After receiving the equivalent of a disappointed headshake from Australia over the two star ANCAP safety rating for the Great Wall Steed, Haval have wisely taken on board the feedback from local customers and the media when considering updates to the new Haval H9 which is due to launch in Australia this year.
Performance, creature comforts and, most importantly, safety updates are the focus for the MY18 Haval H9.
“HAVAL has always prided itself on listening to customers and I’m confident the Australian market will see they have clearly responded with the first major model update since launch” said HAVAL Australia Chief Marketing Officer, Tim Smith.
Accompanying the reworked 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is the award-winning ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. This delivers a 12.5 per cent power increase to 180kW and an 8 per cent increase in torque to 350Nm in the new H9.
As safety is in the spotlight, the new H9 will have Blind Spot Monitoring and Lane Departure Warning as standard in both the Premium and LUX grades.
In terms of exterior design, a new front bumper and grille will grace the front end, which will be complemented by redesigned front fog lamps, and fresh 18-inch alloy rims.
As a direct response to customer feedback, the instrument panel has been rethought and there is now a digital speedometer. Another interior update on both models is a redesigned centre console with new T-bar shifter.
Rounding out the upgrades is the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof in the LUX model.
“The H9 has already earned its stripes with the motoring media in Australia, where it has continued to surprise them with its impressive off-road credentials. When we asked what changes they would like to see, they listed performance, better economy and new safety technology as key updates."
“We’re confident they are going to be very impressed with the updated H9 when it lands,” said Mr. Smith.
Pricing is yet to be released, as is an exact Australian arrival date, but the new Haval H9 should be here towards the end of the year.
Car Conversation will be reviewing the Haval H9 soon.
Let’s start a Car Conversation, what would you tell the Haval H9 team to improve the 2018 model?
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