A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Historical comparison
Every selected record is historical. Verified South African specifications and last-listed prices remain available for owners and used-car shoppers.
GWM H2
Discontinued model
GWM H1
Discontinued model
Discontinued modelVerified historical specifications remain visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 78 kW🔧 135 Nm⛽ 7.0 km/l
+Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceH2
⛽Fuel EconomyTie
🛡SafetyH2
📦PracticalityH2
🔑OwnershipTie
Recorded price context
H2:
last listed from
ZAR 299,900
·
H1:
last listed from
ZAR 229,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
H2
H1
Maximum Power
110 kW @ 5500 rpm
78 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
210 Nm
135 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
1497 cc
1497 cc
Claimed Mileage
7.5 km/l
7.0 km/l
Ground Clearance
175 mm
160 mm
Boot / Load Bay
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Airbags
4
4
Kerb Weight
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Seating Capacity
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Both H2 and H1 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
H2
+15 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
H2
+10 pts
Practicality
H2
+3 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
H2
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Stronger safety package
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
No obvious weak spots to flag.
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFamily Usage
H1
Strengths
Nothing stands out clearly here.
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Less comprehensive safety features
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
H2
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Large families needing more practicality and usability
H1
Buyers looking for a balanced all-round vehicle
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
H2
H1
Model Introduced Year
2017
2015
Generation
First generation Haval H2 in SA, on sale 2017-2022. Discontinued in favour of the Jolion, which used a more modern platform and powertrain.
Single generation in South Africa from 2015-2019. The H1 was based on an older Great Wall platform and was discontinued without a direct successor.
Facelift History
H2 received a mid-cycle update in 2019 that brought minor exterior styling changes, improved infotainment software and refinements to the DCT calibration. Updates continued through the model life to address recurring DCT issues, with the final 2022 specification being notably improved over the original 2017 launch model.
H1 received a single mid-cycle update in 2017 that brought minor exterior styling refinements and an updated infotainment system. No significant mechanical changes through the model life.
Facelift Launched Since
2022
2017
Spec
H2
H1
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
Yes
Not Applicable
Engine Position
Transverse Front-Mounted
Transverse Front-Mounted
Gearbox
6-Speed DCT
6-Speed CVT
Final Drive Ratio
4.12:1
3.94:1
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
3.4
3.2
Number of Gears
6
6
Transmission Type
Automatic DCT
Automatic CVT
Clutch Type
Torque Converter DCT
Torque Converter
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
6
6
Spec
H2
H1
Claimed Mileage
7.5 km/l
7.0 km/l
City Mileage
6.2 km/l
6.8 km/l
Highway Mileage
8.5 km/l
8.2 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
52 l
42 l
Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
52
42
Spec
H2
H1
Airbags
4
4
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Not Available
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Standard
ISOFIX Mounts
2 Rear ISOFIX
2 Rear ISOFIX Points
Brake Assist
Standard
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Not Available
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Alarm System
Optional
Not Available
Central Locking
Remote Keyless
Remote Central Locking
Side Impact Beams
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front Seats
Front Seats
Speed Alert System
Yes
Standard
Pedestrian Detection AEB
Not Available
Not Available
Front Parking Sensors
Yes
Not Available
Safety Rating
4
4
Whiplash Protection
Active Head Restraints
Active Head Restraints
Lane Change Warning
Not Available
Not Available
TCS
Standard
Standard
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Spec
H2
H1
Cruise Control
Yes
Not Available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Keep Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Lane Departure Warning
Not Available
Not Available
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Not Available
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not Available
Not Available
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not Available
Not Available
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
Spec
H2
H1
Seat Material
Fabric with Leather Accents
Fabric
Seat Adjustment
Electric 6-Way Driver
Manual 4-Way Driver Adjustment
Heated Seats
Yes
Not Applicable
Ventilated Seats
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Steering Type
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Adjustable
Ambient Lighting
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Folding Rear Seats
60:40 Split Fold
60:40 Split Fold
Front Armrest
Front and Rear Armrests
Front Centre Armrest
Rear Armrest
Yes with Cup Holders
Not Available
Cup Holders
6
4
Rear AC Vents
Yes
Not Available
Rear USB Ports
1 USB
0
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Polyurethane
Instrument Cluster Type
Colour Digital Display
Analogue Speedometer
Interior Colour Options
3
2
Driver Lumbar Support
Driver Lumbar Support
Not Available
Door Map Pockets
Door Pockets + Overhead
All Four Door Pockets
Leather Seats
Yes
Not confirmed
Front Shoulder Room
1210 mm
1190 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
1170 mm
1150 mm
Spec
H2
H1
Climate Control
Yes
Manual Air Conditioning
Power Windows
One-Touch Front and Rear
Front and Rear
Keyless Entry
Yes
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charging
Not Available
Not Available
Sunroof
Yes
Not confirmed
Electric Tailgate
Not Available
Not Available
Automatic Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
Rain Sensing Wipers
Not Available
Not Available
Auto Dimming Mirror
Not Available
Not Available
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Standard
Electric Mirror Folding
Electric Fold
Manual Fold
Driver Seat Height Adjustment
Yes
Standard Driver
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Not Available
Not Available
12V Accessory Socket
2 x 12V Sockets
1 x 12V Socket
Speed Limiter
Not Available
Not Available
AC Type
Yes
Manual Air Conditioning
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Not Available
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Not Available
Push Button Start
Yes
Not Available
Spare Wheel
Full Size Spare
Full Size Spare
Air Conditioning
Yes
Manual Air Conditioning
Rim Size
17 Inches
15 Inches
Sound System
6
4
Unlocking
Yes
Not Available
Wireless Charger
Not Available
Not Available
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1050 l
1100 l
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Boot Space Seats Folded
1050 l
1100 l
Spec
H2
H1
Length
4290 mm
4002 mm
Width
1800 mm
1740 mm
Height
1645 mm
1567 mm
Wheelbase
2560 mm
2450 mm
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Front Headroom
990 mm
975 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
52 l
42 l
Rear Headroom
960 mm
950 mm
Front Legroom
1040 mm
1020 mm
Rear Legroom
870 mm
840 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
175 mm
160 mm
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
1800 kg
1770 kg
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
5.2 m
Spec
H2
H1
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
1.5-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Cylinders
4
4
Valves
16
16
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
9.8:1
10.5:1
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Top Speed
175 km/h
155 km/h
Engine Code
GW4G15A
GW4G15
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Bore
75 mm
73.5 mm
Stroke
84.7 mm
88.3 mm
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
1497 cc
Transmission
6-Speed DCT
CVT
0-100 km/h
10.8 sec
13.5 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Fuel Type
Petrol
Petrol
Maximum Power
110 kW @ 5500 rpm
78 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
210 Nm
135 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Spec
H2
H1
Apple CarPlay
No
No
Android Auto
No
No
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
6
4
Navigation System
No
No
Digital Instrument Cluster
Yes
Partial Digital
Wireless Apple CarPlay
No
No
FM Radio
Yes
Standard
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Not Available
Voice Recognition
Not Available
Not Available
AUX Input
Yes
Not Available
Infotainment Screen Size
8
7
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Not Available
Not Available
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Not Available
Audio Speakers
6
4
Infotainment Screen
8
7
Touchscreen
8
7
Wireless Android Auto
No
No
USB Ports
2
1
Spec
H2
H1
LED Headlamps
LED Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
Daytime Running Lamps
LED DRL
Not Available
Fog Lamps
Halogen Fog Lights
Not Available
Roof Rails
Not Available
Not Available
Alloy Wheel Design
Aluminium Alloy Wheels
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Chrome Exterior Finish
Chrome Door Handles
Not Available
Body Cladding
Body-Coloured Cladding
Plastic Body Cladding
Rear Spoiler
Not Available
Not Available
Roof Type
Standard Fixed Roof
Standard Fixed Roof
Wing Mirror Type
Power Folding Mirrors
Manual Black Mirrors
Rear Wiper
Yes
Standard
Door Handle Finish
Chrome Handles
Body-Coloured
Body Type
SUV
SUV
DRL
LED DRL
Not Available
Led Headlights
LED Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
Daytime Running Lights
LED DRL
Not Available
Front Fog Lamps
Halogen Fog Lights
Not Available
Headlamps
LED Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
Headlight Type
LED Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
Headlights
LED Headlamps
Halogen Headlamps
Exterior Colour Options
6
6
Spec
H2
H1
Approach Angle
22 deg
23 deg
Departure Angle
26 deg
27 deg
Wading Depth
0 mm
0 mm
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Underbody Protection
Not Available
Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
0 deg
0 deg
Recovery Hooks
1 Rear Tow Hook
1 Rear Tow Hook
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Ground Clearance Max
175 mm
160 mm
Ground Clearance Min
175 mm
160 mm
Spec
H2
H1
Tyre Size
215/60R17
195/65R15
Wheel Type
Aluminium Alloy Wheels
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Rear Brake Type
Drum
Drum
Spare Wheel Type
Full Size Spare
Full Size Spare
Front Brake Disc Diameter
254 mm
254 mm
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
200 mm
200 mm
Parking Brake Type
Drum Rear
Drum Rear
Tyre Load Index
92
89
Tyre Speed Rating
V
T
Wheel Rim Size
17 Inches
15 Inches
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Drum
Drum
Spare Tyre
Full Size Spare
Full Size Spare
Wheel Diameter
17 Inches
15 Inches
Wheels
Aluminium Alloy Wheels
Steel Wheels with Hub Caps
Spec
H2
H1
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Torsion Beam
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Steering Column
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt Adjustable
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Torsion Bar
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Standard
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Standard
Shock Absorber Type
Gas-Filled Dampers
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link Independent
Torsion Beam
Front Track Width
1510 mm
1490 mm
Rear Track Width
1500 mm
1480 mm
Spec
H2
H1
Service Interval
10000
15000
Approx Service Cost
1800
1500
Battery Warranty
12 Months
12 Months
Maintenance Plan
Not Included
Not Included
Engine Oil Change Interval
10000
10000
First Service At
1000
1000
Service Plan Duration
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Service Plan Distance
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Anti-Rust Treatment
Rust Protection Coating
Underbody Rust Protection
Service Intervals
10000
15000
Engine Oil Capacity
4.0 l
3.6 l
Service Plan
3 Years / 45,000 km
3 Years / 45,000 km
Spec
H2
H1
Warranty Years
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty Kilometers
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
Basic Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
Warranty
3 Years / 100,000 km
3 Years / 100,000 km
Spec
H2
H1
CO2 Emissions
175 g/km
165 g/km
Start Stop System
Not Available
Not Available
Hybrid System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Noise Level
71 dB
71 dB
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
95 Octane Unleaded
Particulate Filter
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Green NCAP Rating
Moderate
Not Independently Rated
Idle CO2 Output
Within Euro 5 Limits
Within Euro 5 Limits
Fuel Evaporation Control
Evaporative Emission Control
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Variable Valve Timing
Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT)
Dual Variable Valve Timing (DVVT)
Spec
H2
H1
Real-world City Mileage Min
5.8 l/100km
5.8 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
6.8 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
8.0 l/100km
7.5 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
9.2 l/100km
9.0 l/100km
Owner Review Count
0
0
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
H2 leads by 6 points
Both H2 and H1 are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
H2
Performance
45/100
Efficiency
35/100
Safety
66/100
Practicality
66/100
Ownership
44/100
H1
Performance
30/100
Efficiency
35/100
Safety
56/100
Practicality
63/100
Ownership
44/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆GWM H2
wins with 52 pts
vs 46 pts for H1
In structured scoring, H2 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, H1 may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the H2 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: H2 35 vs H1 35. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: H2 66, H1 56. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: H2 44, H1 44. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: H2 66, H1 63. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: H2 45, H1 30. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The H2 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The H2 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between H2 and H1 in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: H2 scores 45 vs 30.
Efficiency: H2 scores 35 vs 35.
Safety: H2 scores 66 vs 56.
Practicality: H2 scores 66 vs 63.
Ownership: H2 scores 44 vs 44.
Final structured scoring gives H2
the advantage in this comparison.
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