haval h9 ultra review Page 16

The Haval H9 Ultra is a rather ambitious attempt by Great Wall Motors to muscle into Australia's rugged SUV market, offering a hefty dose of off-road capability dressed in a surprisingly plush interior. It boasts a 2.0L turbocharged petrol engine producing around 197 kW and 360 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and a full-time four-wheel-drive system. The ride is comfortable enough for city cruising but really shines when the bitumen ends, thanks to its locking differentials and decent ground clearance.

Inside, it tries to impress with a large touchscreen, leather seats, and a decent set of safety features, though the infotainment system can be a bit laggy. Pricing starts from about $55,000 AUD new, which is quite aggressive for a seven-seater with these specs, and used models can be found cheaper on Tradingpost and CarShowroom if you’re less keen on the shiny new badge.

In short, it offers strong value packed with features but suffers from brand perception and some questionable build quality issues reported by owners.