Haval H2 2020 Car Review

While it might be an SUV, the Haval H2 is the polar opposite of the Hummer – it’s modest, affordable and contains a very on-trend package

The main draw card of the Haval H2 is the price. It’s available from just $23,990 (+ORC) for the entry premium model. It’s hard to not be intrigued by what this model might offer.

Not a bad looker

The Haval H2 has been thoughtfully styled, and the latest refresh has added even more appeal when compared to the competition – like the Honda HRV and Hyundai Venue – it stands out. It seems to draw inspiration from its bigger SUV siblings but is still proportioned well.

The LUX model has added extra class with LED headlights, and there’s now a more reserved and appropriate front grille including stylish 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels. We tested the LUX in a striking Scarlett Red colour.

The overall profile is well put together, with nothing really seeming out of place. Interestingly, the rear pillar also includes the integration of the Haval emblem (a feature commonly seen on the cars of more expensive brands, such as BMW with the X2). The faux twin exhaust facade and lower accent trim paneling create a substantial look from the rear.

More LUX for extra bucks

One of the key benefits of opting for the LUX model is the panoramic sunroof and sun shade, which helps to make the whole car feel much more premium from the inside. The driver’s seat also gets electric six-way controls, and both seats in the front are heated.

Leather seats come as standard, while red and black contrasting Comfort-Tek seats (Premium Eco-Leather) are optional. A full climate control system is also included in the LUX package. When you add it all up, $3,000 really does get you a lot of bang for your buck.

The interior has been put together with premium materials, and there are lots of soft touch plastics throughout the cabin (particularly in areas your fingers venture most frequently).

The infotainment system isn’t the most elaborate, and Haval seem to have forgotten Android users exist – Apple CarPlay is included, but Android Auto is not. There are two fairly-sized drink holders in the centre console, and the door pockets are rather generous with the amount of space they offer.

Behind the wheel, you’ll notice a fairly upright driving position which offers good vision of the road ahead, however, the rear seat rests do restrict the view to the rear somewhat. Fortunately, the reverse camera is clear enough and worked well. The placement of switches and controls is well thought out to create a friendlier driving experience.

Haval state that they have an ergonomic humanistic approach to design, and claim that the H2 is one of the easiest SUVs to access and drive. By designing the seats at an average hip-height, it provides easy ingress and egress, so there’s no awkward climbing, as is often the case with many other SUVs.

Although there’s only 300 litres of cargo space, the split folding seats allow you to carry larger items. During testing, we were able to transport a vintage farmer’s bench in the car, with two adults and two children, which is quite impressive for an SUV that’s just 4365mm long.

The Drive

The H2 felt relatively comfortable on the road. It’s by no means a powerhouse, but does sport a turbocharged 1.5-litre engine, which produces 110kW @5600rpm.

The transmission is a conventional six-speed auto and works fine, however, the engine and transmission at times feel like they are in a sort of adolescent romance when it comes to power delivery control.

Verdict

The Haval H2 is one of the better-looking premium-feeling compact SUVs on the market today considering the low price point, but its performance won’t necessarily blow you away like its good looks might.

In a crowded marketplace, it’ll be interesting to see how the Haval H2 performs against the likes of the MG ZS and Renault Duster, and also alongside some of the more premium models like the Kia Seltos, Hyundai Venue and Mitsubishi ASX.

Safety systems

• Dual SRS/Frontside/Side curtain airbags
• Reverse radar with camera 
• Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
• Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD)
• Brake Assist (BA)
• Electronic Stability Program (ESP)
• Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
• Collision Fuel-Off System (CFS)

Find out more on how the AA can help you when buying a new car:

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• AA Car Reviews - aa.co.nz/car-reviews
• AA Running Cost Reports - aa.co.nz/runningcosts

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