The 2024 Haval Jolion Pro feels like one of those overnight success stories that’s actually been years in the making. You see, Joe Bloggs from down the street may only be waking up to the might of Chinese car making now, but the Far East has in fact had a presence in Mzansi for some time now. 14-years ago I test drove a Great Wall Motors (GWM) Florid and, well, I’d be remiss (and it’d be wholly unfair) to repeat my impressions of that experience here. Frankly, it’s difficult to imagine that vehicle is in anyway related to the 2024 Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T 7DCT Ultra Luxury I’m reviewing now.
None of us noticed, but GWM and Haval (they’re one and the same company – hence the GWM lettering on the Haval) have been quietly and concertedly researching our market. And their piece de resistance is this, the new 2024 Haval Jolion Pro. If you’re wondering why it looks so damn good, that’s because it’s penned by the firm’s design director Phil Simmons. If that name rings a bell that’s because he was once responsible for design at Jaguar Land Rover. Think Range Rover Evoque and Velar and you can appreciate the expertise that’s gone into the 2024 Haval Jolion Pro. Better still, the Ultra Luxury version we’re driving costs just R462 950. In today’s terms that’s something of bargain for a new compact SUV.
2024 HAVAL JOLION PRO
Thanks to this ingrained design prowess, the Haval Jolion Pro’s exterior styling gives it a distinguished aesthetic. In a crowded sector it manages to stand apart thanks to its attractive chromed grille with horizontal slats. Claw-like premium LED headlights with daytime running lights trail down the bumper and provide the impression of a wider stance that it actually has. Around the back, the LED taillights mirror the elongated design upfront. The Super Luxury and Ultra Luxury (our test unit) models feature chunky 18-inch alloy wheels and a large panoramic sunroof.
Beneath the finely sculpted sheet metal of the 2024 Haval Jolion Pro, it rides on the company’s modular architecture. During our test period, we made sure to drove the Jolion on smooth asphalt, as well as rutted and careworn roads in the Western Cape following repeated winter rains. On poorer surfaces it does a fair job to deal with lumps and bumps, although there is still a moderate amount of vibration felt through its firm chassis. The 2024 Haval Jolion Pro is clearly set up to be on the firmer, sportier side, with body roll well contained when turning vigorously into a corner. Comfort and refinement on a highway cruise is fine, with minimal noise penetrating the cabin.
LAG AND LURCH
There are three drivetrain options in the 2024 Haval Jolion Pro range – from the base 1.5T we’re driving, to the upgraded 1.5T S (130 kW and 270 Nm) and a 140 kW/375 Nm HEV we’d love to evaluate in the future. Nevertheless, for now, the Ultra Luxury derivative makes do with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol, which sends 105 kW and 210 Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto. For the most part, the self-shifting two-pedal unit feels well suited to the vehicle in everyday driving. However, occasionally we noted a hesitancy on pull away and over eagerness to shift to the highest gear available. Likewise, there can be a lurching feeling as you coast up to a traffic stop.
Both instances feel like a simple software interface issue that can be addressed between a laggy engine and timid dual-clutch gearbox. There are also paddle shifters on the steering wheel should you wish to change gear yourself. As far as fuel consumption goes – often an Achilles heel of Chinese cars – the claimed/combined figure is 8.1 l/100 km. On our test drive we saw an average closer to 9.0 l/100 km, which is within an acceptable if not ideal range. The firm does say the more powerful 1.5T S is in fact more economical at 7.5 l/100 km, so keep that in mind when you consider your test drive.
COMFY CABIN
It’s inside the roomy and comfy cabin that the 2024 Haval Jolion Pro really impresses. Practicality, interior ambience and comprehensive equipment levels are the real standout here. A contemporary, stylish facia is dominated by a crisp 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The interface is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatible and responsible for most settings available on the vehicle. Perceived quality is of a high level, too, with soft-touch leatherette materials and piano black surfaces interwoven seamlessly.
The Ultra Luxury instrument cluster is a thoroughly digital affair, too, augmented by a useful 8.6-inch head-up display with traffic-sign recognition. Ultra Luxury models see the addition of adaptive cruise control with autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning with lane-keeping and lane-centering assist. There’s also wireless charging and high-definition 360-degree cameras that ensure all-around parking is a cinch.
THE VERDICT
It’s clear that the 2024 Haval Jolion Pro has been designed and engineered to give as much to the consumer as possible in today’s highly competitive market. From its attractive styling to its on-point digital tech and practicality, consumer expectations are well and truly met and surpassed by the 2024 Haval Jolion Pro. Competitive pricing below the all-important R500k threshold for the 1.5T Ultra Luxury will play an important role in its success. However, the range does start as affordably as R345 950 for the entry-level City version. Undoubtedly the brand’s most impressive product to date, it’s aesthetics and strong value-for-money ethic should be more than enough to lure buyers into the nearest GWM/Haval dealership.
THE FIGURES
- 2024 Haval Jolion Pro 1.5T 7DCT Ultra Luxury
- Engine: 1.5-litre, 4-cylinder, turbopetrol
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
- Power: 105 kW @ 5 600-6 000 r/min
- Torque: 210 Nm @ 2 000-4 400 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: 9.7 seconds
- Top speed: 185 km/h
- Fuel consumption: 8.1 l/100 km (claimed/combined)
- Price: R462 950
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