Haval reduces H2 pricing

Haval has chopped $1500 out of the price for the entry-level H2 Premium with manual transmission – and the new price of $24,990 also includes on-road costs.

The drive-away pricing is a limited-time offer, according to the importer. At that price the H2 offers a five-year warranty, 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, rain-sensing wipers and a sunroof – features that its closest competitors don't. Honda's HR-V, for the same price as the H2 without the on-road costs absorbed, rides on 16-inch wheels, but does offer a self-shifting CVT. Mazda's entry-level CX-3 Neo also rides on 16-inch wheels, but starts $5000 cheaper than the H2 (but again, not drive-away pricing).

The H2's turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine runs ahead of its two Japanese rivals for power and torque, but the Honda and Mazda are both naturally-aspirated and consume fuel at a significantly slower rate.

Coming so soon after the launch of the brand in Australia the new pricing strategy is an indication that buyers are not convinced the H2 represents particularly good value in the tightly contested small SUV segment of the market. Haval Australia's Chief Marketing Officer, Tim Smith, was quoted in a press release making that very observation, but worded carefully.

"From day one, the HAVAL H2 has always represented feature-packed motoring," he said.

"Now with the Premium manual available for just $24,990 drive-away, it represents outstanding value for money as well and a saving of more than $3000.

"It signals the next chapter in the growing HAVAL story, with some exciting news in the pipeline for the brand in Australia."

The final sentence hints at the return of the Great Wall brand, distributed through Haval's dealer network.