Test drive Great Wall H6: in the right direction
Great Wall H6 - a car that definitely exceeds initial expectations
In fact, the opinion about this car depends entirely on the expectations with which you approach it. If you're expecting the Great Wall H6 to be your new favorite compact SUV that beats all its rivals in the segment, you're probably going to be disappointed. But it's a little strange to expect such expectations from him. It is quite real, H6 is one number more than the Dacia Duster, i.e. Simply put, it should compete with Skoda Yeti or Kia Sportage rank models, but in practice it comes closest to the combination of qualities it offered when it hit the market. Chevrolet Captiva is a large, spacious and functional car with high cross-country ability and affordable price. No more, no less. And so the Great Wall H6 works even more satisfactorily.
Plenty of interior space
There is plenty of room in the cabin - in both the first and second rows, only the contours of the rear seats and slippery upholstery suggest some improvement. The trunk is one of the largest in its class, and the load capacity of 808 kilograms cannot leave unsatisfied desires. It is true that the layout of some of the interior furnishings is strikingly close to solutions we have already seen in other models, but the workmanship itself is quite clean and precise. Comfort equipment is also good for the class. However, the best indication of the solidity of the build at the Bachowice plant remains the complete absence of unwanted noises (such as knocking, crackling, creaking, etc.) when driving on roads in poor condition - the H6 literally remains completely silent even when driving over very uneven terrain.
Surprisingly stable on the road
As far as road holding is concerned, the Great Wall H6 also delivers pleasant surprises and handles much more precisely than many people would expect from it. Safe cornering doesn't come at the expense of driving - the H6 maintains good manners when driving on bad roads. Dual drive with an electromagnetic clutch provides relatively tractive power in more difficult conditions, although the combination of low ground clearance, relatively long overhangs and suspension with not very long travel does not suggest a particularly serious talent for really difficult terrain - apparently this was not the goal. constructors.
Nice engine, disappointing transmission
The 6-litre common-rail direct-injection turbodiesel is relatively cultured and delivers decent traction, and the six-speed transmission is relatively accurate, but still the power can be developed much more harmoniously and economy isn't one of the drive's strengths. from H40. The main reason for the mixed impressions of the transmission lies in the rather mysterious choice of transmission ratios. The bottom gears of the six-speed gearbox are excessively "long", so when climbing a steep hill, the driver must either drive in high gears in first gear or accelerate to over 6 km/h in order to be able to move normally in second. Excessive drop in speed is also seen when shifting from second to third, as well as from third to fourth gear - with better transmission tuning, the successful engine itself would develop much more than its potential, and driving the H6 would be impossible. much nicer. In the end, however, this is not an unacceptable disadvantage for a car with the price of an HXNUMX, and with Great Wall's rapid development, such problems are likely to be a thing of the past.
Conclusion
Great Wall H6
Spacious and practical, the H6 is a smart choice for those looking for a well-equipped SUV at a low price. The materials used in the interior are nothing special, but the build quality at the Bulgarian Great Wall factory creates a pleasant sense of solidity, as evidenced by the absence of unpleasant noise when driving on bad asphalt. Road behavior combines satisfactory comfort with sufficient cornering safety. Engine thrust could be more confident and smooth, and fuel consumption is also quite good for a car with H6 performance, since the reason for these shortcomings lies mainly in the poor adjustment of the six-speed gearbox.
In short
In-line four-cylinder diesel turbo engine
Displacement 1996 cm3
Maximum. power 143 HP at 4000 rpm, max. torque 310 Nm
Six-speed manual transmission, dual transmission
Acceleration 0-100 km / h - 11,2 sec
The average fuel consumption in the test is 8,2 l / 100 km.
Great Wall H6 4×4 – BGN 39 with VAT
Evaluation
Body+ Ample space in both rows of seats
+ Large and functional trunk
+ Good visibility from the driver's seat
+ Solid workmanship
– Partially simple materials in the interior
Comfort
+ Comfortable front seats
+ Overall good ride comfort
– high noise level in the cabin
- Not very comfortable rear seats
Engine / transmission
+ Engine with sufficient torque reserve
– Incorrect gearbox setting
– Uneven power distribution
Travel behavior
+ Safe driving
+ Sufficiently precise steering
– Not very convincing brake performance
Costs
+ Discount price
+ Five years warranty
+ Inexpensive equipment
Text: Bozhan Boshnakov
Photo: Melania Iosifova
