Haval hacks prices for H2 and H6 SUVs

Haval has reduced the prices of both entry-level H2 compact and H6 mid-sized SUVs by $1000, taking the driveaway price to $22,990 and $28,990 respectively.

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The pricing adjustment has allowed the pair of Chinese high-riders to undercut popular players in their respective segments including the $23,990 Holden Trax and the $29,450 RAV4 from Toyota before on-road costs.

Implemented at the start of the month, Haval says the repositioning will “reinforce its value for money position in Australia” alongside the larger H8 and H9 models with pricing of the bigger siblings unchanged at $38,990 and $41,990.

The now more affordable pair represent the most popular models for the brand in Australia with the smallest H2 finding 95 homes to the end of June this year and 84 registrations for the H6. Overall the company has sold 254 vehicles this year.

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Those are meagre pickings in a small SUV market that has moved 72,269 vehicles to the end of last month this year and 109,034 in the mid-sized segment, but Haval is building a new assault on the local market and the pricing restructure is likely a preview to that.

From 2019, the company will be introducing next-generation models rolling on a new platform, packed with modern technology for a demanding Australian audience, and pricing is just one element that Haval will need to get right.

As it stands, the H2 is powered by a 1.5-litre turbo four-cylinder petrol coupled to a six-speed automatic, although an update is expected soon bringing more power (124kW) and an in-house developed seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The next-generation H6 (dubbed the H6 Coupe in its native China) is expected to also adopt the 1.5-litre/seven-speed combination, replacing the current 2.0-litre six-speed offering, for greater efficiency.

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“With this price repositioning, Haval is confirming our desire to become a serious player in the Australian auto market by delivering incredible value for money to hard working Australians,” said Haval Motors Australia chief operating officer Hidesuke Takesue.