Kilometres travelled
50,000-75,000 km
Did you buy this car new or used?
New
How much did you pay? (including all on-road costs)
$44,000
What were your needs when you bought this car? Has it fulfilled those needs?
I needed a modern reliable fuel efficient vehicle that could tow a trailer and had a large boot. Yes - Avg 7.5ltr per 100km. Tows well over distances and for a medium sized vehicle has the largest boot.
What were your initial thoughts about the car? Tell us why it appealed to you.
The price point was excellent, especially when compared to other brands with similar specs. In fact, it offered even more advanced technology than many of the better-known competitors. When I dug into independent reviews—both from overseas and here in New Zealand—the Haval consistently scored above average.
Initially, I was hesitant about the fact that it was a Chinese-made vehicle. But after doing my research into Haval’s background and the progress they've made in recent years, my view changed. I had driven a 2013 GWM ute, and frankly, it was underwhelming—basic and rough around the edges. But the latest Havals are in a completely different league. The build quality, comfort, and tech integration are far superior. It’s clear they’ve invested heavily in innovation, and it shows.
What have you discovered since owning the car?
The car continues to run exceptionally well. I’ve kept up with all the scheduled servicing, and it hasn’t missed a beat. Reliability has been a real highlight—everything still feels tight and solid, even as the kilometres rack up.
Impressively, I’m still on the original tyres at 70,000km, which speaks volumes about both the quality of the tyres and the car’s overall balance and efficiency. That kind of longevity isn’t something you see every day.
I’ve also added a few practical extras to enhance the overall experience: floor mats, door protectors, monsoon shields, a dash cover, and boot liners. All of it was fitted at minimal cost, and each addition has made day-to-day use just that bit more convenient and comfortable. It's clear that even accessorising the vehicle doesn't break the bank, which adds to the overall value.
What do you like/dislike about the car?
The vehicle is genuinely comfortable, especially with the adjustable driver’s seat and the added bonus of heating and cooling options—great for all seasons. There’s plenty of legroom and headroom in the back as well, making it a solid choice for carrying passengers comfortably.
The ride quality is smooth and relaxed, which makes long drives a breeze. That said, the softer suspension does mean it tends to sway a little during faster cornering. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but worth noting if you prefer a firmer, sportier feel.
On the motorway, it cruises effortlessly. There's enough power under the hood to give you confidence when overtaking or merging—plenty of pep when you need it. The electric boot is super convenient, especially when your hands are full. I also really rate the heads-up display—great visibility without needing to take your eyes off the road—and the infotainment system is responsive, relatively easy to navigate, and well-integrated with phone connectivity.
Now for the drawbacks—though to be fair, I’m getting a bit picky here.
Lane assist is probably my biggest gripe. It’s overly intrusive and resets itself every time the car is restarted, so you have to go through four touchpoints just to disable it. A minor but persistent frustration.
The adaptive cruise control can also be a bit too sensitive. It tends to brake unnecessarily, especially on sweeping corners on the motorway, which means you often end up overriding it. Again, it’s easy to do, but it breaks the flow of what should be a more relaxed driving aid.
The 2 wheel drive is also a little light in the front and can spin the wheels in the wet. Minor and as long as your aware this can be mitigated, by lightening the foot.
If I had to nitpick one more thing, the suspension could be slightly firmer to give better handling at speed—but overall, the comfort trade-off is worth it for everyday driving.
Any other comments on the car?
It’s a great-looking car with more than enough power to handle everyday driving and then some. Once the world moves past the outdated stigma around Chinese-made vehicles, people will start to recognise what’s actually happening—China has become a serious force in the global automotive industry.
Brand loyalty can only carry legacy manufacturers so far. At some point, people start comparing what they’re getting for their money—and the value, features, and innovation coming out of newer brands like this are hard to ignore.
The new kids on the block are here, they’re competitive, and they’re making a serious impact—whether the traditional players like it or not.
Reliability
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Lastly, would you buy this vehicle again?
Yes
Why would/wouldn't you buy it again?
Because it delivers serious bang for your buck.
You’re getting a stylish, well-equipped vehicle loaded with features that are often reserved for much higher price points. Tech like a heads-up display, electric boot, seat heating/cooling, and a slick infotainment system all come standard—not optional add-ons in the Ultra.
Performance-wise, it’s got enough grunt to handle city, highway, and rural driving with ease. The ride is smooth and comfortable, and there's plenty of space for passengers and gear. The build quality is a huge step up from what you'd expect if you're still stuck in the mindset of "China = cheap." That just doesn't hold anymore.
Sure, there are a few quirks—like the intrusive lane assist and slightly soft suspension—but nothing that’s a dealbreaker.
Bottom line?
You're getting advanced features, modern styling, and everyday comfort at a price that undercuts most legacy brands. It’s a smart, future-facing choice—especially if you’re willing to look beyond the badge.
