify the model against Australian Design Rules, to ensure it’s legal to put on sale – “and to help [prepare] for a local launch”.
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