2022 Haval H2

Haval H2 2021-2022 Review

For a time, Haval had a pretty modest yet fast growing market share in Malaysia as they presented not only an interesting counterpoint to established models, but engaged in marketing and advertising in less than orthodox ways that were uniquely Malaysian. It was a brand that people were willing to take a chance on, not merely because of pricing but because it was a trustworthy brand.

Unfortunately since the days of the Haval M4 (now the H1), the brand has been a little slow and absent from the limelight. Few people know that the Haval H2 – with its initial launch back in 2016 and subsequent CKD variant introduction in 2017, received a facelift just last year and has become known as the Haval H2 Reborn.

As is the case with many automotive brands in Malaysia, the list of variants has been significantly pared down over time, especially as Haval figures out what customers really want. The H2 was first offered in three different variants, coming down to two variants during the transition to CKD production, and now with the most recent facelift there is only one model variant available to consumers.

It’s a little disappointing then that the Haval H2 hasn’t seen as much popularity, especially now that the SUV segment is more competitive than ever, because it comes as a surprisingly well packaged product with global aspirations and thought in mind.

Haval H2 2021-2022 Specifications

Powering the sole variant of the Haval H2 in Malaysia is but a singular powertrain – a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 140 hp and 202 Nm of torque – respectable figures for a modern day small displacement turbocharged engine. The drive is delivered to just the front wheels through a six-speed conventional automatic transmission, although in some other markets there are also all-wheel drive variants.

The overall design of the Haval H2 is simple, though surprising to find at this particular price point. The front end is a regular MacPherson strut, while the rear is multi-link – despite this being a two-wheel drive SUV. With a towing capacity of 1,200 kg, you can haul a fair amount of equipment behind you – though perhaps nothing more than a Perodua Kancil on a trailer bed.

The front brakes are ventilated while the rear are solid discs – also a nice touch and a step away from rear drum brakes that are ever so common. Dimensionally the Haval H2 sits in a box that’s 4,365 mm long, 1,814 mm wide, and 1,710 mm tall with a wheelbase that stretches a good 2,560 mm.

Haval H2 2021-2022 Exterior

The outside of the Haval H2 represents design that’s not quite here nor there – being a product from a time before Chinese manufacturers decided to accelerate their development programs and create fantastic, chic new products. You get 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/55 R18 tyres – and surprisingly enough some variants came with a panoramic sunroof, though our local variant no longer has this option.

Haval H2 2021-2022 Interior

On the inside of the Haval H2, the first thing you’ll notice when you get in is the perforated leather steering wheel. This is contrasting to the fabric seats, although power heated seats are an option. The multi information display is a small 3.5-inch unit, and there is an electronic parking brake to free up space in the centre console for more storage. Also included as part of the interior as standard is a gear shift indicator, two 12-volt power outlets for charging your devices or supplying power to other appliances, and a rear cargo blind that helps to separate the boot from the rest of the cabin and make your stored items safe from prying eyes that may walk past your Haval H2.

Haval H2 2021-2022 Safety Features

Being first launched back in 2016, the Haval H2 lacked the forward support and integration capability of some other models in order to package it with advanced driver safety systems. There are no items like autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, lane departure warning and the like. There are still your most essential safety items like electronic stability control, electronic traction control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, and the like. Also highlighted are its collision fuel-off system – an important function to have that risks turning an accident into an out-of-control fire. Airbags come in the form of dual front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags.

Haval H2 2021-2022 Strengths & Weakness

As is the case with all smaller brands, the ultimate weakness that these products face is a lack of brand presence and a dealer network. Purchasing a Haval H2 means not only taking a chance on a product with a relatively small group of users and a relatively unknown brand, but also committing to finding a dealer and service centre in order to take care of your car’s maintenance and keep that factory warranty.

That being said, for the price that Haval asks there is a reasonable amount of equipment an features – and let’s not forget that it does come with a punch turbocharged powertrain. The Haval H2 may not be as immediately popular, but it has its merits that may require a personal test drive at a showroom in order to appreciate.

Haval H2 2021-2022 Price

There is but one variant of the Haval H2 and it’s known as the Premium – though for a time you could also get the entry level Comfort variant. This facelifted model is sometimes affixed with the Reborn suffix, though this isn’t any specific variant or model. The pricing for the Premium variant is just RM 90,163.01, inclusive of everything you need short of insurance. This price is also not taking into account the current sales tax exemptions in place by the government, and it is inclusive of a five-year, 150,000 kilometre warranty from factory.

Haval H2 2021-2022 Features

The list of features on the Haval H2 is surprisingly competitive. For example, the front driver seat is six-way electrically adjustable, while the passenger seat is four-way manually adjustable. You get an electronic parking brake, keyless entry and start, as well as cruise control. The steering wheel has switches to control audio, as well as Bluetooth and cruise control functions. There is a 3.5-inch multi-function trip meter that sits in the instrument cluster to provide you with pertinent information.

Single zone automatic climate control comes as standard, as well as a rudimentary infotainment system. Automatic LED headlights come as standard with this variant as well, as does a reverse camera. You can even specify particular additional options such as a heated front seat, a 0.5 kilogram fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit.

Haval H2 2021-2022 Fuel Consumption

The manufacturer quoted fuel consumption figure for the Haval H2 is a decent 9.0 litres per 100 kilometres, which translates to 11.1 kilometres per litre. This is pretty normal for SUVs that have a larger frontal area, poor isolation of air travelling underneath the car, and usually more drag generated by the wheels and tyres package. Ultimately however, this figure is contingent on you driving the Haval H2 more sensibly as turbocharged cars are prone to drinking significantly more fuel if you’re a heavy footed driver.