So, how did I end up with a Haval M6 manual? Well, it wasn’t exactly a planned purchase. I was looking for something reliable, something that wouldn’t break the bank, and something… different. Let’s just say I’m not one for following the crowd. I’d been looking at a few used cars, the usual suspects, but nothing really grabbed me. Then, I saw this Haval M6, a manual transmission, sitting on a lot. It looked… quirky. A bit like a time capsule from the noughties, and that’s what appealed to me. It was a gamble, sure, but the price was right, and the idea of driving something a little less common was too tempting to resist. Plus, let’s be honest, finding a manual transmission car these days feels like a treasure hunt.
Now, let’s talk about the equipment. It’s… basic. Let’s not beat around the bush. We’re not talking about leather seats or a fancy infotainment system here. Think cloth seats, manual windows, and a radio that probably predates smartphones. But you know what? That’s part of its charm. There’s a certain simplicity to it, a lack of distractions that I actually find quite refreshing. It’s got air conditioning, thankfully, which is essential, especially during summer. The sound system is… adequate. It gets the job done, but don’t expect any booming bass. The safety features are… well, they’re there, but again, it’s nothing groundbreaking. Think basic airbags and ABS. But for the price I paid, I wasn’t expecting a luxury vehicle. It’s functional, and that’s what matters to me. The practicality of it is what I really appreciate. It’s got decent boot space, enough to fit my weekly shopping and more.
And the engine? Ah, the engine. It’s a TWO-POINT-FOUR liter, FOUR-cylinder petrol engine. It’s not exactly a powerhouse, but it gets the job done. It’s not going to win any races, but it’s surprisingly peppy for its age and size. It’s got a nice, throaty rumble to it, which I find quite satisfying. The manual transmission is a bit… clunky. It’s definitely seen better days, but it adds to the character of the car. It requires a bit more effort than a modern automatic, but I actually enjoy the engagement it provides. It makes you feel more connected to the driving experience. Fuel economy is… average. I’m getting around EIGHT kilometers per liter in city driving, which isn’t great, but it’s not terrible either. On the highway, I can stretch it to about TEN kilometers per liter. It’s not a fuel-sipping marvel, but again, it’s not a deal breaker for me. The overall driving experience is surprisingly enjoyable. It’s not fast, but it’s comfortable and easy to maneuver. It’s a car that you can just relax in and enjoy the journey. It’s a throwback to a simpler time, and I appreciate that.
So, the manual gearbox. Now, this is where things get interesting. It’s a FIVE-SPEED manual, and let me tell you, it feels like a throwback. Not in a bad way, necessarily, but it definitely has that old-school, mechanical feel. The throws are quite long, which takes some getting used to, especially if you’re coming from a modern car with a shorter, more precise shift. There’s a bit of a notchy feel to it too; it’s not the slickest shifter I’ve ever encountered. But, honestly, there’s a certain charm to it. It engages you in the driving experience in a way that automatics just can’t. You’re actively involved in the process, and that’s something I appreciate. The clutch is fairly heavy, which again, adds to that old-school feel. It’s not overly difficult, but it’s definitely not feather-light. I’ve found myself getting a little bit of leg fatigue on longer drives, but nothing unbearable. Overall, the manual transmission is a defining characteristic of this Haval M6, and while it might not be perfect, it adds a unique character to the driving experience. It’s definitely not for everyone, but for those who appreciate a more engaging drive, it’s a welcome feature.
Let’s move on to the interior and multimedia system. The interior design is… well, it’s functional. It’s not exactly going to win any awards for style or elegance. The materials are mostly hard plastics, which is expected at this price point, but they do feel a little cheap. The dashboard layout is straightforward, though. Everything is easy to find and reach, which is a plus. The seats are reasonably comfortable for shorter journeys, but I wouldn’t want to spend EIGHT or TEN hours in them. They lack a bit of lumbar support, which I found myself missing on longer trips. Now, the multimedia system. It’s a pretty basic system. It has a small touchscreen, and the graphics are… let’s just say they haven’t aged particularly well. The sound quality is adequate, but nothing to write home about. It does have Bluetooth connectivity, which is a must-have these days, and it handles that function without any issues. Overall, the interior is perfectly acceptable for daily driving, but it’s not exactly a luxurious or technologically advanced space. It’s practical, but it’s definitely showing its age.
Finally, let’s talk about the steering and suspension. The steering is quite light, almost too light at times. It lacks a bit of feel and feedback, which makes it a little less engaging than I’d prefer. It’s perfectly adequate for city driving, but on the highway, it can feel a bit vague. The suspension, on the other hand, is surprisingly comfortable. It does a good job of absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road, making for a relatively smooth ride. It’s not particularly sporty, but it’s comfortable enough for everyday use. There’s a bit of body roll in corners, which is to be expected given the suspension setup, but it’s not excessive. Overall, the steering and suspension provide a comfortable ride, but they’re not particularly exciting or engaging. They’re functional and get the job done, but they don’t exactly elevate the driving experience.
