Guangzhou show: Haval reveals H2 concepts

HAVAL has used the Guangzhou motor show to reveal a new version of its H2 compact SUV, called the H2S, which could preview the updated version that is expected to arrive in Australia next year.

The H2S has been split into two different variants, dubbed the Red Label and Blue Label, with the Blue to be marketed as a more youthful, sporty version, while the Red is a more luxurious, conservative option, according to the Chinese car-maker.

The only noticeable differences in the Red and Blue labels are the exterior designs, with the Blue featuring more tapered headlights and a smaller grille, while the rear features a smaller tailgate, a chrome stripe connecting the tail-lights and a unique bumper.

The Red has squarer headlights, a larger grille and a simpler back end, giving the H2S a more modern look over the current H2.

There have also been noticeable changes to the interior, the most obvious being an ‘accordion’ style air vent running the entire length of the passenger-side dash.

A redesigned gear lever that looks similar to the units in the Audi Q7 and Jeep Grand Cherokee also features.

The H2S employs the same 110kW/210Nm 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine used in the current version, however the six-speed automatic transmission has been swapped out in favour of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Haval Motors Australia is looking to update the H2 in 2017, and the H2S is likely to preview what the updated model looks like.

However it is unknown if one or both of the Red and Blue label models will be included, but Haval Motors Australia public relations and product specialist Andrew Ellis said they were keen to get their hands on the new model.

“We’re very interested in talking about when we can get this model to us as soon as we can,” he said.

In the two months that Haval has recorded official sales figures since launching, the company has sold 53 examples of the H2, the most of any model in its range.

This includes 36 in the month of October, more than half of the 61 Haval sales recorded that month.

The result follows price cuts in March this year, when Haval slashed the price of the H2 by about $3000, taking into account on-road costs.