VS
At a Glance
Power
274 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
630 Nm
250Nm@1900
Fuel
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 co
9.88
Towing
—
1885
0-100 km/h
8.8 s
18.1
Engine
1991 cc
2461
Choosing between the GAC M8 and the Volkswagen Caravelle is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The GAC M8 delivers 274 kW while the Volkswagen Caravelle produces 75kW@3500. On fuel, the M8 returns 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km while the Caravelle uses 9.88 — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R1 499 900 for the M8 and R306 360 for the Caravelle. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
274 kW
75kW@3500
Torque
630 Nm
250Nm@1900
0-100 kph
8.8 s
18.1
Top Speed
—
165
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1991 cc
2461
Engine Layout
inline
TRANSVERSE INLINE 5
Cylinders
4
5
Fuel Type
petrol-electric hybrid
DIESEL
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
—
Transmission
automatic
MANUAL
Number of Gears
8
5
Drive Wheels
front
FRONT
Full Time 4x4
—
✗
Low Range
—
✗
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 co
9.88
Fuel Consumption Urban
—
16.99
Fuel Consumption Highway
—
5.33
Fuel Tank Capacity
56 litre + 25.6 kWh l
80
CO2 Emissions
202 combined g/km
—
Dimensions
Length
5212 mm
4789
Width
1893-1940 mm
1840
Height
1823 mm
1940
Wheelbase
3070 mm
2920
Ground Clearance
143 mm
180
Kerb Weight
2420 Kg
1885
Doors
5 incl. 2 sliding side + 1 rear liftgate
4
Seats
7
8
Towing & Payload
Towing Capacity
—
1885
Load Capacity
—
—
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
—
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
—
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
7
1
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
Optional
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
—
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
—
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
Optional
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
—
Satellite Navigation
—
✗
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
—
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✗
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✗
Sunroof
✓ Standard
Optional
Heated Seats
—
✗
Electric Seat Adjustment
—
✗
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 hybrid battery + high volt
36
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle + hybrid battery + high v
120000
Service Plan
✓ Standard
M
Service Plan Years
5
—
Service Plan Distance
100000
—
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
2 / 4 categories
Performance
M8
Fuel Economy
M8
Value
Caravelle
Practicality
Caravelle
Pros & Cons
GAC M8
Better fuel economy (1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km)
Factory service plan included
Quicker 0-100 km/h (8.8 ss)
Higher starting price
Volkswagen Caravelle
Lower starting price (R306 360)
Higher fuel consumption (9.88)
No factory service plan
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the M8 or Caravelle?
The M8 uses 1.1 when hybrid battery charged / 8.8 combined l/100km and the Caravelle uses 9.88 on the combined cycle. The M8 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the M8 or Caravelle?
The M8 produces 274 kW and 630 Nm of torque while the Caravelle delivers 75kW@3500 and 250Nm@1900 of torque. They produce similar power outputs.
What is the price difference between the M8 and Caravelle?
The M8 starts from R1 499 900 and the Caravelle from R306 360. The Caravelle is cheaper by R1 193 540 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Which has a higher towing capacity, the M8 or Caravelle?
The M8 has a braked towing capacity of not specified and the Caravelle can tow 1885. Always verify towing limits in the owner's manual before hitching a trailer.
Should I buy the M8 or the Caravelle?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.