Courtesy: Ahsan Javed
Sazgar Engineering Works Limited (SEWL) looks to beat Toyota Indus Motor Company (IMC) to the punch by launching the locally assembled Haval H6 hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) before them. This is a significant development as Haval H6 HEV just made its debut in China back in August 2022.
It should be noted that Toyota plans to launch its first locally assembled hybrid car (Corolla Cross SUV) in a few months. Sazgar launching the Haval H6 hybrid before them would give it a major advantage.
The SUV competes with MG HS PHEV, Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, and Honda CR-V.
It features a familiar turbocharged 1.5-liter 4-cylinder petrol engine that makes 167 horsepower (hp) and 285 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. Combined with the output of an electric motor, it makes a handsome 240 hp and 530 Nm of torque.
The hybrid powertrain sends power to the front wheels only via Haval’s 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). GWM claims an electric-only range of 55 km in the hybrid variant.
The SUV has several advanced features such as:
The H6 HEV is a major upgrade over the 1.5T variant, especially in terms of performance and efficiency. But, a better variant also warrants a bigger price tag.
In China, H6 HEV costs the equivalent of Rs. 4.8 million. While it seems comparatively cheaper, bear in mind that China has completely indigenized HEV production which eliminates several costs. Once the completely knocked-down (CKD) kits arrive in Pakistan, they will include several taxes, driving up the price of the final product.
Resultantly, H6 HEV will likely cost upwards of Rs. 9 million in Pakistan, which may affect its demand significantly.
Photo Courtesy: Ahsan Javed