Before I started working at Driveline, I had no idea how popular the Ford Ranger was. I was unaware of the massive move towards SUVs and Utes and thought the Suzuki Swift was the country’s best selling car.
You learn quickly not to assume anything.
So, it was was with great interest that I test drove the Haval H9, thanks to the team at Andrew Simms Newmarket.
After debuting at the Beijing Auto Show, the H9 went into production in late 2014.
The H9 is the full size SUV and you certainly notice it. You’re high off the ground and your parking skills have got to be top notch to squeeze into the small car parks. The 2L turbo engine can can produce 180kw of power and 350nM of torque. Both models of the new H9 come standard with HAVAL’s proven All-Terrain Control System (ATCS) to enhance off-road performance. ATCS allows customers to choose the on- and off-road setting to suit their environment and offer maximum performance and safety at the turn of a dial.
Don’t let first impressions put you off.
If you were to judge a book by its cover, the first impressions of the H9 make you think about the Nissan X-Trail’s and Mitsubishi Pajero’s from 2012. The body is still a bit blocky and doesn’t have the refined sleekness other full size SUVs that have been in the market longer, do.
Around town, it drives quite well; but don’t expect it to smoothly go from 0-100km in a flash. The engine does take a while to reach full power.
It is a well specced SUV and the cabin is quite pleasant. All the latest technology gadgets, safety features and hands free Bluetooth are there. Another awesome thing about the H9 is the sheer amount of boot space. If you’re heading away for a weekend trip or are out on the road a lot for work trips, there’s 747 litres worth of luggage capacity.
We didn’t get a chance to go test it off-road. Car blogs and critics that have done it say that it holds up well. One Aussie commentator noted “it picks the right gear at the right time and makes up for what shortcomings the engine has in terms of bottom end power.”
The H9 is still in its infant stages and it’ll be interesting to see how it evolves in the next couple of years. As practical Motoring journalist Isaac Bober noted, a lot of the tweaks and adjustments have been made based on customer feedback. With the price of petrol going north, the Haval H9 will need to become more economical. Despite large amounts of motorway driving and uninterrupted trips through regional suburbs, I averaged 13.5L/100km.
Overall, the H9 is a decent SUV if you’re looking for a large work and family vehicle to get around town in.
Want to find out more about leasing or financing the Haval H9? Give us a call today on 0800 275 374 or fill in the quote request form below and we’ll touch base with you pronto.
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