Page 22 -

MOTORING

Haval is
GWM's new

SUV brand.
We tested the

model best

suited to city
driving.

BY ALAN ROSENMEYER

HAVAL H2 CITY

he origin of vehicle brand and model names is a fascinating subject that could
generate a book on the subject and this thought emerges when discussing the
Torigin of the Haval brand name.
Although not supported by documentary proof, I have been told that it simply means
“HAVE IT ALL” and the luxury car arm of the better known Bakkie producer GWM (Great
Wall Motors) seems to be having it all their own way in their home market at least. Over
Wall Motors) seems to be having it all their own way in their home market at least. Over
the last few years, they have been the biggest selling SUV brand in China with over
the last few years, they have been the biggest selling SUV brand in China with over
1 million units sold per year.
osso
v
er SUV
o medium cr
ing good spac
T The H2 is a small to medium crossover SUV, offering good space e
he H2 is a small t

er
, off

for 5 in the interior but at the expense of boot space - with
for 5 in the interior but at the expense of boot space - with
all seats in place, it off ers only 232L. The rear seats can

all seats in place, it offers only 232L. The rear seats can
be dropped 60/40, but obviously then at the expense of
be dropped 60/40, but obviously then at the expense of
seating.
All versions are powered by a 1.5L turbo petrol engine
All versions are powered by a 1.5L turbo petrol engine
giving 105kW and 202Nm, highly competitive in this
m
ietna
V
segment. The manual gearbox is a 6-speed (a 6-speed Vietnam
segment. The manual gearbox is a 6-speed (a 6-speed

auto is also available). Although a bit stiff and sticky
when c old , the bo x bec omes smooth and easy onc e w ar med up .
when cold, the box becomes smooth and easy once warmed up.
y man
bo lag has been cr
iticised b
t
ur
Turbo lag has been criticised by many and while it is apparent, it is
T
en
y and while it is appar
, it is
e y
, especially in
ou ar
w
ar
e
e used t
o it
. Simply be a
not an issue onc
not an issue once you are used to it. Simply be aware, especially in
overtaking situations.
Although the City version is the base model, it still includes many
features as standard. Chrome roof rails, alloy wheels, electric
windows all round, rear park distance control (PDC) and 2 airbags
among many others, as well as very effective air-con. This was well

tested in the sweltering Highveld heat.
On the road, the H2 is smooth and comfortable and can certainly
compete in the market segment, always remembering that it is not
meant to be a sports car. Regarding fuel economy, a week’s testing

over all conditions, including numerous traffic jam runs, yielded
an on-board computer reading of 8.1L/100km. I consider this to be
quite acceptable for the type of vehicle.
Of course, the Haval trump card is pricing and at R259 900 as tested,
the exceptional value is revealed. Personally, in this case I would
look to the Luxury version which adds leather trim, electric seat
adjustment, sunroof, touchscreen infotainment system and ups the
airbag count to 6 at only R25 000 extra.
The value is further enhanced by a standard 5 year/60 000km service
plan plus 5 year/100 000km warranty.

20 Kyalami Estates • CONNECT • Issue 2 • 2019