To prove the reliability and longevity of its vehicles, GWM’s Brazilian subsidiary recently dismantled a unit of the popular Haval H6 Hybrid (HEV) that had done 51,886km at the hands of different drivers and in different driving situations, such as intense urban traffic, dirt roads, and highways in the Latin American country.
According to Brazilian publication Inside EVs, who were able to see the disassembled SUV in the metal, the vehicle did not undergo any inspection or maintenance from when it was first built until it was taken apart, not even so much as a change of engine oil or air filters.
A clean bill of health
The Haval H6 HEV features the automaker’s in-house 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol engine combined with an electric motor and battery that altogether generate 179kW and 530Nm, which is directed to the front wheels exclusively through a “two-speed dedicated hybrid transmission.”
The disassembly and evaluation of the SUV was carried out by Fabio Fukuda, an expert in the industry who has already dismantled in excess of 100 cars over 23 years for similar tests, at a dealership in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
It took a total of three days to take apart the H6 completely, with another full day allocated to the analysis of components such as the spark plugs, turbocharger, cylinders and pistons, brakes, crankshaft, cooling, bodywork, suspension and steering, interior and finishing, and electrical transmission system.
Upon closer inspection of these parts, Fukuda highlighted that they showed minimal wear apart from the expected dust and grime that has built up over nearly 52,000km on the road.
He pointed out a few notable findings, including the cylinders that still showed their original burnishing marks, no visible wearing on the necks of the crankshaft, “very little” carbonization on the intake valves compared to other cars with similar mileage, a turbo in tip-top shape indicating a healthy oil system, and no play or leaks in the suspension system.
The Haval’s brake discs and pads – which on most cars must be replaced on a semi-regular basis due to heavy use – also showed “practically no wear” thanks to the regenerative braking abilities of the hybrid powertrain.2
The empty passenger cell drew more compliments from the expert, being lauded for its lack of dust under the seats and carpets which was attributed to the quality of the door and window seals, as well as the sturdy and tight-fitting instruments.
“[The H6 HEV] was a car that really surprised with its construction quality, the durability, and the robustness of the parts,” said Fukuda.
“With this, we put an end once and for all to the myth that Chinese cars lack quality. This is a thing of the past. We are not behind any brand. But we see several of them in our rearview mirror,” said Oswaldo Ramos, GWM Brasil CCO.
Disassembled Haval H6 HEV
Source: Inside EVs
Keyword: Haval proves reliability of H6 Hybrid with full disassembly