So, let’s dive straight into the multimedia capabilities of the Haval M6’s OEM stereo. First impressions? Well, it’s…functional. Let’s just say it’s not going to win any awards for its cutting-edge technology or dazzling features. We’re talking about a pretty basic system here. The screen itself is reasonably sized, I’d say somewhere around SEVEN inches, and the resolution is… adequate. Don’t expect crisp, vibrant visuals; it’s more than sufficient for navigating the menus and seeing the track information, but don’t expect to be blown away by the picture quality. The interface is intuitive enough, though. It’s fairly straightforward to navigate through the menus, select your music, adjust the volume, and so on. There’s nothing overly complicated or confusing about it, which is a plus. The touch responsiveness is a bit hit-or-miss, sometimes requiring a firmer touch than you might expect. But overall, it’s usable.
Now, let’s talk about the support this system offers. It plays the basics, of course: MPTHREE files are handled without issue, and it also supports WMA files. I tested a few different WAV files, and those played fine as well. However, I did run into some limitations. The system struggled a bit with larger, higher-bitrate files. It didn’t crash or anything, but there were noticeable pauses and stutters, especially with video files. The system does support Bluetooth connectivity, which is a nice touch, allowing you to stream music from your phone. The sound quality through Bluetooth is decent, though not exceptional. It’s perfectly acceptable for everyday listening, but audiophiles might want to look elsewhere. There’s also a USB port, which is great for playing music directly from a flash drive. I tested a few different drives, and they all worked without any problems. However, the system doesn’t support every file format under the sun. It’s definitely not as versatile as some of the more advanced infotainment systems you’ll find in other vehicles.
Finally, let’s discuss the file formats. As I mentioned, the system handles MPTHREE, WMA, and WAV files pretty well. I also tried a few FLAC files, and unfortunately, those weren’t supported. This is a significant limitation for audiophiles who prefer lossless audio formats. The system also supports video playback, but the selection of supported formats is quite limited. I tried a few different video files, and only a small percentage played correctly. The system is clearly designed to prioritize audio playback over video. The video playback quality, even with the supported formats, wasn’t particularly impressive. It’s functional, but don’t expect a cinematic experience. Overall, the file format support is a bit disappointing, especially considering the price point of the Haval M6. It’s definitely a case of «you get what you pay for» in this aspect. The system is perfectly adequate for basic music playback, but it lacks the versatility and advanced features found in more premium systems.
So, let’s dive straight into the controls of this Haval M6 stereo. It’s pretty basic, really. You’ve got your standard buttons for volume up and down, track skipping, and of course, the power button. The buttons themselves feel a little plasticky, not exactly the premium feel you’d expect, but they’re functional. The main interface is handled through a small, somewhat unresponsive touchscreen. Navigating the menus can be a bit fiddly, and sometimes it takes a few tries to get the touch input to register correctly. There’s a rotary dial for volume control as well, which is a nice addition, offering a more tactile alternative to the touchscreen. However, even the rotary dial feels a bit cheap. Overall, the control scheme is functional but far from intuitive or enjoyable to use. It’s definitely not a highlight of the car.
Now, let’s talk about the settings. You can adjust the bass, treble, and balance, but the range of adjustment is quite limited. You won’t be able to drastically alter the sound profile. There are also some basic equalizer presets, but again, they’re not particularly impressive. You can also tweak the display brightness and choose between different display themes, but the options are limited. There’s no real customization here; it’s very much a «set it and forget it» kind of system. I was hoping for more granular control over the audio settings, but sadly, that’s not the case. The settings menu itself is also a bit clunky to navigate, adding to the overall frustration.
The disadvantages of this stereo are numerous. Firstly, the sound quality is underwhelming. It lacks clarity and depth, and even at higher volumes, the audio sounds tinny and somewhat distorted. The speakers themselves are pretty basic, and they don’t do the audio any favors. Secondly, the touchscreen responsiveness, as I mentioned earlier, is a major issue. It’s slow, laggy, and often unresponsive, making navigation a frustrating experience. Thirdly, the overall build quality feels cheap. The plastics used feel flimsy, and the buttons don’t offer a satisfying click. Finally, the limited functionality is a significant drawback. There’s no Android Auto or Apple CarPlay integration, which is a major omission in today’s market. It feels like a system that’s several years behind the curve. You’re really missing out on a lot of modern conveniences.
In conclusion, the OEM stereo in the Haval M6 is, frankly, disappointing. It’s the bare minimum, offering only the most basic functionalities with poor sound quality and a frustrating user interface. While it works, it certainly doesn’t enhance the driving experience. It’s a significant letdown, especially considering the price point of the vehicle. If you’re considering buying a Haval M6, be prepared for a subpar audio experience. You might want to consider an aftermarket upgrade as soon as possible. It’s a worthwhile investment to improve what is otherwise a very disappointing aspect of the vehicle.
