Haval H9 2016 Review
Tags:
Haval H9 Review: Luxury 7-Seater 4x4 SUV in UAE
Introduction
Haval recently launched in the UAE, introducing four cars from China to the UAE market. Historically, Chinese products have been stereotyped as cheap and cheerful; however, I can assure you that this is not the case with Haval. The cars are manufactured to a high standard both inside and out, making them worth a test drive for anyone seeking an executive 7-seater 4x4. The Haval H9 is the largest SUV from Haval and serves as their flagship model. I visited their brand new showroom on Sheikh Zayed Road to test the vehicle, eager to discover what it had to offer.
Key Features
- Engine: 2.0L Turbocharged Direct Injection
- Transmission: 6-Speed Automatic with Manual Integration
- Power: 220 HP / 324 NM
- Top Speed: 200 Km/h
- Price: AED 120,000
Exterior
The exterior of the H9 is, in my opinion, decent. The front design features smart lines on the bonnet and headlights. However, I am not a fan of the large rear lights that run along the back of the vehicle. This is just my personal perspective, and I encourage you to check it out for yourself. Overall, the H9 is an attractive car, making a strong presence on the road. During my two dinner outings while testing the vehicle, several people inquired about it, having never seen one before and remarking on how cool it looked.
See more at: Haval H9 in Detail
Interior and Safety
The interior of the H9 is my favorite aspect of the vehicle. It gives you the feel of a much more expensive 4x4 than its actual price suggests, competing with high-end brands like Range Rover and Patrol. The fully loaded H9 I tested featured an array of cool tech that kept me entertained for hours. The seats are exceptionally comfortable, made from luxurious leather that is ventilated to keep you cool even in the heat. As the sun sets, the interior comes alive with ambient lighting reminiscent of Mercedes models, enhancing the luxurious feel. With the third row of seats folded down, the boot offers a massive 747 liters of space, accommodating all your needs.
The H9 prioritizes safety with six airbags strategically placed throughout the vehicle. This includes two in the dashboard (one for the driver and one for the passenger), two side airbags for the front occupants, and a curtain airbag running along both sides for added protection against side impacts. The vehicle also comes equipped with an electronic parking brake, auto hold function, hill assist, and ESP, along with a large 8-inch TFT touchscreen system and rear entertainment features. Although the speakers perform well, they can distort at higher volumes (80-100% range), but overall, the audio quality is satisfactory.
See more at: Interview with Steven Wang to know more about Haval
Drive Experience
The H9 excels in highway driving due to its soft suspension, which comfortably absorbs potholes and bumps at high speeds. However, this soft suspension setup can lead to some unsettling body roll around corners, likely due to the vehicle’s separate body frame design. While it aims to provide a cushioned ride, it can feel like driving on a mattress, which is both a comfort and a concern. For those who prefer a firmer ride, engaging the sport mode can stiffen the suspension but at the cost of fuel efficiency.
The steering is responsive, making the large vehicle easy to maneuver. Where the H9 truly shines is in off-road conditions. It boasts a comprehensive selection of off-road settings that work effectively, allowing the car to glide over soft sand without getting stuck. During two hours of dune bashing, I never encountered any issues. However, the 2.0L Turbocharged engine, while decent, feels somewhat underpowered for the size of the vehicle, requiring careful planning when merging into traffic.
Verdict
Despite its few shortcomings, I genuinely like the H9 and find it to be well-built. Its interior quality, off-road capability, and cruising comfort contribute to its value. Given the technology and features included for the price, it represents a solid investment. My perception of Chinese cars has changed positively, thanks to Haval's efforts. I look forward to experiencing the rest of their 2016 lineup. As it stands, I would rate the H9 at 3.5 out of 5. With a more powerful engine, it could easily earn a 4 out of 5.
Check Out Car Prices and Specs for Haval H9 and Competitors
Editor’s Picks
