Haval H6 GT vs Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition – Sporty SUV head-to-head

Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) are an increasingly popular body style in South Africa as they are usually larger and more practical than hatchbacks and sedans, but this generally comes at the cost of sportiness.

However, Haval’s recently-launched H6 GT aims to change that by being a powerful high-rider with aggressive styling and a loud exhaust.

At a starting price of R629,950, the Haval is competing with another athletic-looking entry in the SUV segment in the form of the Mazda CX-5 Carbon Edition clocking in at R631,100.

We compare these rivals to see which one provides more excitement for its price.

Performance

Haval’s new vehicle is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine connected to a four-wheel-drive system and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which generates a total of 155kW and 325Nm.

The front-wheel-drive Mazda also makes use of a 2.0-litre powertrain, but without a turbocharger and with a six-speed automatic, resulting in a smaller output of 121kW and 213Nm.

As one would expect when looking at these statistics, the GT is faster than the Carbon Edition reaching 100km/h from a standstill in 8.6 seconds as opposed to 10.4, though both cars’ top speed caps out around 200km/h.

One benefit of the CX-5’s lower power ceiling is that it achieves better fuel consumption of 6.9l/100km on a combined cycle, compared to the H6’s 8.4l/100km.

Features

Both the Haval and Mazda spoil their buyers with automatic LED headlamps with daytime running lights, keyless start and entry, rain-sensing wipers, a heads-up display, electronically-adjustable front seats, wireless phone charging, cruise control, automatic dual-zone air conditioning, 19-inch black alloys, and a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety and assistance features, meanwhile, comprise front and rear parking sensors, driver fatigue monitoring, rear-collision warning, hill assist, and lane-keep assist.

Those who opt for the Haval can also expect a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, 12.3-inch media screen, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree camera, paddle shifters, adaptive cruise control, automatic parking, traffic-sign recognition, intelligent collision dodge, automatic emergency braking, an eight-speaker sound system, GT-branded Alcantara seats with green stitching, and two-way electric lumbar support and heating functions for the front seats.

In contrast, the Mazda offers a leather and suede trim with red stitching, a smaller 8-inch infotainment display, adaptive LED lights, rear cross-traffic alert, and a BOSE stereo with 10 speakers.