Buyer Q&A: Best Chinese Value Picks for South Africa

The Haval H6 Hybrid delivers a smooth, quiet ride thanks to its electric motor assistance, with enough power for highway overtakes. The suspension absorbs most road imperfections, making it comfortable on South Africa's varied surfaces. The Chery Tiggo 8's conventional petrol powertrain is responsive and refined, with a well-damped chassis that handles potholed roads without harshness. The Jetour T1 i-DM offers a hushed electric mode around town; in hybrid mode, the powertrain transitions seamlessly, though the petrol engine can be vocal under hard acceleration. All three models have light steering suitable for city parking.

The Chery Tiggo 8 leads with generous second-row legroom and a sizable boot, ideal for growing families or long trips. The Haval H6 Hybrid, though slightly smaller, still accommodates five adults comfortably and has a practical boot with split-folding seats. The Jetour T1 i-DM, being a compact SUV, offers adequate rear space for two adults, but the boot is modest. Both Haval and Chery models provide ample cupholders, storage bins, and easy-to-use infotainment systems with physical shortcut buttons. The Jetour's interior feels modern but some materials are harder plastics.

All three come with large touchscreens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and reversing cameras. The Haval H6 Hybrid includes a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and a digital instrument cluster. The Chery Tiggo 8 offers wireless charging, a 360-degree camera, and voice control that works reliably. The Jetour T1 i-DM features similar connectivity but its screen resolution lags slightly. Hybrid/EV modes in the Haval and Jetour require minimal driver intervention; the systems automatically optimise energy use. Over-the-air updates are available on Haval and Chery models.

Chinese brands have improved reliability, with Haval and Chery leading in after-sales support in South Africa. Haval offers a comprehensive service plan, and parts availability is good through a growing dealer network. Chery's Tiggo 8 benefits from a long warranty and competitive service intervals. Jetour, newer in the market, has started building service centres; parts may take slightly longer to arrive. The hybrid batteries in Haval and Jetour are covered by separate long-term warranties. Routine maintenance costs for the ICE Chery are slightly lower than hybrids due to simpler drivetrains.

The Haval H6 Hybrid is ideal for the urban commuter who wants low fuel bills and a refined daily driver, with enough room for small families. The Chery Tiggo 8 suits larger families or those who frequently carry passengers, prioritising space and traditional petrol simplicity. The Jetour T1 i-DM fits budget-conscious buyers with access to home charging who want to minimise running costs on short trips, though they should accept a smaller cabin.