In the past two years, “new and old models together” has become a common strategy for many car models. The Tiguan L, Sylphy, and Passat exemplify this trend. For car companies, the old models drive discounts and sales. The new models maintain stable pricing. This is the main significance of “new and old models together.”
In June, Haval launched the new H6. Three months later, they released the H6 Classic. Why introduce an old model after a redesign? Experts analyze the new H6 and the Classic’s appeal. Does the Classic offer value? Haval only released one version of the H6 Classic. The suggested retail price is 121,900 yuan (17350$), with a limited-time sale price of 95,900 yuan (13650$). This model is based on the third-generation H6 MAX, which was the best-selling configuration of the previous generation.
The Haval H6 Classic maintains the family design style of the previous generation. Its front end is more restrained than the new Haval H6. The interior retains some physical buttons. In terms of key components, the Haval H6 Classic shares the same major parts as the new model. Both feature a 1.5T engine with a maximum power of 184 Ps. They also use a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission.
The Haval H6 Classic offers complete features. It includes an L2 driving assistance system, a 360-degree panoramic camera, a transparent chassis, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, and temperature zone control.
The biggest selling point of the Haval H6 Classic is its price. The guide price of 121,900 yuan (17350$) offers no advantage. However, the limited-time sale price of 95,900 yuan (13650$) shows strong intent. The previous generation MAX version had a bare price of around 108,000 yuan (15370$) after discounts. The Haval H6 Classic offers similar features but costs over 10,000 yuan (1420$) less.
Compared to the new Haval H6, the official price of the new car starts at 103,900 yuan (14790$) after discounts. The 2024 1.5T two-wheel drive Max has similar features to the Haval H6 Classic. However, the Haval H6 Classic lacks smart features, wireless charging, and HUD display. Yet, it costs 14,000 yuan (1990$) less. Experts believe the Haval H6 Classic offers good value for money. How are sales for the new Haval H6? On a positive note, the Haval H6 Classic caters to budget-conscious consumers. It allows them to buy a cheaper model with similar core components and decent features. On a more realistic note, the launch of the Haval H6 Classic reflects a lack of options. It results from weak sales of the new Haval H6.
Since April this year, Haval H6’s monthly sales have not exceeded 10,000 units. Its ranking among SUVs has fallen out of the top twenty. In June and July, Haval H6 sold 5,686 and 5,981 units, respectively. The new model just launched. Consumers wait for discounts, so low sales are understandable.
In August, the Haval H6 offered a cash discount of 14,000 yuan (1990$). Its starting price dropped to 103,900 yuan (14790$). Despite this, the Haval H6 sold only 5,807 units in August. This number is similar to the previous two months. The new Haval H6 lacks strong competitiveness.
The Haval H6 faces low sales due to several reasons. The wheelbase hasn’t lengthened. Comfort features haven’t improved significantly. Driving assistance hasn’t upgraded. The plug-in hybrid model hasn’t launched yet. These factors impact the Haval H6’s sales more than the reduction of physical buttons or the upgrade of the vehicle’s chip. External competition is fierce. Can the launch of the classic model help the Haval H6 regain its peak sales? The classic version offers good value. It may boost sales somewhat. However, the current external environment for the Haval H6 is quite challenging.
On September 10, the new Chery Tiggo 8 PLUS launched. The starting price is 109,900 yuan (15640$), down 17,000 yuan (2420$) from the old model. Buyers can also enjoy an 8,000 yuan (1140$) cash discount, bringing the effective starting price to 101,900 yuan (14500$).
The new Haval H6 lacks advantages in price, power, and seating compared to its rivals. The Haval H6 Classic is cheaper than the new Chery Tiggo 8 PLUS. However, it falls short in intelligence and design. The upcoming new Chery Tiggo 8 will further diminish the price advantage of the Haval H6 Classic.
Next, the Haval H6 faces a strong competitor: the fourth-generation Changan CS75 PLUS. This vehicle features an upgraded design with a triple-screen layout. The wheelbase extends to 2800mm. The new 1.5T Blue Whale engine now delivers a maximum power of 192 horsepower, paired with an Aisin 8AT transmission. Currently, the high-end flagship version of the new Changan CS75 PLUS has a starting price of 129,900 yuan (18490$). Experts expect the base price to be under 110,000 yuan (15660$). After its launch at the end of September, the new model will likely increase pressure on the Haval H6. Summary: Sales have dropped from 80,000 units to over 5,000 units monthly. Many online users feel regret for the Haval H6’s current situation. However, the Haval H6 still has opportunities for improvement. The classic version shows good value for money. Additionally, the plug-in hybrid version will launch soon. Whether these two models can boost Haval H6’s sales remains to be seen.