Affordable Crossover Attitude
HAVAL's H1 compact crossover is a smash-hit sales success in global markets, and is also loved by South Africa's trendy urbanites. Sporting fresh looks and lots of features as standard, the H1 represents (very) affordable crossover attitude. Its raised ground clearance makes it a confident runner in the urban jungle or on gravel roads, and the interior's host of entertainment features makes sure that the road trip never gets boring.

Design
Undoubtedly one of the H1's main attractions, this crossover's cheeky looks are certain to generate lots of talk and turn many heads. It is a very compact vehicle, with an overall length of less than four metres, but with an SUV-rivalling ground clearance of more than 180 mm and stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, it certainly packs lots of attitude into those compact dimensions.

Considering the H1's high-value pricing, the design detailing will come as a surprise. The squared-off front-end features a gaping lower air dam flanked by fog lamps and Daytime Running Lamps (DRL). Skid-plates in a contrasting silver hue are fitted front and rear and black cladding around the sills and wheelarches round off the SUV look. Due to the C-pillar being blacked-out the H1 gains a trendy "floating-roof" appearance that is further enhanced by the standard fitment of practical roof rails.

The H1 is offered in South Africa in a choice of four vibey colours: Titanium White, Sky Silver, Jazz Red and Fashion Orange.

Comfort and Entertainment
The style and modern design continues inside, where the H1 boasts a sporty instrument cluster with overlapping dials and an integrated digital speedometer display. The facia design features a V-shaped centre section with neatly separated control interfaces for the audio (including a large digital screen) and ventilation systems. Vertically slanted ventilation outlets are located either side of the centre hangdown section. Neat black cloth upholstery and the use of silver trim accents on the facia and doors create an upmarket ambience.

The H1 is more compact than other small crossovers, yet it remains a practical daily driver, with good levels of head-, shoulder- and legroom all-round. The boot measures a claimed 310 litres, and a spare wheel is located under its floor. The rear seat is split 60:40 an can fold down to increase cargo space. As a direct consequence of the compact exterior dimensions and elevated ride height, visibility out of the H1 is excellent. Further boosting inner-city manoeuvrability is hydraulically assisted power steering.

As customers have come to expect from HAVAL, the H1 boasts a comprehensive standard features count, including air-conditioning, electric windows/mirrors and an audio system with USB and auxiliarly plug-in support as well Bluetooth capability. Driver comfort is further boosted by the fitment of a rake-adjustable steering wheel. Rear park assist helps drivers avoid those expensive parking scrapes.

Power and Economy
The H1 is powered by HAVAL's trusty 1,5-litre VVT-i engine that delivers 71,3 kW at 6 000 rpm and 138 Nm of torque to the front wheels via a slick five-speed manual transmission. The engine features variable valve timing, benefitting not only performance but also fuel economy. The H1 sips fuel at the rate of 7,2 litres/100 km (combined cycle) depending on driving style and environment, translating to a CO2 emissions figure of 172 g/km. A top speed of 170 km/h is claimed.

Safety and Security
As is the case with all HAVAL vehicles, the H1 has been designed to meet global safety standards and boasts a comprehensive safety package. Dual front airbags and disc brakes all-round backed by ABS with EBD are fitted. Isofix child-seat mountings are mounted at the rear and the front seatbelts are height-adjustable. The rear doors also feature child locks.

Fog lights front and rear boost visibility in poor weather conditions while security is provided by a standard immobiliser, with the further convenience of remote central locking and a car locating function.