A new wave of MG cars is on the way and the recently launched MG HS is ready to make its mark in the mid-size SUV segment.
However, this model is not lacking in competitors, one of which is the Haval H6.
Both are Chinese cars and both have attractive prices, but there are many features to differentiate these two cars through the specification sheet.
From efficiency to trunk space and interior technology, the differences are noticeable from a new car buyer’s perspective.
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Buyers are voting with their wallets this year. Haval sold 5,926 H6s, while MG sold just 2,287 HSs.
However, the previous HS version accounted for the majority of sales and in our opinion this new model is a step forward.
So, what makes the mid-range MG HS Excite different from the similarly priced Haval H6 Ultra?
Price
Both the MG HS Excite and the Haval H6 Ultra sit in the middle of their segments, although the Haval is $1,000 more expensive.
| Model Variation | Price |
|---|---|
| MG HS Excite 2025 | $36,990 drive away |
| 2025 GWM Haval H6 Ultra | $37,990 drive away |
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Powertrain and efficiency
Both models have similar powertrains, but the H6 is more powerful with an extra 25kW and 45Nm, which is especially useful when towing.
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Kindergarten -
H6 Car
This comes at the cost of efficiency, however. The MG consumes 0.5 litres less fuel per 100km on average, although the Haval has a larger fuel tank to compensate.
Refueling costs for the H6 are also cheaper as it can run on RON 91 unleaded petrol.
Both engines are mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power to the front wheels only.
It’s hard to pick a winner here – each powertrain has its own strengths and weaknesses.
| Specifications | MG HS Excite | GWM Haval H6 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine | 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine |
| Power | 125kW | 150kW |
| Torque | 275Nm | 320Nm |
| Transmission process | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive | Front wheel drive |
| Fuel economy (claimed)) | 6.9L/100km | 7.4L/100km |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55L | 61L |
| Fuel requirements | 95 RON | 91 RON |
| CO2 emissions | 156g/km | 169g/km |
| Emission standards | Euro 6 | Euro 5 |
| Braking ability | 1500kg | 2000kg |
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Size
There is not much difference in size between these two vehicles.
The pair are very similar in size. The Haval has a larger boot space of 93L, which is a big selling point for family buyers.
| Size | MG HS Excite | GWM Haval H6 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 4655mm | 4653mm |
| Width | 1890mm | 1886mm |
| Height | 1655mm | 1724mm |
| Wheelbase | 2765mm | 2738mm |
| Ground clearance | 170mm | 170mm |
| Starting capacity | 507L/1484L | 600L/1485L |
| Weight (tar weight) | 1559kg | 1555kg |
| Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) | 2065kg | 2000kg |
Interested in one Kindergarten or one GWM Haval H6? CarExpert experts can help you find agree.
Maintenance and warranty
MG offers the longest warranty in Australia. Mitsubishi also offers a 10-year warranty, but it is subject to servicing at the dealer network and is 50,000km shorter than MG’s warranty.
Despite the shorter three-year warranty, the Haval is still a more affordable option over a shorter ownership period.
The H6’s maintenance costs are $594 cheaper over the first five years, with nearly identical service intervals.
| Operating costs | Kindergarten | GWM Haval H6 |
|---|---|---|
| Guarantee | 10 years, 250,000km | 7 years, unlimited km |
| Service interval | 12 months, 15,000km | 12 months, 15,000km (10,000km for first maintenance) |
| First service price | $274 | $210 |
| Second service price | $526 | $280 |
| Third service price | $344 | $480 |
| 4th service price | $936 | $580 |
| 5th service price | $274 | $210 |
| Total first 5 years | 2354 dollars | $1760 |
| Average annual service price for the first 5 years | $470.80 | $352 |
Interested in one Kindergarten or one GWM Haval H6? CarExpert experts can help you find agree.
Safety
The new HS has not yet been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP and therefore has not been rated. MG says it is “confident” the new model will achieve a high safety rating once it is assessed.
The GWM Haval H6 has been awarded a five-star safety rating by ANCAP based on testing carried out in 2022.
The car was rated 90% for adult occupant protection, 88% for child occupant protection, 73% for vulnerable pedestrian protection and 81% for safety assist.
Here’s a breakdown of the standard safety equipment on each vehicle:
| Safety Features | MG HS Excite | GWM Haval H6 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Airbag | 7 airbags | 7 airbags |
| Automatic emergency braking (AEB) | Correct | Correct |
| Lane keeping assist | Correct | Correct |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Correct | Correct |
| Adaptive cruise control | Correct | Correct |
| Traffic sign recognition | Correct | Correct |
| Rear camera | Correct | Correct |
| Surround view camera | Correct | Correct |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | Correct | Correct |
| Parking sensor | Front and rear | Front and rear |
| Parking assist | ARE NOT | Correct |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring | Correct | Correct |
| Monitor driver attention | Correct | Correct |
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Standard Features
The MG HS is a newer car and that’s evident when you look at the equipment list. That said, Haval has thrown all its fruit into the Ultra, which sits at the top of the H6 trim levels (excluding the hybrid models).
| Outside | MG HS Excite | GWM Haval H6 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel | 19 inch alloy wheels | 19 inch alloy wheels |
| Spare wheel | Space saving | Tire repair kit |
| Headlight | Automatic LED headlights | Automatic LED headlights |
| Fog lights | Front and rear fog lights | Front and rear LED fog lights |
| Windshield wiper | Rain sensing wipers | Rain sensing wipers |
| Rearview mirror | Electric rearview mirror with heating function | Electric rearview mirror with heating function |
| Sunroof | – | Panoramic sunroof |
| Backdoor | Manual rear door | Electric rear door |
The Haval scores points with unique exterior features like a panoramic sunroof and an electric tailgate.
However, the MG does not have a spare wheel despite the car being fitted with a standard space saver.
| Interior | MG HS Excite | GWM Haval H6 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Climate control | One-zone climate control | Dual zone climate control |
| Front seat | 6-way power driver’s seat | 8-way power driver’s seat with heating and ventilation |
| Number selector | Leather gear knob | Rotary selector |
| Paddle shifters | ARE NOT | Correct |
| Back seat | Fixed rear seat | Fixed rear seat |
| Rearview mirror | Auto dimming rearview mirror | Auto dimming rearview mirror |
| Steering wheel | PU steering wheel | Heated leatherette steering wheel |
| Furniture | PVC plastic | Imitation leather |
Stepping into the cabin of these rivals, it’s another win for Haval.
In addition to the features found in the HS Excite, the H6 Ultra also comes with dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, paddle shifters, and a heated steering wheel.
This is a significant upgrade in this regard, although the material quality requires a subjective assessment.
| Technology | MG HS Excite | GWM Haval H6 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Instrument cluster | 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster | 10.25 inch digital instrument panel |
| Head-up display | ARE NOT | Correct |
| Infotainment | 12.3 inch touch screen | 12.3 inch touch screen |
| Satellite navigation | Correct | ARE NOT |
| Smartphone Mirroring | Wired Reflection | Wired Reflection |
| Phone charger | Wired charging | Wireless charging |
| USB | 4 USB ports with Type A to Type C converter | 4 USB ports |
| Sound system | 6-speaker sound system | 8-speaker sound system |
| Key | Keyless entry with push button start | Keyless entry with push button start |
The MG HS has regained some market share by proving its youthfulness with a more comprehensive set of technologies.
You get a larger infotainment screen with the second-gen HS and native sat-nav is another difference.
That’s not to say the Haval doesn’t have its own unique features – the H6 is the only car in this comparison to feature a head-up display and wireless smartphone charging.
Each of these Chinese SUVs has its own merits, but there can only be one winner! Which one will you choose?
THAN: Buy MG HS
THAN: Everything MG HS
THAN: Buy GWM Haval H6
THAN: Everything GWM Haval H6
