2016 Haval H2 Review
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The Chinese manufacturer Haval is a subsidiary of the Great Wall Motor Company and is one of the newest automakers to enter the Middle Eastern market. With a focus on competing against heavyweights like the Hyundai Creta and Kia Sportage, the Haval H2 stands out as one of four reasonably priced vehicles manufactured by this Chinese automaker.
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Exterior Design
Built in collaboration with Hyundai, the influence of the Korean company is evident in the H2's design. The standout feature of this Chinese crossover is its prominent chrome front grille, along with striking front fog lights and sleek LED headlights that are harmoniously integrated with a set of spotlights.
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The two-tone paint job gives off a significant sheen and draws attention to the bulges and wheel arches that adorn the vehicle. Aesthetically, it surpasses its competitors, making the Haval H2 a head-turner as it passes by.
Interior Design
The cabin borrows various parts from Hyundai and is well-designed, featuring hard plastics in the lower half. It also showcases smooth, perforated leather accented with black and silver trims. This is a cabin you will want to be in.
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With a wheelbase of 2,560 mm, the Haval offers ample space along with 500 liters of trunk capacity. The elevated seating position, A-class window cutouts, and large side mirrors all contribute to improved visibility and reduced blind spots.
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Safety and Technology
In terms of safety, the H2 features flexible front headrests, a tire pressure monitoring system, electronic stability control, and six airbags, making it the only Chinese crossover that offers this number of airbags.
It also includes a digital display with instrument panel controls, push-button start, and steering wheel controls. The higher-end model features six speakers, along with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, an AUX input, and a CD player.
Driving Experience
The Haval H2 is equipped with a small turbocharged engine that produces 148 horsepower and 210 Nm of torque at 2,200 RPM.
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As with most turbocharged engines, the acceleration may lag momentarily until a certain point, but it compensates for this shortcoming with fuel efficiency, consuming 8.2 liters per 100 km.
The Haval H2 features an independent MacPherson front suspension and a multi-link rear suspension. Together, they provide a delightful balance of stability during sharp turns and comfort while driving.
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Powered by a 6-speed automatic transmission, it transfers power to the front wheels and offers a ground clearance of 133 mm, making it suitable for off-road driving when necessary.
Conclusion
The Haval H2 has significantly evolved from what many have come to expect from the Chinese automotive industry. Its design and quality have reached a remarkable level, and while there is still a long way to go in changing perceptions in the region, the first step the manufacturer should take is to reconsider its pricing. Priced at AED 64,500, it competes closely with the Kia Sportage and Hyundai Creta, which are priced at AED 63,000 and AED 65,500, respectively, suggesting that the Chinese manufacturer might be stifling its own growth.
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