Review - GWM Haval Jolion

In its latest form, the GWM Haval Jolion is hoping to win over buyers within the compact SUV segment which is no easy task considering this is one of the hottest parts of the SUV market.

Just how well does the latest Haval Jolion perform as a comfortable and practical SUV for Australian buyers, then, and how does it stack up against its key rivals? Let’s find out.

Starting Price: $28,490

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GWM Haval Jolion (PREMIUM) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check GWM Haval Jolion car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The GWM Haval Jolion range kicks off from $28,490 for the entry-level Jolion Premium, with prices stepping up to $30,990 for the Jolion Lux variant, and up to $33,990 for the Jolion Ultra.

Moving to the recently-introduced Jolion S brings the price to $36,990, while the range-topping Jolion Hybrid is priced at $40,990.

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What Features Does the GWM Haval Jolion Have?

The entry-level Jolion Premium comes riding on a set of 17-inch alloys and comes packaged with automatic headlights, keyless entry & start, adaptive cruise control, roof rails, cloth upholstery, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto.

Moving to the Jolion Lux adds a set of LED headlights, a surround-view camera, a digital instrument cluster, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel, and an upgraded six-speaker stereo.

Opting for the Jolion Ultra adds a set of 18-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, head-up display, wireless smartphone charging and a 12.3-inch infotainment system, while the Jolion S receives a multi-link independent rear suspension system, more powerful engine and a set of black exterior finishes.

Range Features:

• 17-inch alloys

• Automatic headlights

• Keyless entry & Start

• Adaptive cruise control

• 10.25-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

• LED headlights (Lux)

• Surround-view camera (Lux)

• Digital instrument cluster (Lux)

• 18-inch alloys (Ultra)

• Panoramic sunroof (Ultra)

• Head-up display (Ultra)

• 12.3-inch infotainment system (Ultra)

• Independent multi-link rear suspension (Jolion S)

GWM Haval Jolion Colours

The Haval Jolion range is available in a choice of Smoke Grey, Azure Blue, Hamilton White, Golden Black, Vivid Green, and Mars Red, while the Jolion S is available with Tropical Green.

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

One of the most important customer demands that a compact SUV needs to meet is that is remains comfortable and user-friendly on a mix of Australian roads, while aiming for a healthy balance of power and fuel economy figures.

In this regard, the latest Haval Jolion is an impressive addition to the ever-competitive world of compact SUVs, thanks in part to its motivated little engine, comfortable suspension platform and its lightweight steering that makes town driving a simple task.

Under the bonnet, the Jolion comes powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder producing 110kW of power and 210Nm of torque to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Opting for the Jolion S adds a healthy 20kW/50Nm to the mix, bringing its total outputs to 130kW of power and 270Nm, while the Hybrid variant produces 139kW of power and 375Nm of torque.

Around town, the Jolion platform is exceptionally user-friendly thanks to its lightweight steering and relatively compact proportions that make town driving and parking easy, while the suspension has been tuned to be softer than some of its rivals that make it floaty on some surfaces, but undeniably comfortable.

For those looking for a sportier experience, the Jolion S gains an independent multi-link rear suspension system that adds massively to the driving experience and makes for, by far, the most engaging Jolion on the road.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

While it might be billed as a compact SUV, the front cabin of the Jolion is particularly spacious when it comes to headroom, meaning that tall drivers won’t feel as cramped as some of its rivals.

The design is sleek and modern, with a rotary dial replacing the traditional gear lever that opens up some space in the central tunnel, while the dashboard design itself is uncrowded with just a few physical buttons topped by the 10.25-inch infotainment system.

All up, the package is impressively premium, especially when you consider the Jolion’s price tag and some of the interior designs on offer in its major rivals, and the news gets even better when you take a look at its practicality chops.

The front of the cabin offers a large storage tray at the base of the dash, while there’s a small storage area for keys beside the gear dial, a folding cup holder tray, and a decent amount of storage inside the folding armrest.

Move to the second row of the cabin and you’ll find one of the most spacious seating areas for rear passengers within the compact SUV segment, with more than enough room even for adults in the rear, which is more than you can say for a number of high-profile compact SUVs.

The second row gains a pair of ISOFIX anchors, top tether mounts, air vents, and a pair of USB chargers to make life in the second row a little more comfortable.

Finally, the Jolion rounds out its practicality package with a large 430L boot, which expands to 1133L with the rear seats folded, making for a truly family-friendly compact SUV experience.

Is it Safe?

The GWM Haval Jolion has received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 90% for adult protection, 84% for child protection, 64% for pedestrian protection and 92% for its safety assist score.

As standard, it comes packed with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, lane-keep assistance, adaptive cruise control, and a surround-view camera fitted to all but the base model.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Fuel efficiency in the Haval Jolion range depends on which engine you’re opting for, with the hybrid flagship standing as the most economical option in the lineup.

The base model returns fuel economy figures of 8.1L/100km on a combined cycle, which drops to 7.5L/100km in the Jolion S, and even further down to an impressive 5.0L/100km in the Jolion hybrid.

Our Verdict: Is the GWM Haval Jolion Worth it?

The latest Haval Jolion is an undeniably impressive addition to the crowded and ever-competitive compact SUV segment, and has quickly established itself as one of the front-runners.

As a complete package, the Haval Jolion performs extremely well on the road, offers buyers a seriously spacious cabin that few compact SUVs can match, making for a genuinely practical offering.

Combine this with its generous features list and outstanding ownership program and we see few reasons not to add the Jolion to your shortlist if you’re shopping around for a small SUV package.

On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year, unlimited KM warranty

2. Five-star ANCAP safety rating

3. Fuel economy between 8.1L - 5.0L/100km

4. 430L boot space

5. Turbo-petrol base model with Hybrid range-topper available

Pros

• Well-appointed and practical cabin

• Impressive passenger space and comfort in the second row

• User-friendly and comfortable platform

• Fuel-efficient hybrid flagship

Cons

• Lackluster dual-clutch transmission

• Some cheap interior elements

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

GWM Haval Jolion Competition