The 2018 Haval H9 has arrived in Australia, the seven-seat 4x4 SUV now offers an improved drivetrain, more standard features and significantly sharper pricing.
Haval’s flagship model remains powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, however, it has been retuned to a higher compression ratio and now develops 180kW and 350Nm (up from 160kW/324Nm).
To put the power down Haval has turned to transmission specialists ZF to supply a new eight-speed automatic, the same unit is found in BMW, Maserati and Jaguar Land Rover models.
Haval tells us the new gearbox “is particularly well suited to 4x4 applications, with shorter gearing in first and second gear providing excellent crawling capabilities, the mid-speed gears providing strong acceleration and taller top gears helping provide outstanding fuel economy.”
The outgoing H9 was thirsty, as a result of the upgraded engine and transmission the combined fuel consumption figure has dropped by 10 per cent to 10.9 litres/100km.
Braked towing capacity remains at 2500kg for 2018.
The H9 continues to be built of a ladder frame chassis with an Eaton locking rear differential and a BorgWarner transfer case to tackle the great outdoors.
Both H9 variants are now fitted with Haval’s All-Terrain Control System (ATCS) to enhance off-road performance. The system allows drivers to adapt the car’s settings to the driving environment – this technology is particularly helpful for off-road driving. You can read more about the H9’s off-road prowess by clicking here.
The 2018 H9 also receives exterior and interior upgrades, the front gets a new grille, bumper and fog lights to freshen things up. An Adaptive Front Lighting System (AFS) has also been included. Adaptive lights turn in sync with the steering wheel and automatically corrects the beam’s height on undulating roads.
Inside the cabin, occupants are greeted by a new dashboard and console. The highlight of which is a greatly improved instrument cluster that now mixes digital and analogue displays. It’s very easy to read and in a first for Haval, the gauge cluster now incorporates a digital speedo.
In an attempt to attract more buyers, Haval has loaded both H9 models with plenty of standard equipment. The base model Lux comes standard with push-button start, sunroof, tri-zone climate control, 8.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation and a 10-speaker audio system.
For an additional $4000 for the H9 Ultra brings a panoramic sunroof, eco-leather seat trim, front seats that are heated and cooled with a two-stage massage function, an Infinity sound system and electric-folding third-row seats.
Family buyers will note the H9’s additional safety tech, lane change assist, lane departure warning system, rear cross traffic alert and a driver fatigue monitor are all standard.
The outgoing H9 received a four-star grading from ANCAP, however, Haval tells us as a result of that test the footwell has been re-engineered to better protect those in the front.
Autonomous breaking will be added later this year, at which point Haval will request a re-test in a bid to secure a five-star safety rating.
Haval backs the H9 with an above average five year/100,000 kilometre warranty.
2018 Haval H9 equipment highlights:
H9 Lux
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Sunroof
- Electric anti-glare mirror
- All-Terrain Control System
- Electronic Differential Lock
- Centre armrest power outlet
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
H9 Ultra
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated steering wheel
- Comfort-Tek eco-leather seats with heating, massage and ventilation function
- Infinity sound system
- Heated second-row seats
2018 Haval H9 pricing:
Haval H9 Lux — $40,990 (down $5500 -12%) or $41,990 drive-away
Haval H9 Ultra – $44,990 (down $5000 -10%) or $45,990 drive-away
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