Haval has quickly become one of South Africa’s favourite SUV brands — blending bold design, upmarket features, everyday affordability and a street cred borne of being seen everywhere. Known for bringing premium vibes without the premium price tag, Haval has struck a sweet spot with drivers who want more tech, more safety, and more style in their daily drive. It’s the motoring equivalent of a Huawei as opposed to an iPhone. Same skills, different perception.
Since its local launch, Haval has built a loyal following among young families, professionals, and savvy SUV shoppers who know a good deal when it clearly makes sense on every level. With models like the high-spec H6 and the fully loaded, seven-seat H7, Haval has made it clear: a badge isn’t everything, but being on budget is.
While the JAC name may feel fresh in SA, the brand itself has been hustling hard since 1964. Born in Hefei, China, as a truck manufacturer, JAC (short for Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co., Ltd.) has over 50 years of experience moving people and goods — from inner-city logistics to back-of-beyond hauling.
Globally, JAC Motors exports to over 130 countries and operates five R&D centres across China, Italy, and Japan. The brand’s design department has been boosted by international collaborations, with the T9 range influenced by Italian styling studios. While they haven’t named a headline-grabbing design chief per se, the execution speaks for itself — especially in the new-gen T9 with its muscular stance and refined detailing.
In South Africa, JAC made their entrance in 2017 with a small dealer network and a focus on affordability. Fast-forward to today and they’re offering tough turbo-diesel bakkies and trucks — all backed by a growing national footprint and a 5-year/100,000 km warranty.
All three models are available through a fast-growing dealer network of over 70 outlets nationwide, ensuring easy access to test drives, servicing, and support — no matter where you call home.
Haval’s rise in South Africa hasn’t just been about what’s on the showroom floor — it’s also earned respect for what happens after the sale. The brand offers strong warranty coverage, affordable maintenance, and nationwide dealer support that gives owners confidence, whether they’re doing the school run or heading into the Karoo.
Most Haval models come with a 5-year / 100,000 km factory warranty and 5-year roadside assistance. Service plans are also included on many models, with maintenance intervals typically every 15,000 km — helping to keep ownership costs under control.
Whether you’re navigating rush hour in your H6 or exploring the wild in your H7, hippo.co.za helps make sure your journey is protected.
All Haval models are covered by a five-year/100 000 km manufacturer warranty with an advised servicing schedule of 15 000 km or every 12 months. Terms and conditions allow owners a one-month or 1 500 km grace period beyond the recommended service interval to remain covered.
Roadside Assistance is also offered with a full range of features including battery services and standby support from ADT.
While right-to-repair regulations allow customers to perform regular maintenance at a registered workshop of their choice, wording in the Haval warranty does imply that crucial software updates can only be done at authorised service centers and the brand recommends its own five-year/60 000 km plan – which can be upgraded.
Prices quoted are correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or medical advice.
