The Haval H6 has been selling up a storm in South Africa, but the stylish coupe-like H6 GT appeals to a performance and style-focused clientele. The H6 GT 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury doesn’t have many direct rivals and for the same money, the top-of-the-range Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0TSI 140kW 4Motion R-Line is perhaps its most formidable foe in the local market. Which one offers the best value and which one should you buy? Let’s take a closer look…
Haval’s success in South Africa has been nothing short of staggering . The new Haval H6 and the Haval Jolion have enjoyed considerable success, so much so that Haval can barely load cars onto ships fast enough to relieve the vigorous demand for its SUVs.
Much of this success is due to Haval’s strategy of providing modern, stylish and highly specified vehicles at prices that local buyers simply can’t ignore. Haval South Africa recently launched its thoroughly updated H6 in South Africa, including a powerful new H6 GT PHEV , the first for the firm on local soil. However, Haval is still (for now) selling the outgoing H6 GT, the subject of this article, alongside the new H6 GT PHEV.
Read our Haval H6 GT Launch Review
With its coupe-like silhouette, the standalone H6 GT 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury offers a sportier stance over the standard H6 and it offers some performance benefits too (see below for more). At its price point, the Haval H6 GT doesn’t have any glaringly obvious rivals. However, some alternatives include the Mazda CX-30 , Mini Countryman , Volvo XC40 and indeed the Volkswagen T-Roc .
The updated Volkswagen T-Roc arrived locally earlier in 2022 and while it’s physically smaller than the H6 GT, it also features a sleek coupe-like silhouette. The flagship 2.0TSI 140kW 4Motion R-Line is the sportiest-looking derivative in the range and is priced in the same ballpark as the Haval (if a little higher; the VW Tiguan is a natural rival to the H6 but lacks a sportier variant). Both feature attractive styling cues – it’s up to you to decide which one appeals to you the most!
Many buyers might be asking themselves whether it’s best to hand over their money to Haval, or, alternatively, if they should play it safe and join the Volkswagen family. Each buyer will justify either purchase in their own way, but the main aim of this article is to help you, the consumer, make an informed buying decision. To help you do this, we will provide you with the need-to-know information and insight based on available vehicle information and our experience with the cars in question.
This article will cover key aspects including Engine Performance, Efficiency & Handling, Interior Features & Safety, Dimensions & Practicality and Pricing and Warranty details.
If at the end of this article you are still undecided as to ‘What To Buy’, you are more than welcome to reach out to us for additional information or advice via X , Facebook or Instagram and our experienced test team will gladly assist you.
What To Buy – Haval H6 GT or Volkswagen T-Roc?
Engine Performance, Efficiency, Ride Quality
*Note that the range-topping VW T-Roc is used for this comparison.
| Haval H6 GT | VW T-Roc | |
| Engine | 2.0-litre turbopetrol | 2.0-litre turbopetrol |
| Power Output | 155 kW (with 5 kW overboost) | 140 kW |
| Torque Output | 325 Nm (5 Nm overboost) | 320 Nm |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Fuel Consumption (claimed) | 8.4 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
Haval H6 GT
The Haval H6 GT’s engine outputs (with 5 kW and 5 Nm overboost) and combined with all-wheel drive, make for slightly livelier performance over the standard H6, but even so, this is by no means a high-performance SUV, even though its looks suggest otherwise. The H6 GT does feature a ‘Race’ mode which enhances the exhaust note while also sharpening the throttle and transmission but unfortunately to the point where it’s a bit too “overexcited” and ultimately detracts from the overall driving experience. You’re much better off keeping the H6 GT in “Normal” mode or “Sport” if you are in a spirited mood.
The H6 GT’s ride quality is fairly well-damped over a variety of surfaces and even though it has sporty intentions, the suspension isn’t overly firm or compromised for everyday use. The H6 GT’s steering feel is quite vague though and not as direct or responsive as you would expect a “sporty” SUV to be.
As for fuel consumption, it’s on the higher side of the spectrum and Haval claims 8.4 L/100km, but you’re likely to see figures closer to 10 L/100km or more, depending on your driving style. With that said, the frugality of the H6 GT, or lack thereof, is a factor that will weigh against it when making your buying decision.
If you want more grunt paired with efficiency then you can consider the new 321 kW Haval H6 GT PHEV, as reviewed in our recent video below!
Volkswagen T-Roc
The Volkswagen T-Roc, meanwhile, has similar engine outputs to what’s offered in the larger H6 GT and even though it’s comparatively slightly down on power, the T-Roc is lighter than the larger Haval, which translates into noticeably better performance. Importantly though, the T-Roc delivers its performance in a more refined manner and its 7-speed DSG transmission is snappier and more competent in distributing torque to all four wheels, especially with the settings dialled into Sport mode. The T-Roc is also more frugal with Volkswagen claiming an average consumption figure of 7.3 L/100km.
The T-Roc’s sports suspension setup is stiffer than what’s offered in the H6 GT, but the ride quality is still well balanced by offering both the necessary comfort for everyday use, while being sufficiently taught to deliver wieldy handling ability. Also, unlike a typical high-riding SUV, the T-Roc sits lower to the ground (its ground clearance is 158 mm) and its centre of gravity is, therefore, lower, which aids its dynamic handling ability. More so, the steering setup is direct and responsive.
In conclusion, as far as driver engagement and overall performance are concerned, the Volkswagen T-Roc pips the Haval H6 GT.
Interior Execution, Features and Safety
For this section, we will compare key specifications of the equivalent top-spec derivatives from each model range .
You can, however, use our handy Cars.co.za Compare Tool to compare any vehicle derivative you like.
| Haval H6 GT | VW T-Roc | |
| Infotainment system | 12.3-inch infotainment | 8.0-inch infotainment |
| Digital instrument cluster | 10.25-inch digital display | 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro |
| Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Bluetooth, voice control, USB, wireless charging | Yes to all | Yes to all |
| Radio | Radio with 8 speakers | Composition radio, 6 speakers |
| Rear View Camera | 360-degree panoramic camera | Optional |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive | Adaptive |
| Air Conditioning | Dual Zone Climate Control | Dual Zone Climate Control |
| Panoramic Sunroof | Yes | Optional |
| Front and rear park distance control | Yes | Yes |
| Upholstery / electric seats | Partial suede and artificial leather, heated seats, electronic adjustment for front seats | Leather, heated seats, electrically adjustable driver seat, manual passenger seat adjustment |
| Safety Features | 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control with traction control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning with lane keep assist, rear-cross traffic alert, tyre pressure sensor, ISOfix child-seat mounts | 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, brake assist, electronic stability control with traction control, trailer stabilisation, hill start assist, downhill descent control, lane keep + lane change assist, park assist, tyre pressure monitoring |
Feature Summary
In line with Haval’s strategy, the H6 GT is loaded with nice-to-have standard features. The interior has a modern and classy look and feel, while the contoured leather and suede seats lift the cabin’s premium appeal – overall fit-and-finish is very good. It must be mentioned, however, that Haval’s systems, such as the lane departure warning, do need some fine-tuning for local conditions; the safety systems can be a bit pedantic and are difficult to mute via the infotainment menus.
Inside the T-Roc, typical Volkswagen quality awaits with a cabin that’s solidly constructed and aesthetically pleasing. However, as with most Volkswagen products, you will have to tick a few option boxes to equip your T-Roc with the same level of specification as the H6 GT, which could easily push the total vehicle price to well over R700k. Even so, Volkswagen’s infotainment system is superior and easier to use than what’s offered in the Haval, but the haptic feedback controls are ergonomically flawed because it’s easy to activate them by accident (such as with a clumsy brush of your thumb) – we think conventional buttons work better.
Practicality
| Haval H6 GT | VW T-Roc | |
| Length | 4 727 mm | 4 234 mm |
| Width | 1 886 mm | 1 819 mm |
| Height | 1 724 mm | 1 573mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 738 mm | 2 590 mm |
| Ground Clearance | 170 mm | 158 mm |
| Rear Seating Configuration | 60:40 | 60:40 |
| Load Capacity | 392–1 390 L | 392–1 237 L |
The Haval H6 GT is physically larger than the Volkswagen T-Roc and it does offer a more spacious cabin for passengers, but not necessarily for luggage or cargo. Both manufacturers claim the same load space with the seats in an upright position, but the H6 GT’s loading space does trump the T-Roc marginally when the seats are folded down.
Overall practicality is better in the Haval H6 GT and if you are dead-set on driving a Volkswagen but need more space, then the Tiguan should definitely be on your hit list.
Similarly, Haval fans who prioritise practicality will find the standard H6 to be more accommodating.
Pricing and Warranty
*Pricing is accurate as of July 2025
| Model | Price | Model | Price | |
| Haval H6 GT | R665 950 | Volkswagen T-Roc R-Line | R760 100 | |
| Warranty | 7-year/200 000 km | 3-year/120 000 km | ||
| Service Plan | 7-year/75 000 km | 5-year/90 000 km | |
Buy a Haval H6 GT on Cars.co.za
Buy a Volkswagen T-Roc on Cars.co.za
Which should you buy?
Haval’s recipe of delivering good-looking cars that are packed with features at hard-to-beat prices has once again come to the fore with the H6 GT 2.0T 4WD Super Luxury. There’s no doubt that it will appeal strongly to buyers who not only want “bang for buck”, but who want to make a strong style statement and like most of Haval’s products, it’s bound to fly off showroom floors!
Of course, the Haval H6 GT isn’t perfect. At a time when fuel prices are (still) high, the H6 GT’s lower fuel efficiency is something potential buyers will have to factor in as part of the cost of ownership. Moreover, buyers will have to sacrifice some load space and practicality to have that sexy sloping roofline.
Lastly, if you are looking for a dynamic sports SUV, this ain’t it. Is it worth it? It depends if you think the Haval’s considerable kerb appeal can justify its premium over the top offering in the H6 range. But considering what German premium marques’ compact coupe-SUV offerings, such as the Audi Q3 Sportback and BMW X2, cost (over R100k more than the Haval), we’d imagine many would say: “Yes, the H6 GT is worth it”.
As for the Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0TSI 140kW 4Motion R-Line, for its size, it’s an expensive, yet undeniably stylish proposition. It outshines the Haval H6 GT in terms of performance and driving refinement, plus it’s more fuel efficient, but in R-Line guise it costs just over R95k more which will be a deal breaker for many. For that money and with just R30k more, the new 321 kW Haval H6 PHEV looks to be a tantalising deal against the pricey T-Roc.
Both products are niche (or boutique) offerings and purchasing either of them is likely to be a heart-over-head buying decision. Great Wall Motors subsidiary Haval has now been in South Africa for more than half a decade and the brand’s rapid growth in our market suggests that consumers no longer regard the Chinese marque’s products as unproven or “risky propositions”. Meanwhile, Volkswagen’s position at, or near, the top of the new passenger vehicle market, well, speaks for itself.
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