Ahead of its formal launch in Malaysia in October, the first locally assembled (CKD) GWM Haval H6 HEV has now rolled off the factory floor. The Haval H6 HEV, which was previewed earlier this year, is the first CKD model from GWM Malaysia and is the fourth model in the company’s lineup to be launched in Malaysia after the Ora Good Cat, Ora 07, and Tank 300.
There’s a lot of hype surrounding this locally built hybrid SUV, and for good reason. When it launches in October, the Haval H6 HEV—whose expected price is under RM145,000—will knock horns with SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Toyota Corolla Cross, Mazda CX-5, and Proton X70 in the fiercely competitive C-segment SUV market.
With the help of EP Manufacturing Berhad (EPMB), GWM Malaysia built a new CKD production plant in Melaka with an annual production capacity of 10,000 units. But that’s only the start; GWM intends to eventually raise output to 300,000 units, demonstrating their long-term dedication to Malaysia.
Despite being domestically assembled in Malaysia, the company assures its customers that all of its vehicles are built to the same standards for performance and dependability as in China. Each Haval H6 HEV that leaves the factory will go through a thorough process that includes a number of on-track safety checks in addition to 12 exacting quality checks.
A 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) provide 243 horsepower and 530 Nm. According to GWM blurb, this cutting-edge drivetrain smoothly combines petrol and electric power for a very effective and environmentally responsible driving experience. WIth 243 hp it has to have enough herbs to put a smile on 95% of owner’s faces.
A full range of Level 2 ADAS functions, including front and rear automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with intelligent cornering assistance, low-speed lane departure and lane keep assist, and intelligent parking assistance, will be available on the Haval H6 HEV.
Customers who reserve an H6 HEV before the official launch can take advantage of these special pre-launch benefits: 1) RM3,000 in exclusive value with an RM1,000 booking fee, 2) 10-year or 1,000,000 km engine warranty, and 3) Eight-year or 1,000,000 km HEV system warranty (whichever comes first), including Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), High Voltage Battery & Cable, and Transmission Control Unit.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
With its combination of sharp, bespoke looks, a gutsy turbo engine and local assembly keeping price down, the Naval is expected to take the fight right up to SUV rivals like the Proton and Honda.