On sale in Australia since 2015 but arriving in South Africa after receiving a mid-life revision last year, the H9 is touted as being “a dedicated off-road luxury SUV” by its makers, with the aim of taking on established rivals such as the segment dominating Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and the new Isuzu MU-X.
Riding on a ladder-frame chassis and featuring a double-wishbone independent suspension at the front and a multi-link design at the rear, the H9 backs-up Haval’s off-road claims by including not only a Borg-Warner developed low-range transfer case, but also a Eton limited slip rear differential, ground clearance of 206mm and six driving modes; Auto, Snow, Mud, Sand, 4 Low and Sport.
Inside, the H9 offers seating for seven with the third row able to fold away electrically via a button located in the boot, with Haval claiming a total capacity with all seats down of 747-litres. Head space is rated at 1 025mm in front, 1 021mm in the second row and 903mm in the third.
Unlike the smaller H1, H2 and H6 C models, the H9 is available solely in top-spec Luxury guise with the standard specification sheet consisting of an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, satellite navigation and USB, a 10-speaker Infinity sound system, tri-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof, perforated leather steering wheel, a seven-inch TFT instrument cluster, keyless entry/go, leather seats with the fronts being ventilated and featuring a massage function, ventilated glovebox, rain sense wipers, auto on/off Xenon Adaptive headlights, daytime running LEDs and illuminated door sills.
Safety-wise, the H9 boasts six airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP and Brake Assist, front and rear parking sensors with a reverse camera, Driver Condition Monitor, auto lock/unlock doors, Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control, Roll Movement Intervention, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Change Assist and a Tyre Pressure Monitor.
Measuring 4 856mm in overall length with a wheelbase of 2 800mm, height of 1 900mm and width of 1 928mm, the H9 is motivated by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 180kW/350Nm, which is mated to a ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters. Combined fuel consumption is a claimed 10.9-litres/100km.
Available in a selection of five colours; Hamilton White, Crystal Black, Hamilton Grey, Pittsburgh Silver and Forest Green, the H9 is priced at R599 900 and comes as standard with a five year/100 000km warranty and a five year/60 000km service plan.
