Midsize SUVs appeal to South African motorists for several reasons.
Ground clearance is a major consideration since many road surfaces in the country are not up to standard. Modern SUVs also appeal to drivers for the comfort, performance and cutting-edge technology they offer. The midsize segment of the SUV market features both newcomers and legacy brands.
Few in this bracket are better known than the Haval H6 and VW Tiguan, both of which are highly regarded and often described as an “attractive option” or “very impressive offering”.
A midsize SUV comparison serves as an excellent guide for buyers.
Meet the Contenders at a Glance
South African motorists often ask the question, “Is Haval a good car?” The Haval H6 is considered a premium-value midsize SUV for its excellent features-to-price ratio. The VW Tiguan is positioned as a “firm family favourite” in the local market and carries high resale value
H6
| Entry pricing overview | R495 500 |
| Engine basics | 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol or 1.5-litre unit with electric assistance |
| Trim availability | Six trim levels: Luxury, Super Luxury, Luxury 4WD, Ultra Luxury 4WD, Luxury Hybrid, and Ultra Luxury Hybrid |
VW Tiguan
| Entry pricing overview | R664 500 |
| Engine basics | Two types of turbocharged four-cylinder engines: TSI (petrol) and TDI (diesel) |
| Trim availability | Three trim levels: Base, Life, and R-Line |
View the full specs for the Haval H6 and VW Tiguan.
Engine and Performance Comparison
Powertrain Breakdown
TThe engine performance comparison reveals some fascinating information. The Haval H6 engine options include a 179 Kw/530 N.m 1.5L petrol-electric powertrain, a 2L four-cylinder turbopetrol producing 170 kW/380 N.m (standard model) and 342 kW/762 N.m plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The Tiguan engine range is the 1.4L TSI (110kW/250 N.m), 2.0L TDI (110kW/340 N.m), and 2.0L TSI (140kW/350 N.m).
The H6 boasts a 9-speed dual-clutch transmission and the Tiguan a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox dual-clutch transmission.
Acceleration and On-Road Character
Haval H6 specs in acceleration are impressive. In its new GT PHEV guise, the SUV can clock 0-100km/h in a blistering 4.9 seconds. The feeling on the road is instant and powerful. Torque ranges from 380 N.m in the standard model to 530 N.m in the HEV.
The VW Tiguan specs show this vehicle is also a force to be reckoned with when needing to pass on the open road.
Depending on the model, the 0-100km/h range is five to nine seconds and acceleration is extremely comfortable. However, it is well down in torque compared to the Haval models
Efficiency and consumption
The H6 performs well in fuel efficiency, particularly with the arrival of the HEV model which claims a combined consumption of 5.2 L/100km.
The 2L Turbo petrol models return between 7.4 L and over 10 L/100km.
Overall, the Tiguan is slightly ahead in this category. While no model can match the H6 HEV for fuel efficiency, none in the VW range comes even close to exceeding the 10-plus L/100km mark.
By all accounts, both vehicles live up to their claimed efficiencies in terms of real-world driving. The SUVs also both offer eco-mode driving to cut down on consumption.
Driving Dynamics
For the most part, the Haval H6 range offers a comfort-biased suspension which gives it a “composed demeanour” through corners. The Tiguan’s standard trims tend not to go over the top in terms of suspension tuning but higher-tier models like the R-Line offer firmer tuning for high-performance around corners.
Both offerings are solid on the roads but the Tiguan takes it by virtue of being more adventurous in drive.
Cabin Experience Face-Off
Ride Quality and Seat Comfort
Heating and ventilation of both front seats put the H6 up there with the best.
The H6 does sometimes fall short on uneven surfaces,however.VW has offered ergoActive seats in the Tiguan for some time now and these continue to astonish drivers.The Tiguan’s ride quality is also excellent, barely making bumps in the road noticeable.
Space and Practical Layout
Both the Haval H6 and VW Tiguan offer ample legroom across the five-seater layout as well as flexible cargo storage solutions.
Materials and Overall Feel
Haval’s latest models feature a leatherette steering wheel and ambient lighting to deliver a relaxing driving experience. The VW Tiguan has always been known for its high-quality materials and high finish standard and nothing has changed.
Digital Features and Smart Tech Battle
The H6 offers a large 14.6” inch touchscreen whose visuals are sharp and interface seamless to use. Wireless charging and full phone integration are standard.
Safety tech features include Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, Auto Emergency Braking, Blind Spot Detection, Auto Parking Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Assist, with a 540° Panoramic Camera offering unparalleled visibility. The VW Tiguan comes standard with a 12.9” digital instrument cluster, while a 15” screen is also an option. Interface responsiveness is superb.
Driver assist systems include Trailer Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Start Assist, Park Distance Control (front and rear), Electronic Stability Control with Electromechenical brake booster, Travel Assist, Driver Alert System, and Park Assist Plus.
Price-to-Features Ratio
In the price comparison H6 vs Tiguan, the Haval takes top spot with a range of R495 500 to R799 900 versus the Volkswagen’s R664 500 to R855 000.
The Haval H6 does not offer traditional “add-on” optional packages but bundles features into fixed trim levels. The Tiguan’s optional packages include the Black Style Package; IQ.DRIVE Package; the R-Line Plus Package; and the Easy Open Plus Package.
Which SUV Fits Your Lifestyle Better?
The H6 will greatly appeal to drivers who love their tech bells and whistles. Haval vehicles are also budget-friendly. The VW Tiguan, known for refined comfort and capability, will appeal to buyers loyal to the heritage brand
Where to Explore and Test Drive Your Pick
The best way to establish which of these two vehicles suits your lifestyle best is to contact a Thorp dealership in Cape Town and book a test drive or Thorp Haval & GWM.
Ultimately it will come down to price, how much you value modern vehicle tech, or your whether you prefer newcomer or legacy brands.
Decide with confidence by booking your SUV comparison test drive today!
