Latest news with #GWM
TimesLIVE
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Updated Haval H6 pushes value agenda in crowded segment
A more 'bling' grille and snazzier headlamps for the revised H6. Image: Supplied It could be argued that the big turnaround point for Chinese cars in South Africa was ushered in by the 2021 Haval Jolion. Eurocentric design flair, a progressive cabin with decent materials, above average refinement and pricing that was hard to ignore, made the model a success for Great Wall Motors' (GWM) SUV brand. After the Jolion set expectations, a follow-up came in the form of the larger H6, which eyed a slice of the hugely competitive C-segment arena. Four years later the H6, much like the Jolion, continues to demonstrate its popularity. This week the Chinese carmaker released the updated H6 on local shores. We attended the launch in Cape Town. The manufacturer took the opportunity to remind us that GWM has been in business locally for 18 years, with an uninterrupted run, making it the oldest Chinese player in the Mzansi motor market. A reminder that Haval is one of many brands under the GWM umbrella, including the Tank, P-Series and Ora. According to brand executives, the H6 appeals to a demographic ranging in age from 30 to 50, with incomes ranging from R600k to R900k per annum. The brand describes the average H6 buyer as well-educated, opting to make their purchasing decisions on virtues of quality and value, rather than being driven by emotional impulse. So what can these rational, level-headed shoppers look forward to with the updated model? First up, the design. Note the trapezoidal grille with its glittering finish, revised headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, as well as the fitment of black 19" alloys across the board, using run-flat tyres. Gone is the integrated lightbar design at the rear, with individual tail lamps now deployed. The colour palette remains conservative, joined by a new Noble Gold launch colour resembling the colour of champagne. On the inside, black leatherette upholstery is the default hue. Look out for a thicker steering wheel, ambient lighting and a more simplified centre console design. There are larger screens on offer, ranging from 12.3" to 14.6". The old rotary gear selector inspired by Land Rover has been axed in favour of a column-mounted shifter, just like you would get in a Mercedes-Benz. The GT version of the H6 has a different visual identity, but also benefits from the same list of subtle stylistic and cabin enhancements as its regular counterpart. Rich specification has been a trump card of the H6 and the latest version appears to maintain that standard. A 50W wireless charger, panoramic roof, nine-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, as well as semi-autonomous driving aids are among the list of goodies punted by the brand. There are 30 cabin storage spaces, while boot capacity is a commodious 560 l. There are three derivatives in the range, all using turbocharged petrol motors. We had a chance to spend time with each version. First up is the conventional 2.0 l model which has gained 20kW/60Nm over its predecessor, now taking things to 170kW/380Nm. It is linked to a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic. The model felt reasonably punchy, if not as potent as the on-paper figures suggested. It proved to deliver a pleasant cruising experience, though excessive tyre roar was noted at higher speeds down the quiet straight leading into Franschhoek Pass. We spent about 120km of seat time with this version, through traffic and mountain roads. Next up is the 1.5 l hybrid model, which has a combined output of 179kW/530Nm. We drove this for a brief 20km stint. Its range readout displayed an impressive estimate in excess of 900km. Performance from standstill was undeniably punchy and the handover between electric motor and engine was imperceptible. The GT plug-in hybrid model serves impressive outputs. Image: Supplied And then we had a short turn with the flagship of the H6 range, the electrified GT model, on a private circuit. Boasting rakish coupé-like lines, the model is armed with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It also uses the 1.5 l but with a 35.4kWh battery and electric motor enabling a combined output of 321kW/762Nm. Haval claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds. The all-wheel drive GT plug-in hybrid is remarkably quiet and drama-free as it dashes off the line, without a hint of wheelspin. According to the brand, it can be driven on electric power for up to 180km, able to cruise at 120km/h in zero-emissions mode. The new H6 is served in Luxury, Super Luxury, Ultra Luxury and GT trims, with pricing kicking off at R495,500; topping out at R799,900 for the plug-in hybrid GT. A seven-year/200,000km warranty and seven-year/75,000km service plan is included. The hybrids get a separate eight-year/150,000km warranty for the associated high-voltage components. The H6 plays in a tough segment, with familiar favourites such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5. But there are also Chinese rivals such as the JMC-sourced Ford Territory and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. As before, pricing for the H6 remains competitive. This, coupled with the fresh design and healthy list of amenities, should keep the model towards the top of shopping consumers' lists.
The Advertiser
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta prices: Chrome-heavy large SUV gets stripped of its bling
If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from: If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from: If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from: If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta prices: Chrome-heavy large SUV gets stripped of its bling
If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: Gloss black grille and Tank badge Black-finish front bumper inserts Black headlight internals Blacked-out rear detailing including tail light surrounds, spare wheel cover, tailgate and rear diffuser Gloss black door handles, roof rails, and window trim surrounds Black 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers Black door scuff plate That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Locking front and rear differentials Off-road cruise control Tank Turn Assist Panoramic sunroof Proximity entry with push-button start 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Heated, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel Tri-zone climate control Heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats with massaging Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist Lane centring Rear cross-traffic assist Safe exit warning Surround-view camera with clear chassis view Supplied Credit: CarExpert Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain. Supplied Credit: CarExpert Above: GWM Tank 500 Ultra interior MORE: Explore the GWM Tank 500 showroom
7NEWS
14 hours ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta prices: Chrome-heavy large SUV gets stripped of its bling
If the Tank 500 has a bit too much chrome for your liking, GWM has the solution. The 2025 GWM Tank 500 Vanta takes the flagship Ultra trim level and replaces all of its chrome exterior accents with black finishes. Priced at $75,990 drive-away, it's now arriving in Australia, with customer deliveries set to begin in July 2025. That makes it $2000 more than the Ultra it's based on. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Vanta is GWM-speak for a black pack, and exterior enhancements for the Tank 500 Vanta comprise: Gloss black grille and Tank badge Black-finish front bumper inserts Black headlight internals Blacked-out rear detailing including tail light surrounds, spare wheel cover, tailgate and rear diffuser Gloss black door handles, roof rails, and window trim surrounds Black 18-inch alloy wheels with red brake calipers Black door scuff plate That's in addition to kit found on the Tank 500 Ultra, which includes: Locking front and rear differentials Off-road cruise control Tank Turn Assist Panoramic sunroof Proximity entry with push-button start 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Heated, leatherette-wrapped steering wheel Tri-zone climate control Heated, ventilated and power-adjustable front seats with massaging Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Lane-keep assist Lane centring Rear cross-traffic assist Safe exit warning Surround-view camera with clear chassis view Unlike previous Vanta variants, the Tank 500 Vanta will be offered exclusively in one exterior finish: Crystal Black. This comes at no extra charge. All Tank 500s currently offered in Australia feature a hybrid powertrain, though a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) is due to arrive later this year. The Tank 500's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol hybrid powertrain delivers total system outputs of 255kW of power and 648Nm of torque, and is mated with a nine-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel drive system. Claimed fuel consumption is 8.5L/100km, while braked towing capacity is 3000kg. None of the Tank 500's rivals, which include the Toyota Prado and Ford Everest, offer a hybrid powertrain.
7NEWS
a day ago
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
From GM to GWM: Ora EV switching to factory that used to build Holdens
The GWM Ora will be the first vehicle sold by the Chinese automaker in Australia to be sourced from Thailand. The Rayong plant in Thailand – which previously produced the Holden Colorado and Trailblazer for our market, before General Motors sold to GWM in 2020 – currently manufactures not only the Ora electric hatch, but also the Haval H6 mid-size SUV and Tank 300 off-road SUV. However, only the GWM Ora has been confirmed to be switching to Thai sourcing for the Australian market. The company confirmed the move after the Ora appeared in Australian Government certification documents with a different Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. A GWM Australia spokesperson confirmed the move is due to the Thai plant having production capacity available, and placing a greater focus on right-hand drive production. The Thai market is right-hand drive like ours, though GWM also builds left-hand drive vehicles at the Rayong plant for Brazil. GWM upgraded the plant and started production there in 2021, and it has capacity to produce 80,000 vehicles annually. The Ora entered production there in 2024. It's not the only Chinese automaker to establish a production facility in Thailand, with BYD, MG and GAC also producing vehicles there. However, none of these auto manufacturers export Thai-built vehicles to our market. Thai-built Oras are expected to arrive in Australia during the third quarter (July to September) of 2025, and the switch in production could correspond with updates for the small electric hatch – though GWM is staying mum for now on any potential pricing or specification changes. That includes whether the lineup will be adjusted, though the approval documents list Lux, Ultra and GT variants. Currently, the Ora lineup comprises Standard Range, Extended Range, and Extended Range GT variants. The first two feature the same level of specification, but differ in terms of battery size. There was previously an Ultra variant, which built on the Extended Range with some additional niceties like heated, ventilated and massaging front seats and a panoramic sunroof, but it was axed for 2024. Given Australia has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Thailand, as it does with China, pricing won't necessarily be affected simply by the change in production sourcing. However, the updated 2025 Ora revealed in China – pictured above – features some specification upgrades, including a larger new 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system replacing the old 10.25-inch unit. The gear shifter has been moved to the steering column, and there's also a revised centre console. The updated Ora also brings vehicle-to-load (V2L) charging capability, allowing electrical appliances to be powered by the vehicle's battery. While the Ora is outsold by its key rivals, GWM Australia has said it's not looking to walk away from the model. To the end of May, GWM has sold 271 Oras in Australia this year, against 2017 MG 4s and 776 BYD Dolphins. While MG and BYD also offer a wide range of EVs in Australia and even more in China, GWM has a much smaller reserve of EVs to tap as the company has chosen to put a greater focus on hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. All of GWM's EVs fall under the Ora brand, and just one of these – the Good Cat, varyingly known as the 03 and Funky Cat in other markets – is sold here as simply the GWM Ora. Notably, the Ora brand has no SUVs despite significant and growing demand for this body style worldwide. Besides the Good Cat, GWM also has the retro Ballet Cat hatchback and the Lightning Cat sedan.
