Haval sets its sights on popular Toyota RAV4 Hybrid with H6 Hybrid confirmed for Australian launch in 2021

Haval will bolster its new-generation H6 mid-size SUV line-up with a hybrid powertrain confirmed to arrive in local showrooms before year’s end.

Geared to take on the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid and MG HS plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), the electrified H6 makes use of a 1.5-litre petrol engine and electric motor combination for a total output of 180kW/530Nm.

This makes it more potent than the front-drive 160kW/221Nm Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and down on power but up on torque compared with the 187kW/370Nm MG HS PHEV.

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Paired with two-speed automatic transmission, the Haval H6 Hybrid can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in around 7.5 seconds.

Without a dedicated plug-in option, the Haval H6 will use a series parallel hybrid system like the Toyota RAV4, which ‘self-charges’ and uses the electric motor to assist the petrol engine in situations like taking off from a standstill.

As such, fuel economy is earmarked at around 5.2 litres per 100km, slightly higher than the base RAV4 Hybrid’s 4.7L/100km, and much higher than the 1.7L/100km offered in the MG HS PHEV thanks to its 16.6kWh battery that allows for up to 52km of all-electric driving range.

Pricing is yet to be confirmed, but the current H6 range kicks off at $30,990 drive-away and extends to $38,990.

Expect a premium for the hybrid powertrain, though which grades it will be made available in is still unknown.

For reference, the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid starts at $37,070 before on-road costs, while the MG HS PHEV is positioned at $46,990 drive-away.

Equipment is expected to mirror the H6 range, and should come with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay /Android Auto support and at least 18-inch wheels.

Higher grades add a power-operated tailgate, panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, leather-trimmed interior, 19-inch wheels, wireless smartphone charger, head-up display, and a larger 12.3-inch multimedia screen.

Safety systems should also be pretty comprehensive, with even the cheapest H6 loaded up with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic sign recognition, drive attention alert, tyre pressure monitoring, and a reversing camera with rear parking sensors.