Haval Jolion Pro (2024) Launch Review
The facelifted Haval Jolion and its boldly-styled Jolion Pro sibling have been launched in Mzansi. We headed to Gauteng to try out the Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T S Ultra Luxury.
The Haval Jolion has been the top-selling model of GWM South Africa (GWM SA)’s luxury SUV sub-division since it arrived in the local new-vehicle market (as the successor to the H2) in 2021.
And it’s easy to understand why the Chinese brand’s small crossover (compact family car) has become so popular in Mzansi (with new-unit sales running into the hundreds virtually every month)…
In the current economic climate, affordability and value for money have become critically important as cash-strapped motorists clamour for models that offer more for less. To optimise its offering, GWM SA has rolled out a facelifted Jolion and the striking Jolion Pro; we focused on the latter during the launch.
Which models rival the Haval Jolion Pro?
As ever, style is subjective, but most observers will agree that the Haval Jolion Pro’s distinctive design exudes sheer kerb appeal. In a segment that is chock-full of vehicles that are vying for buyers’ attention, a model’s design needs to exact an emotional reaction to stand out – the Jolion Pro does exactly that.
The Jolion Pro sits wider and taller than the Jolion (for the benefit of anoraks, the new variant is 4 470 mm long, 1 898 mm wide, and 1 625 mm tall), but it rides on the same L.E.M.O.N. platform as its sibling.
And if you’re one of those anoraks, you’ll have noticed that those dimensions are near-identical to those of the Toyota Corolla Cross, which we think is the Haval’s main rival. Other alternatives worth considering include the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Kia Seltos, Hyundai Creta, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Volkswagen T-Cross.
What’s on offer?
Haval Motors South Africa offers the Jolion Pro in 3 trim levels (Premium, Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury) and customers have the choice of 5 colours: Hamilton White, Sun Black, Light Ayers Grey and HD Blue.
The powertrain line-up has been carried over from the pre-facelift Jolion range: a 1.5-litre 4-cylinder turbopetrol engine that produces 105 kW/210 Nm or 130 kW/270 Nm (in the case of the 1.5T S Ultra Luxury), while the range-topping petrol-electric hybrid (HEV) version combines a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine with a CVT, an electric motor and a battery pack, to produce 140 kW/375 Nm.
While customers have the option of a manual ‘box in the entry-level Jolion, all Jolion Pro variants bar the 1.5 HEV Ultra Luxury use a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The range’s claimed fuel economy figures range from 8.1 L/100 km to 7.5 L/100 km (1.5T S Ultra Luxury) and 5.1 L/100 km (1.5 HEV Ultra Luxury).
Irrespective of which trim grade you choose, the Jolion Pro offers an impressive level of standard specification in a suitably solid-feeling and spacious (for an upsized compact family car) cabin. What’s more, the newcomer’s common touchpoints look reasonably upmarket and are pleasant to touch.
There are some clever touches too, such as a USB charging port integrated into the rear-view mirror –you can use it to power your dashcam. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is also included.
What’s the Jolion Pro like to drive?
Our evaluation drive of the 1.5T S Ultra Luxury saw us traverse the highways and back roads of Muldersdrift and Fourways in Gauteng. The Jolion Pro’s engine and transmission seem reasonably well-calibrated; our sporty “S” derivative was quite responsive and performed spiritedly when required.
Admittedly, the turbopetrol engine did sound a bit strained and coarse high in its rev range, but we have to point out that our test unit only had about 300 km on the clock at the time – it was barely run in.
Sadly, as we found with its predecessors, the Jolion Pro’s fuel consumption was higher than expected. Despite applying a restrained driving style and utilising the vehicle’s Eco drive mode during our journey, we couldn’t achieve an indicated return of under 9 L/100 km (to reiterate, Haval’s claimed figure is 7.5 L/100 km). We suspect, however, that the efficiency may improve as the engine loosens up over time.
The Jolion Pro 1.5T S Ultra Luxury‘s suspension setup comprises MacPherson struts up front, with an independent multi-link arrangement at the rear. It is important to note that lesser variants (1.5T Premium and -Super Luxury) feature a torsion beam at the rear, so their ride qualities are likely to be less refined.
In fact, our biggest criticism of the Haval Pro’s driving experience is its sporty (in other words, decidedly firm) ride quality. There’s adequate damping on slightly uneven roads, but we felt the newcomer’s ride never quite settled down unless it was cruising on a highway. The steering isn’t sloppy, but could do with some more feel and directness. Still, in light of the model’s price position, we don’t want to nitpick.
How much does the Haval Jolion Pro cost in SA?
All Jolion Pro derivatives are sold with a 5-year/100 000 km warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, apart from the 1.5 HEV Ultra Luxury flagship, which comes with a 7-year/200 000 km warranty (as well as 8 years or 150 000 km of coverage for the battery) and a 5-year/75 000 km service plan.
See also: Haval Jolion and Jolion Pro (2024) Price & Specs
Summary
As reported in our recent Haval Jolion and Jolion Pro (2024) Price & Specs article, the pricing of the updated range is keener than that of the pre-facelift model, which seems almost too good to be true – consumers expect newer products (with more features) to cost more! However, by global standards, the Jolion Pro is not exactly “new” – it is a variant of a car that debuted in China as recently as mid-2021.
Chinese car manufacturers have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to bring new or updated products to market more swiftly and regularly than legacy carmakers. But that won’t bother car buyers who are desperate to stretch their Rands at all. While the Haval Jolion Pro is not a fundamentally new product (it retains the powertrains and several components of the outgoing model), its head-turning packaging and enviable value proposition will be major drawcards… that will compensate for minor refinement issues.
Further Reading:
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