Haval H9 2018 Review

Competing against Toyota's ubiquitous LandCruiser Prado, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento, the Chinese-made Haval H9 arrives refreshed for 2018 with locally-tuned steering and suspension. The MY18 revision also adds grunt increased safety technology. Retailing from $41,990 (plus on-road costs) the H9 is cheaper than its predecessor, and also better equipped. But is it enough to give the petrol-only seven-seater a leg-up on Australia's favourite SUVs?

When we first drove the Haval H9 on Aussie soil back in 2016 it was obvious the up-and-coming marque was in need of a little polish.

On paper it ticked a lot of boxes - it was very well-equipped and it certainly had price on its side - but was in need of a little work where steering, suspension and electronic chassis controls were concerned; three key changes Haval has made to this MY18 update.

The family-sized H9 SUV continues to offer seating for seven and dual-range four-wheel drive, and in this respect it competes directly with the likes of the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser Prado.

But with only a 180kW/350Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine under the bonnet (up 20kW/26Nm for 2018), the H9's touring range and low-end grunt are still noticeably shy of gutsier turbo-diesel rivals.

Of course, not every H9 owner will want to tackle the Canning Stock Route, but with a 10 per cent improvement in fuel consumption - assisted by the inclusion of idle-stop technology and a new eight-speed ZF-sourced 8HP70 automatic transmission - the H9's theoretical cruising range of just over 700km now gives it half a chance.

Add to that a now-standard All-Terrain Control System (ATCS) on both model grades and the H9's off-road potential is greatly improved.

The six-mode system - Auto, Sand, Snow, Mud, 4L and Sport - adapts to the prevailing conditions, and combines with ground clearance of 206mm and a wading depth of 700mm for class-competitive ability. Haval lists the H9's approach, break-over and departure angles at 28, 23 and 23 degrees respectively. Braked towing capacity is rated at 2500kg.

Haval has also addressed concerns surrounding the vehicle's ride, handling and steering. In conjunction with Australian off-road specialists Ironman 4X4 it has developed heavier springs, upgraded shock absorber valving and minor changes to toe-in to make the H9 better suited to Australian conditions.

More safety, better tech
The H9 now also includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and rear cross-traffic alert as standard to bolster safety.

Although it still misses out on autonomous emergency braking and active cruise control - changes expected in an update later this year - the six airbags (including full-length side curtains), Bosch-sourced stability and traction control, driver fatigue monitoring, hill-descent control, hill-hold assist, tyre-pressure monitoring, and anti-lock brakes with brake assist are notable inclusions.

The H9 last received a four-star ANCAP safety rating when tested in 2015. Haval expects a five-star result when the H9 is retested later this year.

For occasional four-wheel drivers wanting the city-focussed luxuries, the H9 offers plenty.

It now features five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, Haval's all-terrain control four-wheel drive system with electronic rear differential lock, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, and a power socket located in the centre armrest on LUX variants (from $41,990 drive-away).

The new up-spec H9 Ultra (from $45,990 drive-away) gains a panoramic roof, heated steering wheel, Comfort-Tek eco-leather upholstery (heated in the first and second row), and an Infinity premium audio system.

Haval offers the H9 with a five-year/100,000km warranty and included roadside assistance program. Service intervals are set at six months/10,000km intervals (whichever comes first) with a Service Price Menu akin to capped-price servicing available - though oddly detailed only at Haval dealerships and not on the company's website.

Looking sharp, riding smooth
The redesign of the H9 SUV sees subtle changes inside and out, including a new-look front fascia and five-slot grille. Haval says it has also reworked the lower air intake to improve air flow to the engine bay, and give the fog-lights a "more circular design".

Inside the cabin, there's a new instrument panel housing a larger TFT centre screen, digital speedo and detailed trip computer and vehicle status info. The centre console is also slightly reworked.

But it's the changes you don't see that are the most noticeable.

The H9's responsiveness and refinement take a big step forward from its predecessor. The engine and transmission react more intuitively to throttle input, while being noticeably sharper in Sport mode. Gearing for the new eight-speed automatic also enables the large SUV to extract more from its unremarkable output figures, with sufficient acceleration available for most scenarios.

Haval's body-on-frame H9 rides with confidence on crumbling road surfaces, the updated electronic chassis control software now levelling its response to sharp manoeuvres, placing it on a level field with its aforementioned rivals. Steering feedback is better than expected, and the assistance offered is suitable for the diverse range of buyers the H9 will likely attract, although we should point out that at 12.1m the turning circle isn't as sharp as its more urban-focussed rivals.

The cabin is also quieter than expected, Haval quoting a 2db reduction in noise over the outgoing model. The seats are well sculpted, if a little high-set, the ergonomics and outward visibility on par with most in this category.

But it's the H9's off-road ability that impresses most of all. This is a capable vehicle with the geometry and clearance to tackle the demands of most recreational four-wheel drivers, the reduction gearing making light work of even the steepest climbs. Considering we tackled all that Werribee 4WD Park had to offer on road tyres and pressures, the H9 performed exceptionally well. The underbody bash plates were another welcome inclusion in the long list of standard features - even if we did have to question the lack of protection around the wiring of some its chassis sensors.

On the up
The improvement shown in the latest H9 is impressive. Haval mightn't be a household name just yet, but the willingness the Chinese newcomer has demonstrated in adapting its product to suit our market is commendable - as is the rate at which its product has improved.

It mightn't have the polish and sophistication of its Japanese and Korean rivals just yet, but it's tantalisingly close. Small foibles and idiosyncrasies are no longer shortcomings for Haval, the brand instead showing evidence of a corporate personality, rather than simply fitting in.

With just over a million global sales last year it's evident Haval is a juggernaut we will watch with interest. And if the progress apparent in the H9 is anything to go by, Haval's future in Australia is looking bright.

2018 Haval H9 LUX 4WD pricing and specifications:
Price: $41,990 (drive-away)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 180kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: N/A
Safety Rating: Four-star ANCAP

2018 Haval H9 Premium 4WD pricing and specifications:
Price: $50,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 180kW/350Nm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Fuel: 10.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: N/A
Safety Rating: Four-star ANCAP

Related reading:
>> Haval H9 2016 Video Review
>> Haval H9 2017 Prototype Drive
>> Haval H9 2017 Video Review