October 20th 2016
The 2016 Haval H9 is among the most popular and top selling SUVs in China. It has been winning the award for “top-selling SUV brand in China” for last 13 consecutive years. The 2016 Haval made its debut at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show and arrived in the UAE in May.
Swaidan Trading is the exclusive distributor of Haval SUVs in the UAE. We got a chance to test drive the Haval H9, and below are our findings.
2016 Haval H9 Review
Walk Around
The 2016 Haval H9 has an expressive exterior design owing to its self-cleaning xenon-headlamps and LED daytime running lights, bold chrome plated front grille, dynamic waist lines along the sides and the long vertical LED rear lamps. The side steps make it very easy to step inside the SUV, thanks to the tall height.
Comparing the dimensions of 2016 Haval H9 (4,856 L x 1,926 B x 1,900 H mm) with the Range Rover Evoque (4,368 L x 1,905 B x 1,600 H mm), we can notice that the former is very large offering more interior space.
Cockpit Impression
The interior of the Haval H9 2016 can be best described as spacious and luxurious. It can easily accommodate 7 passengers and still leave plenty of room for your luggage. With the third row seats down, the storage capacity measures 747L, which is huge and can easily allow you to carry the luggage of your whole family. The third row seats can be conveniently folded with just a click of a button. The seats are made from the finest high-grade leather, which ensures both opulence as well as comfort during long journeys. The layout of the front dash is clean with an 8-inch touch display in the center.
Engine Specifications of 2016 Haval H9
The H9 is available in only one engine option i.e 2.0L 4-cylinder 16-valve, double VVT, cylinder direct injection and turbocharged unit capable of producing up to 215 hp (160 KW) and 324 Nm of torque.
The engine is paired with six-speed automatic transmission system and the Intelligent Electric 4WD mode is standard.
Driving Dynamics
Talking about performance, I would say that the 2016 H9 surpassed my expectations. The 2.0L engine is powerful enough for both on road and off-road drive. I decided to make proper use of the Intelligent Electric 4WD system and headed for the desert safari. The front double wishbone suspension and the rear multi-link suspension work swiftly together in order to ensure a spectacular drive on rough landscapes. There are six different drive settings (AUTO, 4L, Sport, Sand, Snow and Mud Road) for different terrains. The only drawback is that the acceleration somewhat struggles around tight corners. Besides that, the performance of Haval H9 is absolutely thrilling.
I was able hit the 100 km/h from standstill in around 12 seconds. The company rated top speed is 190 km/h. It consumed about 12.1L of fuel to cover a distance of 100 kilometers.
Technological Overview
The 2016 Haval H9 is equipped with the state-of-the-art technological equipment to render a pleasurable and convenient drive. Some of the salient features include 8-inch LCD display, 10-speaker sound system with an independent amplifier, AUX/USB slot, 12V power outlet, electrically adjustable seats, Bluetooth integration and more.
Safety Features
It comes loaded with advanced safety features including dual airbags, reverse radars, reversing cameras, automatic collision unlocking system, tire pressuring monitor system, brake assist, electronic stability program, hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic parking brake, engine immobilizer and burglar alarm system.
Verdict
The Japanese, German and American vehicles dominate the SUV market in the UAE, but I really believe that the arrival of the Haval H9 could change that. The 2016 Haval H9 is an amazing utility vehicle with remarkable off-roading capabilities. I would definitely suggest it to those looking for an affordable SUV with luxury features and ample interior space. The price starts at only AED 120,000.