FIRST LOOK: Great Wall Motor (GWM) Malaysia will be launching the Haval very soon and it is clear they're razor focus on getting it right.

Which makes sense since local impression of the name was less than favourable pre-pandemic.

That also meant taking some calculated risks. In GWM's case it was delaying the launch of the model until they had everything sorted out - finally rolling out the first local assembled (CKD) model.

It has been a year since we were first introduced to the C-segment Haval H6 HEV (hybrid electric vehicle). It was during opening of GWM's 4S centre in Subang Jaya, Selangor that we also got to spend a short time with the sports utility vehicle (SUV).

Given prominence by the digital 'Star Matrix' grille, Matrix LED headlights, taillight lightbar, and 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels; the new modern design is much welcomed. 

Unlike Haval's models of yesteryears the H6 is certainly in line with what's sporty in today's market. For the better part it leans towards a more modest side of design to avoid the risk of trying too hard to stand out.

Same goes for the interior that bordered between modern minimalist with sparing use of tactile buttons and knobs just for the essentials like air conditioning control, gear change, on-steering functions and stalks.

Unfortunately, since it was a teaser drive of sorts there just wasn't enough time to give the model a fair assessment. 

Fast forward to more than a year later where selected media were given the opportunity to take the model out for a longer drive.

This time round we took the SUV all the way down south from the Subang Jaya 4S centre to Hard Rock Hotel Desaru in Johor and back.

What was immediately noticeable was how smooth the powertrain worked. Call it superb NVH (Noise, vibration, and harshness) sealing or just the design of it but we could barely hear or feel the engine up until higher speeds (around the 170km/h mark).

Performance is equally impressive with the 1.5L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is paired to a hybrid system to produce a combined power output of 243PS/530Nm - 150PS/230Nm and 177PS/300Nm respectively. 0-100 Km/h acceleration was within GWM's claimed 8.5 seconds.

For the environmentally conscious the model has a claimed CO2 emissions of 121g/km.

GWM's two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) technology isn't a plain marketing pitch either as the gear change was equally seamless that we couldn't feel the switch. Certainly a pleasant attribute for non-fully electric vehicles (non-EVs). 

An added boon for passengers especially at the rear for a more comfortable experience no matter distance.

Front passengers on the other hand stand to benefit from the calmness to counterbalance the sportier seats' cushioning compared to that in the rear - more noticeable on longer drives.

Also, despite the amazing powertrain we'd advise against punching the accelerator through hard corners where the model's body roll is most discernible.

Back to comfort, passengers benefit from the full assortment of features you'll find in most modern vehicles: a premium dual-tone interior, 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, rear air-con vents, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, a Qi wireless charger, an eight-speaker Harman Infinity premium audio system, panoramic glass sunroof, head-up display, and a shoulder switch on the front passenger seat.

Boot space, rated at 600L and 1,485L with seats flat, is accessible via powered tailgate - the Haval H6 HEV's measures at 4,653mm in length, a width of 1,886mm and 1,730mm in height, while its wheelbase is at 2,738mm.

Voice command is only usable when connected to Android Auto or Apple Carplay.

Comfort and safety is further supported by L2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and safety is paired with six airbags, a 360-degree camera, a parking assist system, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), full-speed adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, rear cross traffic alert and lane change assist.

Greatest peace of mind comes in the form of mileage thanks to the hybrid setup where we made the one way trip without the need for refueling - this is inclusive of a short detour into Melaka before continuing on to Desaru along the southern route of the North–South Expressway.

Some noted they could achieve a consumption rate as low as 10L/100KM and packing anywhere between 500-600km of range on a single tank - GWM has claimed 5.2L/100km was possible while our variable test gave us at least more than a 100km of surplus fuel by the time we completed the more-than-400km stretch to Desaru. 

Our initial take is that the Haval H6 HEV shines where it is positioned - a family-orientated mid-size SUV with a lot of practicality going for it. 

Not surprising that it has attained a record of 4 million global sales, while earning it the ‘best-selling SUV brand in China’ for 12 consecutive years. We're interested to see how it fairs in Malaysia once it is officially launched.

To be launched this week, the Haval H6 HEV is now available in GWM showrooms across Malaysia and is estimated to come with an on-the-road price below RM 145,000 (without insurance).

Customers who place their booking on the model before the official launch can enjoy a number of early bird specials. This includes: unlocking RM 3,000 in exclusive value with a RM 1,000 booking fee, privileged for a 10 years or 1,000,000 km engine warranty (whichever comes first), 8 years or 1,000,000 km HEV system warranty (whichever comes first) entitlement, including DHT, high voltage battery and cable, and Transmission Control Unit - most of it limited to first-hand owners with private registration only.