Reviews
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AUSTRALIA is the first export market for Haval, owned by China’s Great Wall, and the H8 is first cab off the rank for its three-model SUV launch line-up
WHY WE’RE DRIVING IT This is Haval’s rival to some of the country’s top-selling SUVs, as it’s around the same size as a Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail and Toyota Kluger
MAIN RIVALS Mazda CX-5, Kia Sorento, Nissan X-Trail, Toyota Kluger, Ford Everest, Holden Captiva, Jeep Grand Cherokee
PLUS: Excellent fit and finish, roomy cabin, high equipment level MINUS: Harsh ride, lumpy steering and firm ride, large turning circle
THE WHEELS REVIEW STEREOTYPES are common in this business. German cars have the best perceived quality. French cars are the most chic. Japanese are reliable. Australian cars are sturdy. But Chinese made cars aren’t seen as quality, chic, reliable or luxurious, which is the pitch that Haval is making with its range of SUVs, headlined by the H8.
It’s not all bad news, though. The H8’s fuel economy on test with 98RON was 11.1L/100km (better than its 12.2L/100km claim and despite lacking idle-stop), and while there was wind whistle at speeds beyond 60km/h, overall refinement is otherwise reasonable. There’s also loads of space in the second row, with ISOFIX child-seat mounts, a 60/40 split-fold seat and a decent boot area. The standard 10-speaker audio system rocks, too.
SPECS Model: 2016 Haval H8 Lux AWD Engine: 1967cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo Max power: 160kW @ 5500rpm Max torque: 324Nm @ 2000-4000rpm Transmission: 6-speed automatic, all-wheel drive Weight: 2175kg 0-100km/h: 13.0sec (est.) Fuel economy: 11.1L/100km (as-tested) Price: $48,990 On sale: Now
