WeeklySA_AdminNEW HAVAL JOLION PRO: The flagship HAVAL Jolion PRO 1.5 HEV Ultra Luxury DHT has a hybridised 140 kW and 375 Nm drivetrain which merges a petrol internal combustion engine and an onboard battery
By Ali Mphaki
Sometimes you have to give due where it is deserved. The undisputable fact is that since brand Haval debuted on South African soil in …, it continues to win friends and would like to keep them.
Haval sales have been growing steadily through the years as can be seen by its ubiquitous and unmistakable models on our roads.
In 2023, the Jolion was easily GWM SA’s best-selling model range, hitting a total of 8 604 registrations (or a monthly average of 717 units), according to figures reported to Naamsa. After the opening 5 months of 2024, the Jolion’s tally stands at 2 822 units. At first glance, you’d likely believe that the New HAVAL Jolion PRO is a smart new German coupé SUV.
You would be wrong on its origins of course, but the New Jolion PRO certainly is a smart new coupé SUV.
Now available in a versatile five-model range, the New HAVAL Jolion PRO comes in a trio of 1.5L turbocharged options in the base model Premium, stepping up to the Super Luxury, and the Ultra Luxury. There is also a more powerful 1.5T S Ultra Luxury, while the range is topped by the self-charging petrol-electric Ultra Luxury model.
Looking under the bonnet, the HAVAL Jolion PRO is available in the three-engine line-up. Premium, Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury models have a 105 kW and 210 Nm turbocharged 1,500 cc petrol engine driving the front wheels via an advanced 7-speed Double Clutch Transmission and is good for 8.1 l/100 km consumption. The more powerful 1.5T S Ultra Luxury has a 130 kW and 270 Nm engine and 7-speed DCT good for 7.5 l/100 km.
The flagship HAVAL Jolion PRO 1.5 HEV Ultra Luxury DHT has a hybridised 140 kW and 375 Nm drivetrain.
This Dedicated Hybrid Transmission merges a petrol internal combustion engine and an onboard battery-fed electric motor to seamlessly switch between EV, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid and Regeneration modes.
Able to drive on electric power only during normal, easy driving, the petrol engine activates as required to accelerate or overtake. Boasting an impressive combined claimed 5.1 l/100 Km fuel economy, the hybrid also features performance launch control.
Three years ago I remember coaxing my niece to buy the Haval Jolion and you should have seen the sneer in her face. “I only do German,” she said coyly. But on ogling the newcomer with hexagonal grille with fourteen chrome tipped vertical bar and a proud, yet discreet HAVAL badge, she had to admit the Haval Jolion PRO is style personified.
It is higher and wider than the regular Jolion, and also rides on the same wheelbase with headroom, legroom and the boot capacity to rival the best midsize SUVs rivals that this busy segment can offer.
You may also be tempted to say it has ala Booga Love what is called “Reverse yoMhlaba”, seeing the new Haval Jolion PRO is rounded off by smart and contemporary rear treatment dominated by LED taillights linked by a bar across the width of the car.
Noticeable is the cheeky black spoiler mounted off the end of the roof rails atop the tailgate.
The rest of this car’s pedigree include height-adjustable LED headlights to seamless state-of-the-art Infotainment, and premium 6-speaker sound .
The interior boast typical HAVAL premium cabin finishes, connectivity and safety technologies.
The base model New Jolion PRO Premium has a neat and functional four-way adjustable multifunction paddle shift steering wheel framing a 3.5-inch instrument cluster. The steering wheel gains leatherette treatment on Luxury models, which also step up to a -7 inch LCD instrument cluster. Ultra Luxury variants go another step further with a driver’s head-up display projected onto the inside of the windscreen.
All models get gloss black door handles, mirror covers, a shark fin antenna, boneless wiper blades front and rear, and smart 17” face polished alloy wheels. Super Luxury models step up to 18” wheels and add a panoramic sunroof and black roof rails, automatic headlamps, and auto wipers too.
All Jolion City models come with warranty that is 5 years/100 000km whichever comes first, service plan is 5 years/75 000km whichever comes first, roadside assist is 5-year unlimited mileage.
With the Jolion PRO, warranty is 7 years/200 000km whichever comes first, service plan is 5 years/75 000km whichever comes first, roadside assist 7-year unlimited mileage, high voltage parts warranty on hybrid models is 8 years/150 000km whichever comes first.
The biggest plus is however that it will make you believe that it exists far higher up the price ladder than where it actually sells. But in truth, while it costs far less than its looks may suggest, the New Jolion PRO has the promise to deliver a thrilling new full-specification package in a versatile, high-quality, high-value new range.
Pricing range for the entry-level New Jolion 1.5T City will set you back at R345,950 while top-of-the-range Haval Jolion PRO 1.5 HEV Ultra Luxury DHT at R516,950.
It is also the first new Haval model to launch under the carmaker’s new One GWM philosophy.
