HAVAL has launched an updated version of its H9 large SUV offering Australian families more features, safety, performance and economy for less money.
“We’ve worked very hard to deliver a seven-seat SUV that delivers for Australian families at the best possible price,” said HAVAL Motors Australia Chief Marketing Officer Tim Smith.
“At $40,990 for the LUX model and $44,990 for the Ultra, we’re very confident we have made a compelling argument for Australian families to test drive the new HAVAL H9.
“To sweeten the deal, we will launch with driveaway pricing of just $41,990 for the LUX and $45,990 for the Ultra.”
The new MY18 H9 boasts a raft of changes including:
- Power increase (180 kW up from 160)
- Torque increase (350 Nm up from 324)
- New 8-speed ZF automatic transmission
- 10% fuel economy improvement
- New centre console design
- New instrument panel including digital speedo
- New front end exterior styling
Upgrades to the LUX model include:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Sunroof
- Electric anti-glare mirror
- All-Terrain Control System
- Electronic Differential Lock
- Centre armrest power outlet
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Lane Departure Warning
The range-topping Ultra model adds the following features:
- Panoramic sunroof
- Heated steering wheel
- Comfort-Tek eco-leather seats with heating, massage and ventilation function
- Infinity sound system
- Heated second row seats
Design
The MY18 H9 maintains the same rugged styling that befits the company’s range-topping model, with some subtle changes inside and out.
Externally, the biggest change is the all new front end, with a five-bar grille replacing the previous three-slot design.
The lower air intake has been reworked for improved air flow into the engine bay and the front fog lamps now adopt a more circular design.
Both grades now come standard with all-new, five-spoke 18-inch alloy rims.
Interior
Inside, an all-new instrument panel has been designed, housing a large TFT screen. On start-up it displays a large, easy to read screen detailing a raft of useful data including a digital speedometer.
This is the first time a digital speedo has been included on a HAVAL vehicle and is a direct response to feedback from Australian customers.
Other displays include journey time, trip meter, average speed, average and instant fuel usage, driving range and the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
The various operations of the multi-function display centre can be accessed via the steering wheel-mounted rocker switch.
The TFT screen is anchored on the left side by a traditional analogue tachometer and analogue temperature and petrol gauges on the right.
The Ultra H9 comes standard with Comfort-Tek eco-leather seats, while the entry level LUX model comes standard with a durable, comfortable fabric trim.
An all-new panoramic sunroof dominates the view in the range-topping Ultra version. Measuring 1178mm x 505mm, it features an easy-to-use dial and comes with a retractable sun blind. The entry level LUX now comes with a standard size sunroof.
Powertrain
A highlight of the MY18 H9 is the addition of a new 8-speed automatic transmission promising improved launch feel, performance, off-road ability and economy.
Improvements to the engine in the all-new H9 have seen power from the 2.0-litre turbocharged mill increase 12.5 per cent from 160kW to 180, while torque has increased from 324 Newton-metres to 350.
The upgrades were achieved by increasing the compression ratio from 9.6:1 to 10.0:1. Engineers also improved the fuel atomisation which, in tandem with the increased combustion ratio, has liberated the increased power and torque in the new model.
The addition of the ZF 8HP70 transmission has reduced the 0-100km/h sprint to just over 10 seconds, a 20 per cent improvement over the MY15.
Additionally, fuel economy has also improved significantly, dropping 10 per cent to 10.9 litres/100km.
This improved fuel figure was also helped by the addition of intelligent stop/start and the adoption of a variable displacement oil pump for reduced power loss.
The award-winning 8-speed automatic transmission has been one of ZF’s most popular and awarded transmissions since launching in 2009.
It is particularly well suited to 4×4 applications, with shorter gearing in first and second gear providing excellent crawling capabilities, the mid-speed gears providing strong acceleration and taller top gears helping provide outstanding fuel economy.
The 8HP transmission in the MY18 HAVAL H9 is engineered to help meet current and future CO2 emission specifications, while still providing user-friendly acceleration and launch feel.
It is perfectly suited to the new engineering trend for smaller capacity, forced induction engines, such as the 2.0-litre turbocharged motor in the H9.
The engineers had to re-match the powertrain system to accommodate the new 8HP70, including re-laying the hard points in the sub-frame. This has improved NVH levels and helped deliver a quieter ride to the MY18 model. Overall noise reduction has been measured at 2.0 decibels.
All-Terrain Control System
Both versions of the MY18 H9 now come standard with HAVAL’s proven All-Terrain Control System (ATCS) to enhance off-road performance.
ATCS allows customers to choose the on- and off-road setting to suit their environment and offer maximum performance and safety at the turn of a dial.
“The HAVAL H9 ATCS means customers can choose the mode to suit their driving and safely tackle any conditions they may encounter,” said Smith.
Utilising a series of complex and powerful algorithms designed by HAVAL’s powertrain engineers, ATCS permits access to six powertrain systems to ensure excellent control.
- Auto: The system automatically adapts to any on- or off-road situation and is designed as a select and forget setting.
- Sand: The Bosch Generation 9.0 Traction Control System allows higher engine speeds and bigger torque for maximum traction through dry sand.
- Snow: Traction is adjusted for the slippery conditions prevalent in snow, utilising the high torque of the turbocharged engine and the technology of the German-engineered ZF 8-speed transmission to start in second gear to minimise slippage and maximise traction.
- Mud: Operates like the snow setting, but employs the BorgWarner transfer case to sense slip in one wheel and transfer torque to the appropriate wheel for optimum drive efficiency.
- 4L: This setting is for the toughest conditions, or when maximum traction is required such as towing through muddy conditions. By engaging the low-range transmission, the torque of the engine is multiplied by a factor of up to 2.48.
- Sport: This setting is for enthusiast driving, and ensures the ZF 8-speed transmission holds lower gears for longer before changing up. At speeds below 80 km/h, it locks out the two overdriven gears, making it ideal for urban driving conditions.
“All the technology built into the new MY18 HAVAL H9 means it has the performance to not only get you to some of the toughest environments, but get you back safely,” said Smith.
The BorgWarner dual range transfer case is the same as used on the original H9, but has been updated and calibrated specifically for the new ZF 8HP70 transmission, matching the torque spread to the wider range of ratios.
Towing
HAVAL’s rugged H9 off-roader is engineered to tap into Australia’s love affair with towing.
With its ladder frame chassis and powerful turbocharged engine, the HAVAL H9 can tow a 2500 kg braked trailer.
The all-new MY18 H9 offers good towing performance with the new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission boasting low range and teamed with an Eaton locking rear differential.
“Boat owners will welcome the inclusion of a locking rear differential on the LUX model, which can be engaged at the touch of a button.
“This rigidly locks the two rear axles to provide excellent traction at speeds less than 20 km/h – making it ideal for towing any water craft up the boat ramp,” said Smith.
Safety
HAVAL engineers continue to look for new ways to improve the safety performance of all vehicles in the line-up and the new MY18 H9 is no exception.
Updates to the latest version include the addition of Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM), Lane Departure Warning (LDW) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).
BSM works to alert the driver to potential hazards whenever changing lanes on freeways or other multi-lane roads.
Statistics from the German Road Safety Council show that 25 per cent of accidents that occur when changing lanes could be prevented by the addition of BSM, which uses radar sensors to monitor the ‘blind spot’ area alongside and behind the car.
When another vehicle approaches at speed from behind or is already present in the blind spot, the H9 signals a warning via a flashing amber light mounted in the A-Pillar.
Should the driver ignore the warning and still activate the turn signal indicating their intention of changing lanes, the system adds a loud audible warning in addition to the flashing lamp.
Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA) provides visual assistance when reversing out of a parking space at right angles to the road.
Employing two mid-range radar sensors located in the rear of the vehicle, they measure and interpret the distance, speed and anticipated driving path of moving vehicles.
When the system detects a vehicle crossing to the left or right behind, it issues an audible warning to alert the driver to the impending risk of collision. The system measures vehicle movement from up to 50 metres away.
While it can never replace the need to turn your head and check, RCTA reduces the stress from reversing out of parking spaces, even with limited visibility.
BSM, LDW and RCTA are standard on both versions of the MY18 H9.
Standard, also, are a suite of safety features including the latest Bosch ESP, six airbags including full-length side curtain airbags, Hill Descent Control (HDC), Hill Hold Assist Control (HHC), anti-lock braking and brake assist.
In addition, both versions come standard with driver status monitoring system (DSM).
DSM continually monitors a series of inputs by the driver and, if it determines the driver is fatigued, sounds an alarm to suggest taking a rest.
Every time the H9 is driven, the system continually monitors their control actions including steering wheel inputs and accelerator and brake modulation.
“Studies have shown that fatigue is suspected to be a primary cause in more than 20 per cent of road fatalities,” said Smith.
“We know from reports that most fatigue-related accidents occur during normal sleeping hours, and the more severe the crash, the more likely it is that the driver or drivers were fatigued. Fatigue is a likely factor in almost one third of single-vehicle crashes in rural areas.”
Smith said research had revealed that fatigue had a similar effect as blood alcohol content of 0.05 per cent.
“Driving while tired or fatigued can result in slower reaction times, reduced concentration, poor judgement and, in many cases, nodding off even for a few seconds with potentially dire consequences.”
Smith said fatigue was not only a problem for long-distance drivers.
“We now know from extensive research that people generally don’t become fatigued from driving, but may already be tired when they get behind the wheel.
Like every model in the HAVAL line-up, the MY18 H9 comes standard with tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).
Both versions of the MY18 H9 feature Xenon High Intensity Discharge headlamps, providing brilliant illumination, combined with outstanding longevity.
The Ultra H9 also comes standard with an adaptive front lighting system with electronic levelling that moves the headlights laterally in conjunction with the steering wheel, allowing the car to ‘see around corners’. It also features electronic levelling, which automatically adjusts the lamps when going up or down hills.
When manoeuvring at low speeds, a cornering function automatically switches on the front fog lamp to improve visibility when parking at night.
