Inphinity:

 

Have not owned, but we looked at the Haval H9 as a 7seater option when we were last looking. It was absolutely gutless, but I believe they've had the engine reworked in the last couple of years. Haven't driven the revised one to compare, but the original felt - both in drivability and general fit and quality - like a mid-late 90s Japanese vehicle. Again, I hear they're now much improved, but unfortunately it was bad enough to put us off the brand at the time. Family friend has an H2, I haven't driven, they seem to love it.

 

 

 

Whenabouts was that?

For me the Chinese vehicles are still in the "not yet" category. If I had the choice to put $50K into a new Chinese car vs the same $50K into a 9-12 month old Korean or 12-24 month old Japanese car, I would pick the Korean/Japanese 2nd hand car everyday. Not to say that will always be the case. 15yrs ago I would never have put my money into a Korean car, but look at what they produce today!

I have no doubt that 15yrs from now I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Chinese car, but not yet.

It seems like many NZers have decided some - MGs at least - are worth buying already, and there are certainly positive reviews particularly of the ZST (eg Stuff). While I've not driven one, the interior fit-out is pretty damn good for any relatively affordable car, let alone one in the low-mid $30,000s. 

It'll be interesting, though, how much interest they get in the plug-in version of the HS, given that comes in at $53k. I should probably walk the talk and check this out properly when it arrives, given I'm keen on a PHEV for my next vehicle and unlike most relatively affordable PHEVs/BEVs should possibly be an ok size (it seems to be CX-5-sized).

tehgerbil:

 

...
Plus tax breaks for businesses are a large new car sales driver

 

what tax breaks are those?

rosco62: Apparently there is a guy who drives an LDV van to Gisbourne from Auckland every day delivering the NZ Herald as he goes (told to me by the guy at the local gas station in gisbourne) ?

I have zlich direct personal experience, but one of my friends has been an LDV salesperson for 5+ years and reckons they are good quality at a sharp price. The number of repeat buy tradie customers he gets would seem to back him up somewhat.

You reckon you could ask him how much you can haggle them down by? Chances are I won't be going to his particular dealership.

Stuff has an “article” on a new Haval model, the Jolion. Claims to be a larger SUV for the price of a small SUV, but it doesn’t seem 7 seater large.

Moving around a ‘larger SUV’ with a 1.5 turbo making 110kW/210Nm raises some questions re likely performance.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/motoring/124763126/haval-announces-fresh-new-jolion-suv-for-nz

Edit - looks like it’s actually a pretty small car, and is a replacement of the H2. Apparently a new H6 has been released which seems to have picked up lots of the better features of the newer MGs (https://www.carsales.com.au/editorial/details/new-haval-h6-on-the-starting-blocks-128526/) - is this available in NZ yet?

As a general rule I avoid Chinese branded products for ethical reason, where viable alternatives exist. Automotive sector is one where they do, so I wouldn't buy one myself.

That said, I am interested in the automotive sector and am watching recent developments with interest.

One of the key factors I foresee changing fortunes in the market is that many of the Chinese automakers have gone into EV's in a big way. As the market moves in that direction, this may place them in a good spot.

Regarding Haval vs SAIC (LDV & MG), the latter seems a lot more attractive to me.

Haval vehicles seem thirsty for the power level on offer.

H2: 110kW, 9.0L/100km (auto) 95RON

H6: 145kW, 9.8L/100km 95RON

H9: 180kW, 10.9L/100km of 95RON (admittedly this isn't too bad for a petrol 4.85m long 7 seater 4wd with low range, 2500kg towing etc)

I have an extended family member that brought a MG ZS EV, and on the whole is quite happy with it. Other than the poor ergonomics of the charge port, that car is very nice. Even came with nice Michelin tire's on it.

Scott3:

 

As a general rule I avoid Chinese branded products for ethical reason, where viable alternatives exist. Automotive sector is one where they do, so I wouldn't buy one myself.

 

What car brands have ZERO chinese parts ? None I'd bet .
Same with most stuff with electronics or batts, I bet there would be Ch components in it .

I've had a scour through LDV D90 owners groups on facebook. A lot of them are saying they have issues at the 11000km mark. They send it in and get it fixed on warranty and are on their way. But I haven't seen what happens after the 11000km.

Mixed reviews though. Some people are really happy with theirs, some people wish they never bought them.

Probulator:

 

I've had a scour through LDV D90 owners groups on facebook. A lot of them are saying they have issues at the 11000km mark. They send it in and get it fixed on warranty and are on their way. But I haven't seen what happens after the 11000km.

 

Mixed reviews though. Some people are really happy with theirs, some people wish they never bought them.

 

Sounds very similar to Great Wall - the older ones. 

Many loved them, but those that didn't really hated them. Had a friend with an older GW SUV and he thought it was great - apart from the fact that it was massively underpowered. That was his only complaint and I don;t believe that's the case anymore. 

I think if you go in with your eyes open, you're OK - and if the warranty actually covers repairs, again your OK