On a timber technology mission to mega-city Shanghai (pop near 39 million) many moons ago, we prepared for our first lunch stop, but not before our charming hostess, technician Dr Suzie, politely asked that we keep close together and wear our name tags prominently. “Because,” she smiled, “you all look alike.”
The comment was reversed humorously in Australia a few years later on a study trip when a Chinese group visited the University of Queensland.
A motor writer friend disparagingly remarked that many of the 20 Chinese car brands sold in Australia – 21,000 of them in January alone – look alike … “like trays of bread rolls.”
Bucking the trend, so to speak, the Haval H6GT has emerged as Australia’s top-selling Chinese automotive brand, surpassing BYD and MG on the back of strong demand for SUVs and utes.
The Haval H6 tested is a compact crossover SUV produced by the Great Wall Motor Co since 2011 under the Haval marque and built with both front-wheel and four-wheel-drive, leading sales for 103 consecutive months,
The plug-in hybrid comes with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and two electric motors – one on each axle. This means the GT is all-wheel drive and it comes with a two-speed transmission with impressive outputs of 321 kW of power and 762 Nm of torque.
The petrol grade uses a 150 kW/320 Nm 2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It also has all-wheel drive performance with an intelligent blending of petrol and electric, offering greater efficiency without sacrificing power.
With a long list of safety, technology, performance and comfort features, it’s “the best of all worlds,” says GWM CEO Feng Mu.
The H6GT SUV stands out in all driving conditions, offering even greater efficiency and power. Its advanced plug-in hybrid system pairs a petrol engine with an electric motor, delivering seamless acceleration and reduced fuel consumption –all while maintaining the confidence of its 4WD drivetrain.
Inside, the H6GT is built around the driver, featuring a beautifully crafted interior that strikes the perfect balance between versatility and modern luxury. Whether you’re navigating the city or embarking on a weekend escape, it effortlessly enhances every journey with premium comfort and intelligent design.
This SUV joins a fast-growing number of plug-in hybrids, capitalising on perceived concerns around range anxiety and charging infrastructure. The H6GT is the third medium SUV PHEV offering in the market, following the Mitsubishi Outlander and the BYD Sealion 6, and it comes with class-leading outputs and range. It is available in the one ‘Ultra’ 4WD spec at around $53,990 drive away. Hamilton White is the standard, no-cost colour while one of four premium paints adds $495 to the bottom line.
The H6 GT plug-in hybrid comes with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and two electric motors – one on each axle. This means it’s all-wheel drive with a two-speed transmission. It has impressive outputs of 321 kW of power and 762 Nm of torque.
The petrol grade uses a 150 kW/320 Nm 2-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. It’s also all-wheel drive.
based on the H6GT Ultra 4WD petrol spec – with a few differences.
You still get keyless entry/start, a heated steering wheel, heated, vented and power-adjustable front seats, suede leather interior, hands-free tailgate and a sunroof. However, it lacks the petrol’s paddle shifters (it has configurable one-pedal operation instead), and instead of the petrol’s space-saver wheel, it has a tyre repair kit. It also offers a significant power increase over the petrol model, bigger brakes, and a bunch more drive modes, including launch control, plus a 3.3 kWh V2L (vehicle-to-load) capacity.
You’re on a roll with the Haval H6GT SUV.
Price of Imported Cars to Remain Unchanged
Multiple containers packed with thousands of Chinese car brands were unloaded in Australian ports over the past six months to feed the demand. They arrived ahead of growing hostilities between the US and Israel and Iran which has sent immediate shockwaves through global supply chains. Military operations have transformed already fragile trade lanes into high-risk corridors almost overnight.
Shipping and logistics companies have restricted or halted bookings through the region, with oil prices already on the rise. Disruptions could snarl trade around the world for many months. The practical consequences are already unfolding across both sea freight and air freight.
Ford Motor Co. and General Motors are closely monitoring the war in Iran for any impact it could have on their operations in the Middle East as well as how the prediction of soaring gasoline prices might affect US new vehicle sales.
Prices for imported cars already in the system in Australia will steadfastly remain unchanged, say dealerships.
Stellantis has not immediately responded on any actions it is taking as the war in Iran continues.
