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Haval H2: Red and Blue Label, engine and what to check when buying
Haval H2 — the compact Great Wall Motors crossover introduced at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show and produced until 2021, when it was replaced by the Haval Jolion. We look at its versions, engine, and what buyers need to know, as the H2 was sold in some European markets.
H2 in brief
H2 — the smaller Haval crossover. In China, it was offered in two guises: Red Label (conservative design) and Blue Label (more aggressive, aimed at younger buyers), which differed in front-end design and interior. However, price, engine, and driving characteristics were identical for both versions.
Additionally, the H2 was sold in Malaysia, Iran, Russia (from 2015, with only around 2,700 buyers over five years), Australia, and made its debut in Italy in 2019. It was replaced by the Haval Jolion in 2021.
Versions — what sets them apart
Red Label debuted at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, while Blue Label was unveiled at the 2016 Chengdu Motor Show. Although Red Label bears the Red badge, the car was released before Haval started dividing models into Red and Blue.
In 2019, the H2 Red Label with a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine (around 146 hp), also capable of running on LPG, and meeting Euro 6D-Temp standards, went on sale in Italy.
Engines and gearboxes
The most common H2 engine is the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit, producing around 148 hp (110 kW) and 210 Nm of torque. It's paired with a 6-speed automatic gearbox, while the base trim in Malaysia came with a 6-speed manual.
The H2 sold in Australia featured front-wheel drive and a 1.5-litre turbo engine based on Mitsubishi's design.
What to check when buying a used H2
First, determine which market the car was built for and whether it meets European standards. The Italian version with a 1.6-litre engine and Euro 6D-Temp compliance is the best bet for Europe.
Test the automatic gearbox (for smooth shifting), the turbocharger's condition, brakes, suspension, and electronics. In 2017 ANCAP tests, the H2 scored five stars, but the specific car's condition is always more important.
Trims
Trim names varied across markets; we provide an example from Malaysia and the main design variants.
Red Label
from 2014A more conservative design version.
- A more subdued front design
- 1.5-litre turbo engine, around 148 hp
- Developed before the Red/Blue Label strategy
Blue Label
from 2016A more aggressive design version.
- A sportier front design
- The same 1.5 l turbo engine
- Ideal for younger buyers
Standard
Malaysia (from 2016)Base trim in Malaysia.
- 6-speed manual gearbox
- 1.5 l turbo engine
- More basic equipment
Comfort / Premium
Malaysia (from 2016)Better-equipped versions with an automatic gearbox.
- 6-speed automatic gearbox
- Often — more comfort features
- Premium — the top trim
H2 trim comparison
| Red Label | Blue Label | Standard (MY) | Premium (MY) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For a more subdued look | For a sportier appearance | Cheapest option | Best equipped |
| Engine | 1.5 turbo, around 148 hp | 1.5 turbo, around 148 hp | 1.5 turbo, around 148 hp | 1.5 turbo, around 148 hp |
| Gearbox | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | Budget | Budget | Budget | Mid-range |
If you're after an affordable crossover, any H2 will do. In Europe, look for an Italian-sold Red Label with a 1.6-litre engine, but first check the availability of parts.
Pros
- A compact crossover that won't break the bank
- Turbo engine with ample power
- Five-star ANCAP rating
- Italian-sold Euro 6D-Temp version
Cons
- In Russia, it found just around 2,700 buyers over five years
- Finding parts can be tricky
- Most versions offer less comfort and equipment than rivals
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between Red Label and Blue Label?
Red Label has a more conservative design, while Blue Label is more aggressive and aimed at younger buyers. Both share the same engine and have similar pricing.
Is the H2 sold in Europe?
In Italy, the H2 Red Label with a 1.6-litre turbo engine and Euro 6D-Temp standard has been available since 2019. In many other European countries, this model is not officially sold.
What changes have been made to the H2?
In 2021, the H2 was replaced by the Haval Jolion.
Updated 2026-10-21 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
