Haval Hybrid turns heads

First-time owners may find it quite strange getting into the car, as not everyone is used to driving an electric car, Selwyn Moody, sales manager at Pupkewitz Haval, says.

“When you pull away, you will hear no sound. The engine will only kick in at between 35 and 60km/h, depending on the position of the accelerator,” he says.

Judging by the look and feel of the car’s power one would expect a much bigger engine under the bonnet, but Moody says the car has a 1,5l petrol engine complemented by a two-speed electric motor.

The combined output of 179KW and 530Nm is what makes this hybrid a force to be reckoned with.

The car’s fuel consumption is calculated at 5,2l/100km (19 km/l), meaning it can drive an estimated 1 100km on a single tank under normal driving conditions.

This car feels more like an electric vehicle (EV) than one with an internal combustion engine (ICE), as it needs to be switched over to electric-motor mode.

There is hardly any vibration when the transition kicks in, and the driver will hardly notice any change to the petrol engine.

Buying the H6 Hybrid does not require any additional accessories as the developers and designers of this car have thought of everything you may need.

From the front grill to the tailgate the car has a presence and has a distinctive two-tone HEV on the back, indicating its hybrid nature.

It also features 360-degree camera with traffic-sign recognition safety features.

Even when using the indicators the car displays (in HD) the distance between the vehicle and any object.

The digital instrument cluster is basic and provides all required information needed by both driver and passengers at the touch of a button on the infotainment screen.

Various drive modes can be selected.

For the tech generation the H6 Hybrid offers more than enough gadgets, ranging from a host of USB chargers to wireless chargers, bluetooth Apple car play, and android auto.

The interior is meticulous, and every stitch on the upholstery is world-class.

It features vented front seats, a panoramic sunroof, leather-wrapped steering wheel, powered tailgate, dual-zone climate control, and a heads-up display.

To add some flair to the already stylish looks, the car is fitted with 19-inch alloy wheels.

The only drawback is that the car has no spare wheel due to the space occupied by its electric motor.

But fear not, says Moody, as they are already in discussions with a local business to use their applications inside the tyre to avoid any inconvenience.

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