Great Wall Motors (GWM) already has a few SUV and bakkies in its line-up. Keen to find more buyers in the local context the Chinese firm has just launched its GWM H6 model onto the South African market.
The unibody SUV is suspended by MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Riding on 17-inch wheels it offers a decent 180 mm of ground clearance. The H6 measures 4 640 mm in length and has a 2 680 mm wheelbase. These dimensions place it in the same class as Hyundai’s iX35, Kia’s Sportage and Ford’s Kuga.
Two engine options will be available locally: a 2,0-litre turbodiesel-equipped flagship arriving first, and a 1,5-litre turbopetrol following soon after.
The 4D20 turbodiesel engine develops 105 kW at 4 000 r/min and 310 N.m of torque between 1 800 and 2 800 r/min. It powers the flagship 2,0 TCI model. A six-speed manual transmission transmits power to the front wheels. Claimed combined cycle fuel consumption is 6,7 L/100 km.
Following on in a few will be the brand’s new GW4G15B 1,5-litre turbopetrol engine. The engine delivers 105 kW at 5 600 r/min and 210 N.m of torque from 2 200 to 4 500 r/min. This engine is also mated with a six-speed manual transmission and delivers a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 8,5 L/100 km.
As seems to be the norm with Chinese products there is a comprehensive list of specifications which include, among other, split/folding (60:40) rear seats, leather trim, a full-colour touch-screen system featuring radio/CD/DVD/MP3 playback with a mini-SD slot and USB and auxiliary ports, Bluetooth integration, remotely audio controls, rear-mounted camera and parking sensors. Other standard features include climate control, power steering, cruise control, electric windows all-round, electric mirror adjustment, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights with manual levelling.
The H6 achieved a maximum five-star rating in China’s C-NCAP crash testing programme. 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.
Pricing:
H6 2,0 TCI 4×2 manual R329 900
H6 1,5T 4×2 manual R294 900
Both H6 models are backed by GWM’s comprehensive 3 year/100 000 km warranty and come with 2-years AA roadside assistance.