Haval H9 2019 Review: Ultra
Content
- Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
- How practical is the interior space? 8/10
- Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 9/10
- What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 6/10
- How much fuel does it consume? 6/10
- What is it like to drive? 6/10
- What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10
- How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
- Verdict
- Would you prefer Haval H9 to Toyota Fortuner? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Not content with being China's biggest car brand, Haval is trying to conquer Australia and is now throwing everything it has at us in the form of its flagship H9 SUV.
Think of the H9 as an alternative to seven-seat SUVs like the SsangYong Rexton or Mitsubishi Pajero Sport and you're on the right track.
We tested the top-of-the-line Ultra in the H9 line when it stayed with my family for a week.
| Haval H9 2019: Ultra | |
|---|---|
| Safety Rating | |
| engine's type | 2.0 L turbo |
| fuel type | Premium unleaded gasoline |
| Fuel efficiency | 10.9l / 100km |
| Landing | 7 Places |
| Price from | $30,700 |
Is there anything interesting about its design? 8/10
The design of the Haval H9 Ultra isn't pioneering any new style standards, but it's a beautiful beast and much prettier than the rivals I mentioned above.
I love the giant grille and massive front bumper, the high flat roofline and even those tall taillights. I also like the fact that the red background of the Haval icon has not been kept in this update.
The design of the Haval H9 Ultra does not set any new style standards.
There are some nice touches you won't find in competitors at this price point, like puddle lights that burn through a "Haval" laser projected onto a walkway.
Okay, it's not scorched to the ground, but it's strong. There are also illuminated thresholds. Little details that make the experience a little special and pair with a tough yet premium exterior - just like its insides.
There are nice touches that rivals do not have.
The cabin feels luxurious and luxurious, from the floor mats to the panoramic sunroof, but some elements lack a high-quality feel, such as the switch and switch for windows and climate control.
The salon looks luxurious and expensive.
Haval has obviously been working hard to get the look right, now it would be nice to see if the tactile and tactile dots can be improved.
The H9 is the king of the Haval range and also the largest: 4856mm long, 1926mm wide and 1900mm high.
How practical is the interior space? 8/10
The Haval H9 Ultra is very practical, and it's not just because it's big. There are larger SUVs with much less practicality. The way the Haval H9 is packaged is impressive.
Firstly, I can sit in all three rows without my knees touching the backs of the seats, and I am 191 cm tall. There is less headroom in the third row, but this is normal for a seven-seater SUV, and there is more than enough headroom for my head when I'm in the pilot's seat and in the middle row.
Interior storage space is excellent, with six cupholders on board (two in the front, two in the middle row and two in the rear seats). There's a large storage bin under the armrest on the center console at the front, and there are a few more hidden holes around the shifter, a fold-out tray for those sitting in the second row, and large bottle holders in the doors.
Under the armrest of the center console in front there is a large basket.
Entry and exit to the second row is made easier by wide-opening tall doors, and my four-year-old son was able to climb into his seat on his own thanks to the strong, grippy side steps.
Entry and exit to the second row is facilitated by a wide opening.
The third row seats are also electrically adjustable to lower and raise them to the desired position.
There are air vents for all three rows, while the second row has climate controls.
Cargo storage is also impressive. With all three rows of seats in the trunk, there is enough room for a few small bags, but folding down the third row gives you a lot more space.
We took a 3.0 meter roll of synthetic turf and it fit easily with the right second row seat folded down, leaving us enough room for our son to sit in his child seat on the left.
A 3.0 meter long synthetic turf roll fits easily in the trunk.
Now the disadvantages. Access to the third row is affected by the 60/40 split of the second row, with the large folding section on the road side.
In addition, the side-hinged tailgate prevents it from opening fully if someone parks too close behind you.
And there are not enough charging points on board - with only one USB port and no wireless charging stand.
Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 9/10
The Ultra is the top class in the Haval H9 lineup and costs $44,990 before travel expenses.
At the time of writing, you could get the H9 for $45,990, and depending on when you're reading this, this offer may still be up, so check with your dealer.
H9 comes with 8.0 inch screen.
For reference, the Lux is the base class H9, which costs $40,990 before travel expenses.
The H9 comes standard with an 8.0-inch screen, eco-leather seats, a nine-speaker Infinity audio system, rear privacy glass, xenon headlights, laser lights, proximity unlock, three-zone climate control, front heating and ventilation. seats (with massage function), heated second-row seats, panoramic sunroof, illuminated treadplates, aluminum pedals, brushed alloy roof rails, side steps and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Haval is equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels.
It's a set of standard features at this price, but you won't get much more by choosing the Ultra over the Lux.
It really comes down to brighter headlights, heated second-row seats, power front seats, and a better stereo system. My advice: if the Ultra is too expensive, don't be afraid because the Lux is very well equipped.
Haval H9 Ultra competitors are SsangYong Rexton ELX, Toyota Fortuner GX, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport GLX or Isuzu MU-X LS-M. The whole list is about this mark of 45 thousand dollars.
What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 6/10
The Haval H9 Ultra is powered by a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with an output of 180 kW/350 Nm. This is the only engine in the range, and if you're wondering why a diesel isn't offered, then you're not the only one.
If you're asking where the diesel is, you're probably wondering how much gasoline the H9 uses, and I have the answers for you in the next section.
Smooth shifting is provided by an eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF, the same company of choice for brands such as Jaguar Land Rover and BMW.
The Haval H9 Ultra is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder petrol turbo engine.
The H9 ladder frame chassis and all-wheel drive system (low range) are the ideal components for a powerful SUV. However, during my time on the H9, I settled on bitumen.
The H9 comes with selectable drive modes including Sport, Sand, Snow and Mud. There is also a hill descent function.
The traction force of the H9 with brakes is 2500 kg and the maximum fording depth is 700 mm.
How much fuel does it consume? 6/10
I have driven 171.5km on the H9, but on my 55km motorway and city circuit I used up 6.22 liters of petrol, which is 11.3 l/100 km (on-board reading 11.1 l/100 km).
It's not scary for a seven-seater SUV. Admittedly, I was the only person on board and the vehicle was not loaded. You can expect this fuel figure to rise with more cargo and more people.
The official combined cycle fuel consumption for the H9 is 10.9 l/100 km and the tank has a capacity of 80 liters.
A pleasant surprise is that the H9 is equipped with a start-stop system to save fuel, but a not-so-pleasant surprise is that it must run at least 95 octane premium fuel.
What is it like to drive? 6/10
The H9's ladder frame chassis will perform off-road with good rigidity, but as with any body-on-frame vehicle, road dynamics won't be its forte.
So the ride is soft and comfortable (the rear multi-link suspension will be the main part of it), the overall driving experience can be a bit agricultural. These are not overwhelming problems and you will find the same in the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport or Isuzu MU-X.
More frustrating is that Haval can fix it easily. The seats are flat and not the most comfortable, the steering is a little slow, and this engine has to work hard and isn't particularly responsive.
The seats are flat and not the most comfortable.
There are also strange quirks. The altimeter reading showed that I was at 8180m driving through Marrickville in Sydney (Everest is 8848m) and the automatic parking system is more of a guide that tells you how to park instead of doing it for you.
Imagine you are 16 again and your mom or dad is coaching you and you have an idea.
However, the H9 handled life with my family without breaking a sweat. It's easy to drive, has good visibility, great isolation from the outside world, and great headlights (the Ultra has a brighter 35-watt xenon).
H9 handled life with my family without breaking a sweat.
So while it's not the most comfortable car on the road, I think the H9 could be better suited for off-road adventures. As I mentioned earlier, I only tested it on the road, but stay tuned for any future off-road testing we do with the H9.
Warranty and safety rating
Basic Warranty
7 years / unlimited mileage
guarantee
ANCAP Safety Rating
What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 8/10
When the Haval H9 was tested by ANCAP in 2015, it received four out of five stars. For 2018, Haval updated the onboard safety tech and now all H9s come standard with lane departure warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane change assist, AEB and adaptive cruise control.
It's great to see this hardware being added, though the H9 hasn't been retested yet and we're yet to see how it fares with the updated tech.
Also standard are front and rear parking sensors.
For child seats in the second row, you will find three top cable points and two ISOFIX anchorages.
The full size alloy wheel is located under the car - as you can see in the images.
The full size alloy wheel is located under the car.
How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 7/10
The Haval H9 is covered by a seven-year unlimited mileage warranty. Maintenance is recommended at six month/10,000 km intervals.
Verdict
There's a lot to love about the Havel H9 - excellent value for money, practicality and spaciousness, advanced safety technology, and a damn good looking look. More comfortable seats would be an improvement, and interior materials and switchgear were more comfortable.
In terms of ride quality, the H9's 2.0-liter engine isn't the most responsive, and the ladder frame chassis limits its performance.
So, if you don't need an off-road SUV, the H9 will border on overkill in the city, where you can get into something without all-wheel drive and with a more comfortable and drivable vehicle.
Would you prefer Haval H9 to Toyota Fortuner? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
