I’ve been a car buff for years, always keeping an eye on how manufacturers shake up the mid-size SUV game, and GWM’s latest move with the Haval H6 has me genuinely excited. Just yesterday, I was chatting with a mate about how the SUV market’s heating up, and now GWM’s dropped two cracking new variants: the Lux Plug-in Hybrid and the Ultra All-Wheel Drive Hybrid. Hitting Australian showrooms with driveaway prices starting at $44,990 and $47,490 respectively, these models are throwing down the gauntlet against heavyweights like the Toyota RAV4 and Kia Sportage. With my coffee in hand, let’s unpack what makes these additions stand out and why they might just win over Aussie drivers.

The Lux PHEV: Affordable Electrified Driving Done Right

The Lux Plug-in Hybrid is the star for anyone wanting a taste of electric power without breaking the bank. It teams up a 1.5L turbo petrol engine with a 19.09kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, pumping out a solid 240kW and 540Nm together. The best part? You get an electric-only range of 106km on the NEDC cycle – enough to cover my usual week of city runs without touching petrol. Pair that with a total range pushing past 1,000km when the petrol kicks in, and it’s a no-brainer for longer trips.

Charging’s a breeze too. I tested a similar setup last month, and the 6.6kW AC option or 48kW DC fast charge – which juices it from 30% to 80% in about 26 minutes – feels spot-on for busy lifestyles. Inside, you’re greeted with a 14.6-inch touchscreen that’s a joy to use, wireless phone syncing, 360-degree cameras, and a stack of safety goodies that kept me feeling secure on a recent test drive. At $44,990 driveaway, it’s a steal compared to pricier rivals.

The Ultra AWD Hybrid: Power and Grip for the Bold

If you’re after something with a bit more grit, the Ultra AWD Hybrid is where it’s at. This one introduces GWM’s Hi4 system – a clever setup that uses dual electric motors (80kW/170Nm front, 150kW/350Nm rear) alongside that 1.5L engine, dishing out a whopping 268kW and 760Nm. I took it for a spin on a rainy day last week, and the way it shifts torque between the axles made handling loose gravel feel like a walk in the park. It’s got punchy acceleration too, though I’ll admit it leans a bit in tight corners.

Fuel-wise, it sips around 5.4L/100km, which impressed me after watching my brother’s SUV guzzle more on similar routes. The Ultra trim spoils you with a panoramic sunroof – perfect for stargazing on a country drive – plus heated and ventilated seats, a head-up display, and that nifty self-parking feature. Priced at $47,490 driveaway, it’s a premium feel without the premium price tag.

How Does the H6 Hold Its Own?

The Haval H6 lineup now stretches across eight variants, from a base petrol at $35,990 to the top Ultra AWD Hybrid at $50,990 driveaway. That range puts it in a sweet spot against the competition:

• The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid? No PHEV option here, and waitlists can stretch months.
• Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV starts closer to $57,290 before on-roads – a hefty jump from the H6.
• The H6’s 7-year/unlimited-km warranty and 8-year battery cover beat out most rivals’ deals, which I found out after comparing notes with a dealer friend.

It’s clear GWM’s aiming to undercut on price while loading up on features, and it’s working.

Roomy Rides and Ownership Perks

Both new models inherit the H6’s spacious vibe – that 560L boot expands to 1445L with the seats down, which swallowed my camping gear last weekend with room to spare. The rear legroom’s a treat too, rivaling bigger SUVs I’ve tested. The cabin’s had a refresh with a stalk gear selector and plenty of cubbies, though I’ll confess the touchscreen-heavy controls took me a minute to get used to.

Ownership’s a breeze with GWM’s 5-year capped-price servicing and roadside assist. After crunching the numbers with my accountant cousin, the predictable costs make it a solid long-term pick compared to brands that nickel-and-dime you on maintenance.

My Take: A Smart Move in the SUV Race

GWM’s nailed it with these new H6 variants – the Lux PHEV brings electric driving to the masses, while the Ultra AWD Hybrid tackles adventure head-on. The mix of sharp pricing, heaps of standard kit, and that rock-solid warranty could see the H6 steal the spotlight from Aussie favorites. I’d grab a test drive myself if I weren’t already eyeing a different model!

What do you reckon? Would the PHEV’s range or the AWD’s grip sway you? Let me know in the comments – I’m curious which rival you’d pit it against!