GWM gets 1.5l turbopetrol version of the H6 SUV

At the same time, the company has also announced longer warranties for both H6 models as well as a standard five-years/60 000km service plan.

Perfectly aligned with the current trend of engine downsizing, the company’s new GW4G15B powerplant delivers the performance of a larger, naturally aspirated engine, but without the accompanying fuel consumption penalty.

The engine delivers 105kW at 5 600 rpm and 210Nm of torque from 2 200 to 4 500 rpm.

Power goes to the front wheels via a slick six-speed manual transmission. With a calimed combined cycle fuel consumption figure of only 8.5 litres per 100km, the H6 1.5T rates as one of the most economical vehicles in its segment.

Priced at a very competitive R309 999, the H6 1.5T features a very comprehensive standard specification, and GWM SA has also used the opportunity to further improve the value offered by the H6 line-up by increasing the warranty period on both models from three-years/100 000km to five-years/100 000km.

“Given the local popularity of compact SUVs at around the R300 000 mark, the arrival of the H6 1.5T is of big importance to GWM South Africa,” says Warren Olsen, COO of GWM SA.

“It competes in a fiercely competitive segment, but boasts a number of features that are not generally offered by its same-price rivals.”

Exterior design

The H6 1.5T shares the flagship 2.0 TCI’s premium trim, which includes 17 inch alloy wheels, full colour-coding with chrome detailing, roof rails, dailight running lamps and privacy glass. The 1.5T uniquely boasts keyless access and start too.

Under its elegant bodywork the H6 features an all-new unibody platform that ensures superb rigidity and low levels of NVH (noise, vibration and harshness). Suspension is via MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear.

The H6’s underpinnings have been tuned to deliver maximum occupant comfort. With a ground clearance of 180 mm when fully laden, the H6 can also confidently traverse rougher roads and those middelmannetjies so typical of South African adventures.

Comfort and entertainment

The H6 measures 4 640mm in length and rides on a 2 680mm wheelbase. These generous dimensions endow the H6 with a very spacious cabinand luggage area.

“Closer inspection of the H6’s measurements reveals that it actually fits into a segment between so-called compact crossovers, as typified by the Hyundai ix35, Kia Sportage and others, and larger offerings such as the Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento,” says brand manager Hannes Oosthuizen. “Consequently it offers unrivalled spaciousness in its segment.”

The crowning jewel of the H6’s standard features list is its comprehensive info-tainment system.

A full-colour touch-screen system is mounted in the centre of the facia within easy reach and features radio/CD/DVD/MP3 playback. It is further supported by a mini-SD slot (below the screen), and USB and auxiliary ports mounted in the storage box between the seats.

The system features Bluetooth integration and can be remotely controlled via buttons on the steering wheel.

When reverse gear is selected, the screen displays a feed from the rear-mounted camera, aiding in parking. An audible warning is activated when reversing.

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.

– Own Correspondent.