2024 GWM Haval Jolion Review

While it’s relatively new to the Australian market, the Haval Jolion has become one of Australia’s most popular small SUV packages thanks to attractive pricing, interior space and generous features lists, all of which are buoyed by a long warranty.

How well does the Haval Jolion range perform, then, and how convincingly does it demand a spot on your compact SUV shortlist? Let’s take a closer look to find out.

Haval Jolion Competition

How Much Does It Cost?

While GWM is yet to confirm updated prices for the MY24 range, we do know that the current Haval Jolion range is priced from $28,490 drive-away for the Jolion Premium base model. 

Stepping up to the Jolion Lux brings the price to $30,990 drive-away, while the Jolion Ultra is priced at $33,990 and making the move to the Jolion S is accompanied by a $36,990 price tag.

The Jolion Lux Hybrid is priced at $36,990 while the range-topping Jolion Ultra Hybrid is priced at $40,990.

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GWM Haval Jolion (LUX HYBRID) Specifications

What Features & Specs Does the Haval Jolion Have?

Haval’s entry-level Jolion Premium comes riding on 17-inch alloys and receives halogen headlights, adaptive cruise control, cloth upholstery, keyless entry & start, roof rails, air conditioning, a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors, a hill descent control system, USB ports in the front and rear of the cabin and rear air vents.

Stepping up to the Haval Jolion Lux range adds a set of LED headlights, leatherette upholstery, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, power-folding side mirrors and an anti-glare rear-view mirror.

The Jolion S receives 18-inch alloys, an upgraded multi-link suspension package and black exterior highlights.

Finally, the range-topping Jolion Ultra range receives 18-inch alloys, a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, a surround-view monitor, a panoramic sunroof, heated front seats and a major infotainment upgrade.

Connectivity & Infotainment Features

The more affordable members of the GMW Haval Jolion range are packaged with a sizable 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is paired with a four-speaker sound system.

Moving up to the Jolion Lux gives you access to an upgraded six-speaker sound system, while the Ultra range receives a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system.

Does the Haval Jolion Have Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto?

Unfortunately, the Haval Jolion lineup requires a physical connection to your smartphone due to the fact that it does not have wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity.

Once connected via the USB port, the Jolion’s infotainment system is bright and reasonably responsive, though the process of navigating the menus is not the most user-friendly of the segment.

Is the Haval Jolion Comfortable to Drive?

While the Jolion doesn’t lead the small SUV pack in terms of driving comfort, Haval is doing well to close the gap with its more established rivals.

There are three engine options for the Jolion range, with the base model picking up a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that kicks out 110kW of power and 220Nm of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Off the line and at low speeds, the Jolion’s DCT has a tendency to lurch, which is typical of dual-clutch boxes, though when you’re up and moving, shifts are quick and snappy.

Step higher up the range and there’s also a more powerful engine producing 130kW of power and 270Nm of torque paired with another seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

GWM’s Jolion Hybrid receives a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol paired with an electric motor that produces a very healthy 139kW of power and 375Nm of torque and is no doubt the engine pick of the bunch.

Regardless of which engine you opt for, the Jolion remains relatively smooth and user-friendly around town thanks to its fairly agile handling and lightweight steering that makes parking a simple task.

Pick up the pace and the Jolion’s suspension package does well to iron out smaller bumps around town while keeping things stable in the corners.

Leave the smooth city streets and the Jolion feels pretty confident on rougher country roads, with the suspension working hard to keep things smooth and stable on larger bumps and over potholes.

On the highway, the Jolion is equally confident, offering a reasonably comfortable ride quality that makes it a viable long-distance tourer and shows the company is catching up with its rivals at lightning pace.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

With three engine options available, fuel economy figures for the Haval Jolion range depend on which engine you’re opting for, with the base model returning the thirstiest figures of 8.1L/100km on a combined cycle.

Opting for the more powerful Jolion S engine drops fuel economy figures to 7.5L/100km.

Of course, the fuel economy hero of the Jolion range is the hybrid engine, which returns figures of 5.0L/100km on a combined cycle.

• Jolion: 8.1L/100km

• Jolion S: 7.5L/100km

• Jolion Hybrid: 5.0L/100km

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While it’s classed as a compact SUV, the Jolion is a heavy hitter when it comes to space and practicality in a segment plagued with pint-sized SUV packages. 

In the front of the cabin, there’s a decent amount of headroom for tall drivers and a simple design aesthetic that keeps things clean and simple across the dash.

The one downside of this approach is that there are not a lot of physical buttons for quick inputs, instead, you’ll be required to use the large infotainment display atop the dash.

Having said that, there’s a healthy range of storage options in the cockpit, including a storage tray behind the rotary gear dial and a separate storage area sitting beneath the centre console itself.

You’ll also find a pair of cupholders, added storage inside the folding armrest and some large door bins on either side of the cabin.

Move to the rear of the Jolion’s cabin and you’ll find one of the biggest selling points of the platform, with great leg and headroom on offer for those sitting in the second row.

Where rivals struggle to accommodate adults, the Jolion can comfortably accommodate adults without a problem, making it one of the most spacious in the compact SUV segment.

The second row picks up USB ports, cup holders and a pair of ISOFIX anchors with three top tether mounts for you to install forward and rear-facing child seats in the spacious second row.

How Big is the Haval Jolion’s Boot?

While the Jolion’s second row accommodation is outstanding for the segment, the amount of boot space remains very close to its biggest competitors.

With the rear seats standing, the Jolion’s boot measures 430L, though this figure drops to 390L in the case of the Jolion Hybrid.

Fold down the rear seats and you’ll unlock a total of 1,130L of boot storage for bulky cargo, dropping to 1,069L for the Hybrid.

Is it Safe?

The Haval Jolion receives a hefty list of active safety equipment as standard, which is particularly nice for buyers looking at a more affordable base model.

As standard, the Jolion receives autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, as well as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and a rear-view camera with rear parking sensors.

You’ll also find driver attention monitoring, traffic sign detection, safe exit warnings and traffic jam assist.

Above the base model, the Jolion Lux receives a surround-view camera.

Does the Haval Jolion Have an ANCAP Safety Rating?

The Haval Jolion range has been given the five-star safety tick of approval from ANCAP after testing in 2022 saw it score the following marks.

• Adult Occupant Protection: 90%

• Child Occupant Protection: 84%

• Vulnerable Road User Protection: 64%

• Safety Assist: 92%

What Warranty Does the Haval Jolion Come With?

Warranty coverage is another particularly strong selling point of the Jolion range, which comes backed by the company’s seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty program.

Buyers opting for the Jolion Hybrid will be pleased to know that the battery and high-voltage components are backed by an eight-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

The company also offers five-years of roadside assistance as well as five years’ of capped-price servicing.

Service intervals for the Jolion range stand at 12-months or 15,000-kilometres, whichever elapses first.

Our Verdict: Is the Haval Jolion Worth it?

While the Haval Jolion isn’t the most refined package on the road, it’s hard to deny the attractiveness of the value, equipment levels, practicality and long-standing warranty coverage on offer.

Where many of its rivals fall short in terms of rear accommodation, the Jolion’s spacious cabin makes it one of the most practical in the segment, while fuel-conscious buyers have the option of a much more economical hybrid engine option.

As a result, we’d encourage you to add the Haval Jolion to your small SUV shortlist and reach out to one of our car-buying experts if you’re looking to upgrade to a new car soon.

Five Haval Jolion Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty

2. Five capped-price services; eight-year warranty for Hybrid’s battery

3. 5.0 - 8.1L/100km fuel economy figures

4. 430L boot drops to 390L in Jolion Hybrid

5. Five-star ANCAP safety rating