Haval Motors Australia have just launched the updated version of the critically acclaimed H9. The 2018 Haval H9 features an increase in power to 180kW (up from 160kW), an increase in torque to 350Nm (up from 324Nm), a new ZF built 8-speed automatic transmission and an increase in fuel economy. We got a few hints about it’s release back in May last year, and it’s finally here.
There has also been an interior face-lift with a new instrument cluster with a digital speedo, new centre console design and also a new front end. Upgrades to the LUX model are said to include 18-inch alloys, sunroof, electric mirrors, All-Terrain Control System, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning.
The top of the range Ultra gets all of the above features as well as a panoramic sunroof, heated steering wheel (like we need that in summer here!), front leather seats with heating, massage and ventilation, an infinity sound system and heated second row seats.
“We’ve worked very hard to deliver a seven-seat SUV that delivers for Australian families at the best possible price,” said HAVAL Motors Australia Chief Marketing Officer Tim Smith.
“At $40,990 for the LUX model and $44,990 for the Ultra, we’re very confident we have made a compelling argument for Australian families to test drive the new HAVAL H9. To sweeten the deal, we will launch with drive-away pricing of just $41,990 for the LUX and $45,990 for the Ultra.”
The turbocharged in-line four-cylinder of the 2018 Haval H9, with dual variable valve timing and direct injection systems pushing out 180kW and 350 nM of torque the H9 is no slouch. Compression ration has been pushed up to 10.0:1 (from 9.6:1) and once mated with the 8-speed ZF 8HP70 auto, it’ll get up and move quite well – in the vicinity of 0-100 km/h in around 10 seconds. 
Fuel capacity is a sensible 80 litres, with minimum RON set at 95, you should see a combined urban and extra-urban fuel consumption at 10.9L/100 km. There is also a Borg Warner Torque-On-Demand transfer case with selectable low range making this a “real” 4X4, as opposed to an AWD vehicle. In the press release it also mentions a “Electronic Differential Lock” however does not make reference to whether this is the centre diff lock, or whether there will be a selectable rear differential lock. 
