DRIVEN: Haval Jolion 1,5T 7DCT 2WD Super Luxury
Despite the devastating consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the global automotive industry, the local arm of GWM and Haval managed to continue to invest in the brand’s presence in South Africa with the introduction of the P-Series bakkie in late 2020. Now the brand just began its next phase of local vehicle introductions with the Haval Jolion. The firm’s Managing Director Phil Li stated that
the company proudly accounts for 96 per cent of Chinese branded cars sold locally and this market share is set to be cemented by this launch.
Entering the crowded compact SUV arena is not something to be taken lightly and Haval reckon that they’ve done sufficient research and development on the Jolion to grab sales from their closest competitors. In order for the new Jolion to make a strong first impression we were handed the keys to the flagship Super Luxury model at the launch.
The performance figures are on paper superior to its naturally aspirated rivals like the similar priced 1,5-litre 84 kW Hyundai Creta and 1,6-litre 90 kW Kia Seltos,
however, on the road the engine did suffer from noticeable turbo-lag and needed to rev beyond 2 500 r/min before feeling like the turbo was really on song. Our test unit did only have 34 km on the clock when we got behind the wheel and I have no doubt that it should feel livelier once properly run-in. In terms of fuel economy the Haval Jolion
claims to average 8,1 L/100 km and we saw an average of 9,2 L/100 km on our 250 km test drive. This makes the Jolion thirstier than expected but again the very low mileage on our test car could also be responsible for the inflated consumption.
All Haval Jolion models are powered by a 1,5-litre turbocharged petrol engines that develops 105 kW between 5 600-6 000 r/min and 210 N.m between 2 000-4 400 r/min with the grunt sent to the front wheels via a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. We drove the latter self-shifting unit and it feels well suited to the vehicle as it works intuitively with your throttle inputs and adapts well to the selected driving mode of which there are four: Standard, Eco, Sport and Snow. There are also paddle shifters should you wish to change gear yourself but it dual-clutch is more than capable than managing the ratios when left to its own devices. When pulling away on steep inclines the transmission can take a while to fully engage as but a standard hill-hold assist function keeps the car from rolling back.
Fast Facts
Model:Haval Jolion 1,5T 7DCT 2WD Super Luxury
Price:R398 900
Engine:1,5-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
Power:105 kW at 5 600-6 000 r/min
Torque:210 N.m at 2 000- 4 400 r/min
0-100 km/h:N/A
Top Speed:N/A
Fuel Consumption:8,1 L/100 km
Transmission:Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic
Maintenance Plan:Five-year/60 000 km service plan
Despite the devastating consequences that the COVID-19 pandemic had on the global automotive industry, the local arm of GWM and Haval managed to continue to invest in the brand’s presence in South Africa. Now the brand just began its next phase of local vehicle introductions with the Haval Jolion.
www.carmag.co.za