Shaping up

12 months 19 080 km 10,83 L/100 km

+ styling; specification; rear seat packaging; overall comfort - fuel consumption; small (covered) luggage compartment; absence of conveniently located service workshop

A mere two years since launching in South Africa, what I found most interesting during my 12 months as a Haval “owner” is how questions from bystanders have evolved from obliviousness about the brand into genuine curiosity. Indeed, as GWM’s SUV-focused division continues to gain a steady foothold in the value-driven South African market, it’s been impressive to witness first-hand how consumer attitudes to vehicles produced in China have shifted from (at times well-founded) scepticism towards general acceptance. And Haval leads that charge.