Those seeking reliable family transport can do a lot worse than the now-discontinued Haval H2. Despite receiving a facelift in 2020, the value-packed Jolion took its place in 2021. If you're considering a used H2, is it worth your time and money?
Haval marketed their H2 as a medium-sized family SUV, but is it really family-friendly?
If you’re looking for a family SUV that offers good quality, practicality, and value for money, the Haval H2 (search AutoTrader for one) might be worth considering. Here’s what you need to know.
Safety
The Haval H2 has received a 5-star safety rating from C-NCAP and ANCAP, thanks to its dual frontal, side, and curtain airbags, ABS braking with EBD, and other safety features. The car’s safety collision evaluation system meets all the global market requirements, according to Haval’s vice president, Samuel Chen.
Practicality
At the local launch, Ané Albertse shifted in behind the driver’s seat (the driver was 1.73 metres tall) and was impressed by the amount of knee room.
Rear passenger space is quite generous for the market sector. In the Haval H2 you’re also getting a full-sized alloy wheel that hides under the boot floor and there’s a pull-out cover to hide valuables from prying eyes.
Quality
We must admit we have been negatively biased against some of the Chinese brands in the past. Perhaps, in the beginning, the quality of their vehicles wasn’t much of a match with the value but Haval has taken a page out of the book of the Korean brands who entered the local market, offering exceptional specification levels at much lower prices than the opposition. Haval took the specification and price advantage concept and matched it with the quality of the competitors.
Looking for an older model? Here are just two of our reviews you can delve into for a further breakdown of the H2:
The Haval H2 could become a common sight on our roads
Haval H2 1.5T Luxury Auto
Specifications
Specification levels on all models in the range are high. Features include items like dual-zone automatic air conditioning, electronic parking brake, hill descent control (on automatic versions), keyless go (push button start), sunroof, multimedia equipment, and more. See below:
- Dual-zone Automatic Air Conditioning
- 3D Fashionable Multi-functional Dashboard
- Electronic parking brake
- Hill descent control (on automatic versions)
- ABS braking with EBD
- Keyless go (Push Button Start)
- 6-Way electrically adjustable driver seat
- Sunroof
- Multi-media equipment
- Multifunctional steering wheel
- Front active headrest
- Park Distance Control and a reverse camera
- Keyless Entry System
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Driving impression on launch
Ané Albertse attended the launch of the 2020 H2 facelift. Here’s what she said about the Haval H2 on the launch route:
The brand is hell-bent on making a dent in a segment that is dominated by the Germans, Koreans, French and Japanese, with a car that has everything the modern family needs (including plenty of legroom on the rear bench), but at a price that isn’t going to cause a lump in your throat.
Read her full launch report here: Haval’s H2 can hang with the big boys (January 2020)
Customer Reviews
According to many H2 customer reviews, the car is smooth to drive, light on fuel, and is great for parking. Backseat passengers say there is plenty of space and it’s comfortable. The car is also quite sporty and affordable.
Unfortunately, there are also very bad reviews on Hello Peter, South Africa’s leading reviews site. Haval SA’s rating is a miserly 1.58 out of 5 stars, and their TrustIndex rating is 1.8 out of 10. After reading those reviews, buying a Haval would probably fill most potential buyers with dread.
Verdict
The Haval H2 offers exceptional value for money, decent quality, good practicality for a family, and a smooth ride. The purchase price included a 5-year or 60 000 km service plan, a 5-year or 100 000 km warranty plus 5 years/unlimited km Roadside Assist.
Considering that there have been (among other things!) complaints about the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and automatic transmission causing mechanical troubles, poor aftersales service and long waiting periods for parts, we would suggest trading in before the warranty and service plan runs out (if you’re brave enough to buy).
Recommended: Haval H2 vs Mazda CX-3 vs Mitsubishi ASX
Read more Haval H2 Car News & Advice
Keyword: Is the Haval H2 good for families? Here’s our verdict.