Haval H2 2019 Review: City
Test Drive

Haval H2 2019 Review: City

Brand Finance modestly describes itself as "the world's leading independent branded business and strategy valuation consulting firm." And he adds that he regularly analyzes the current and future value of more than 3500 brands in various market sectors around the world.

These London pundits believe that Delta is superior to American Airlines, Real Madrid has supplanted Manchester United, and Haval is a more powerful SUV brand than Land Rover or Jeep. So it's no surprise that Haval is promoting the study on its Australian website.

Just to split hairs, Land Rover jumps to the top of the rankings when it comes to total value, but in terms of upward trajectory and potential for future growth, Brand Finance says Haval is the only one.

The irony is that you probably wouldn't recognize Haval if it ran into you, which is obviously not good in any way, but that's a factor in the relatively short lifespan of Great Wall's Chinese subsidiary and so far limited sales in the Australian market. . .

One of three models released in late 2015 for the local launch of the Haval brand, the H2 is a small five-seat SUV competing with more than 20 established players, including the segment-leading Mitsubishi ASX and the enduring Mazda CX. 3, and recently arrived Hyundai Kona.

So, is Haval's potential reflected in its current product offering? We spent a week living with H2 City at a steep price to find out.

Haval H2 2019: Urban 2WD
Safety Rating
engine's type1.5 L turbo
fuel typePremium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency9l / 100km
Landing5 Places
Price from$12,500

Is there anything interesting about its design? 6/10


Harmless but boring is a crude but fair description of the exterior design of the Haval H2 City, especially when you think of rivals like the dramatic Toyota C-HR, the edgy Hyundai Kona, or the funky Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross.

The nose is dominated by a huge slatted and chrome grille with a bright metal mesh behind it and headlights vaguely reminiscent of a 10-year-old Audi on the sides.

Lighting is thought out to the smallest detail: Projector halogen high beam headlights and reflector halogen high beam units surrounded by a dotted string of LEDs look uncomfortably like aftermarket inserts available on the online auction site of your choice.

The standard fog lamps are recessed into a darkened area under the bumper, and beneath that is another array of LEDs that function as DRLs. To complicate matters further, the upper LEDs only light up when the headlights are on, while the lower ones light up when the headlights are off.

Lighting is well thought out, with projector halogen high beams and reflector halogen high beams surrounded by a dotted string of LEDs that look uncomfortably like aftermarket inserts. (Image: James Cleary)

A sharp character line runs down the sides of the H2 from the trailing edge of the headlights to the tail, with an equally distinct crimp line running from front to rear, narrowing the midsection of the car and emphasizing the bulge of the properly filled wheel arches to standard. 18" multi-spoke alloy wheels.

The rear is also kept understated, the only hint of flare being limited to a roof spoiler, a cool font chosen for the prominent Haval badge on the hatch door, and a diffuser with chrome tailpipes sticking out on either side.

Inside, the look and feel of the simplicity of the early noughties. The dash is made from a nice soft-touch material, but there are plenty of buttons and old-school analog instruments paired with a multimedia and vent interface that could have been acceptable on a base model 20 years ago.

Don't even think about Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The tiny LCD screen (located below the CD slot) wins the smallest award for the simplest graphics. A miniature scale showing the temperature setting of the manual air conditioner, especially in low light conditions.

A small 3.5-inch screen between the tachometer and speedometer displays fuel economy and distance information, but sadly lacks a digital speed readout. The standard cloth trim has a distinctly synthetic yet rugged look, and the polyurethane plastic steering wheel is another throwback.

Sure, we're on the budget end of the market, but be prepared for low-tech design paired with cheap and fun execution.

How practical is the interior space? 7/10


Measuring 4.3m long, 1.8m wide and just under 1.7m high, the Haval H2 is a large small SUV and has plenty of room.

Forward, there is storage (with a pop-up top) between the seats, two large cupholders in the center console and a storage tray with a lid in front of the gear lever, as well as a sunglasses holder, a medium-sized glove box and door bins. with space for bottles. You'll notice the pennies saved by not lighting up the sun visor vanity mirrors.

Rear-seat passengers get generous head, legroom and, last but not least, shoulder room. Three large adults in the back will be cramped, but for short trips it is fine. Children and young teenagers, no problem.

There are neatly integrated double cupholders in the center fold-out armrest, there are bottle bins in each door and map pockets on the backs of the front seats. However, there are no adjustable air vents for rear passengers.

Connectivity and power are provided through two 12-volt outlets, a USB-A port and an aux-in jack, all on the front panel.

While the Mazda3 sells well in the small SUV segment, the Mazda264's Achilles heel is its modest 2-litre trunk, and while the HXNUMX tops that number, it's not by much.

The Haval's 300-litre displacement is much smaller than the Honda HR-V (437 litres), Toyota C-HR (377 litres) and Hyundai Kona (361 litres). But it's enough to swallow the bulky Cars Guide a stroller or a set of three hard cases (35, 68 and 105 liters) and (like all competitors in this segment) a 60/40 folding rear seat increases flexibility and volume.

If you're into towing, the H2 is limited to 750kg for an unbraked trailer and 1200kg with brakes, and the spare tire is a full-size (18-inch) steel rim wrapped in narrower compact (155/85) rubber. .

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 7/10


At press time, the Haval H2 City is priced at $19,990 for the six-speed manual version and $20,990 for the six-speed automatic (as tested here).

So, you get a lot of metal and interior space for your money, but what about the standard features that are taken for granted by the H2's main competitors?

The wheel arches are adequately filled with standard 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels. (Image: James Cleary)

This exit price includes 18" alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, reverse parking sensors, air conditioning (manually controlled), cruise control, front and rear fog lights, LED daytime running lights, exterior interior lighting, front heated part. seats, rear privacy glass and fabric trim.

But the headlights are halogen, the four-speaker audio system (with Bluetooth and one CD player), the safety tech (covered in the "Safety" section below) is relatively simple, and "our" car's "tin" (metallic silver) paint is a $495 option. .

Equivalent entry-level competitors from Honda, Hyundai, Mazda, Mitsubishi and Toyota will set you back $10 to $2 more than this HXNUMX. And if you're happy to live without features like a multimedia touchscreen, digital radio, leather steering wheel and shifter, rear air vents, reversing camera, etc., etc., etc., you on the way to the winner.

20 years ago, a multimedia and ventilation interface might have been acceptable for a mainstream model. (Image: James Cleary)

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10


The Haval H2 City (during testing) is powered by a 1.5-liter direct-injection four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine driving the front wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission.

Peak power (110 kW) is reached at 5600 rpm and maximum torque (210 Nm) is reached at 2200 rpm.

The Haval H2 City (during testing) is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine with direct fuel injection. (Image: James Cleary)




How much fuel does it consume? 5/10


Claimed fuel economy for the combined (ADR 81/02 - urban, extra-urban) cycle is 9.0 l / 100 km, while the 1.5-liter turbo four emits 208 g / km of CO2.

Not exactly outstanding, and for about 250 km around the city, suburbs and freeway we recorded 10.8 l / 100 km (at a gas station).

Another unfortunate surprise is the fact that the H2 requires premium 95 octane unleaded gasoline, of which you'll need 55 liters to fill the tank.

What is it like to drive? 6/10


Cold weather and combustion engines are usually good friends. Cooler ambient temperatures mean denser air going into the cylinder (even with extra turbo pressure), and as long as there's more fuel coming in at the same time, you'll have a stronger hit and more power.

But the 2-litre four-cylinder H1.5 City must have missed the memo, because cold morning starts result in a distinct reluctance to move at a normal pace.

Sure, there's forward movement, but if you press the right pedal to the floor, the speedometer needle won't move much above your brisk walking pace. Anxious.

Even after a few minutes, when things get more predictable, this Haval hovers at the end of the performance spectrum.

Not that any of the compact SUVs it competes with are rocket-propelled, but overall you can expect the turbo-petrol engine to deliver a decent dose of low grunt.

A small 3.5-inch screen between the tachometer and speedometer displays fuel economy and distance information, but sadly lacks a digital speed readout. (Image: James Cleary)

However, with a maximum power of 210Nm available at a relatively high 2200rpm, the 1.5t H2 won't threaten the land speed record anytime soon.

Suspension is A-pillar, rear multi-link, the H2 City rides on Kumho Solus KL235 (55/18x21) tires, and on typically pockmarked and bumpy city roads, ride quality could be better.

The steering exhibits some jitteriness in the center, coupled with a lack of road feel and a slightly confusing heaviness in corners. It's not that the car is heeling or suffering from too much body roll; especially since something is wrong with the geometry of the front end.

On the other hand, while firm, the front seats are comfortable, the outside mirrors are nice and large, overall noise levels are moderate, and the brakes (ventilated disc front/solid disc rear) are reassuringly progressive.

On the other hand, the media system (as it is) is terrible. Plug your mobile device (I have an iPhone 7) into the vehicle's only USB port and you'll see "USB Boot Failed", the heating and ventilation readings on the letterbox slot screen are a joke, and to top it off, select reverse, and sound turns off completely.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

7 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10


In terms of active safety, the H2 City ticks the "cost of entry" boxes, including ABS, BA, EBD, ESP, rear parking sensors, tire pressure monitoring, and emergency braking lights.

But forget about more modern systems like AEB, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alerts or adaptive cruise. And you don't have a rear view camera.

The spare wheel is a full-length (18-inch) steel rim wrapped in narrower compact (155/85) rubber. (Image: James Cleary)

If an accident is unavoidable, the number of airbags increases to six (dual front, double front side and double curtain). In addition, the rear seat has three child restraint/baby pod top attachment points with ISOFIX anchorages in the two outer positions.

At the end of Year 2, the Haval H2017 received the highest five-star ANCAP rating, and this rating will not be repeated when assessed against the more difficult criteria of 2019.

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 8/10


Haval covers all new vehicles it sells in Australia with a seven year/unlimited mileage warranty with 24/100,000 roadside assistance for five years/XNUMX km.

This is a strong brand statement and far ahead of the major mainstream market players.

Service is recommended every 12 months/10,000 km and there is currently no fixed price service program.

Verdict

How you determine the cost will determine whether the Haval H2 City small SUV is right for you. Value for money, it offers a ton of space, a reasonable list of standard features, and ample security. But it's let down by mediocre performance, mediocre dynamics and surprising traction on (premium) unleaded petrol. Brand Finance may place Haval at the top of its power index, but the product needs to move up a few notches before that potential is realized.

Is this Haval H2 City a good value or just overpriced? Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

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