Haval H6 GT: Chinese SUV Brand Goes Sporty in South Africa

Haval — Great Wall Motors' SUV-focused brand — has expanded its South African lineup with the H6 GT, a sportier interpretation of the brand's best-selling model. Priced at R529,900, the H6 GT positions itself as a style-focused alternative to established performers like the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line. The GT-specific equipment includes a stiffer suspension tune, 19-inch alloys with a darker finish, red brake callipers and a sportier body kit with revised front bumper. Inside, a GT-branded steering wheel with paddle shifters and contrast stitching on the seats differentiate it from the standard H6. The 1.5-litre turbopetrol engine remains, but in the GT it produces 124kW — up from 110kW in the standard Luxury variant. Matched to the 7-speed wet clutch DCT, the GT accelerates from 0-100km/h in 7.8 seconds — 0.9 seconds faster than the standard model. We drove the H6 GT through the Hartbeespoort area north of Johannesburg — a mix of mountain passes and fast dual carriageways that suited the GT's character. The suspension tune is firmer without being punishing; South Africa's road quality would quickly tire of anything stiffer. The 19-inch wheels on 45-profile tyres mean you feel surface imperfections more than in the standard model. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto remains a segment highlight at this price point. Haval's warranty — 5-year/100,000km vehicle warranty and 8-year/150,000km powertrain warranty — remains class-leading. At R529,900, the H6 GT offers credible competition to European alternatives at higher prices. If the Haval brand's rapidly improving quality reputation continues, Chinese SUVs will be an increasingly compelling choice for South African buyers.