Many South Africans will recognise the Chinese car brand GWC (Great Wall of China) sporting a 12 year presence in the country although under the wing of an importer distributor. In May 2017 GMC launched itself fully in the country and also brought with it Haval a wholly-owned subsidiary of GWC. With such a short time in the market (Less than three years) the Haval brand has made good progress in establishing its name, selling in excess of 1,000 units a month. (January 2020 sold 1083 within the borders of SA).
The thrust behind the successful sales rate lies with the Haval H2 model, positioned by the company to be Haval’s first “World Car” built on its affordable value status. The H2 launched in China in 2014 and three years later in South Africa. The model has established itself as a global leader in the most competitive auto segment namely small SUV, selling in over 40 countries with over 16,000 units sold a month in China alone. In July 2019 the H2 had sold over 750,000 retail units globally as well as being Haval South Africa’s top-selling model since 2017. Since its introduction in SA 7,325 units of the Haval H2 have been sold until December 2019. In January 2020 over 500 units of the H2 were sold making this model one of the top three best-selling small SUV’s in South Africa. The all new Haval H2 was launched at the end of January 2020, after a very popular first reveal at the 2019 festival of motoring. Underneath the new H2 is largely unchanged featuring the same 1.5 turbo power plant than its predecessor as well as the same chassis and gear box configuration as well as suspension. However, the styling is all-new featuring new shaped grill, front and rear bumpers, fenders, and new arrow-shaped headlights with LED technology. The rear also features a new chrome strip, realigned reflectors, and larger twin exhaust pipes. The wheels boast a new five-spoke 18” design more stylish than before.
Inside the seats have been restyled to give a sportier look and feel while the luxury model offers a panoramic sunroof. The six airbags are now present in all H2 derivatives ensuring the H2 retains its ANCAP five-star safety rating making it one of he safest small SUVs on the road. The new Haval H2 is available in two specification levels namely City and Luxury with both offering a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic transmission. Available in 7 colours the H2 has a 5 year 100,000 km warranty, 5 year unlimited mileage road assist, along with 5 year 60,000 km service plan.
Pricing:
- R269, 900 for the base H2 City manual model.
- R329, 900 for the top spec luxury auto model.
(A mere R5, 000 premium to the previous H2 model)
In summary, the new Haval H2 is still the ideal choice. Still reliable and trustworthy. The vehicle is more advanced and offers a more aggressive distinct sportier look. But more importantly the new Haval H2 is still driven to impress.
