Hawal Jolyon 2021 review

Haval wants to be in the top XNUMX brands in Australia for several years and believes it has the product to do so as the new Jolion is important to its ambitions.

Significantly larger than its H2 predecessor, the Jolion now compares in size to the likes of the SsangYong Korando, Mazda CX-5 and even the Toyota RAV4, but at a price much higher than the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Seltos or MG ZST.

However, Haval has focused on more than just practicality, as the Jolion is also equipped with new technologies and advanced safety equipment to complement its value-driven package.

Should I watch the 2021 Haval Jolion?

Haval wants to be in the top XNUMX brands in Australia within a few years.

GWM Haval Jolion 2021: LUX LE (starter version)
Safety Rating
engine's type	1.5 L turbo
fuel type	Premium unleaded gasoline
Fuel efficiency	—L / 100km
Landing	5 Places
Price from	$22,100

Does it represent good value for money? What functions does it have? 8/10

The 2021 Haval Jolion lineup starts at $25,490 for the base Premium trim, goes up to $27,990 for the mid-range Lux, and tops out at $30,990 for the currently flagship Ultra.

While prices have risen for the small H2 SUV it replaces (which was available starting at $22,990), Jolion justifies its price increase by adding a lot more standard equipment, technology and safety.

At the cheapest end of the range, standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, rear privacy glass, cloth interior and roof rails.

17-inch alloy wheels come standard.

Multimedia functions are handled by a 10.25-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, USB input and Bluetooth capabilities.

The move to Lux adds all-round LED ambient lighting, a 7.0-inch driver display, dual-zone climate control, an adjustable driver's seat, a six-speaker audio system, synthetic leather interior, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

The top-of-the-line Ultra model features 18-inch wheels, a head-up display, a wireless smartphone charger and a large 12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen.

Thanks to the use of CarPlay and Android Auto.

Focusing on the price segment of the market, even the most affordable Jolion comes with a range of equipment that you usually don't see in a cheaper variant.

Haval deserves credit for putting together a package that doesn't skimp on equipment or safety (more on that below) at an attractive price that's certainly cheaper than competitors from popular brands like Toyota, Nissan and Ford.

Even compared to more budget offerings like the MG ZST and SsangYong Korando, the Haval Jolion is still more affordable.

Is there anything interesting about its design? 5/10

From the outside, the Jolyon looks like a mixture of other cars.

This grid? It's almost like the signature Audi Singleframe front grille. Those teardrop daytime running lights? Almost the same shape as the front panel of the Mitsubishi dynamic shield. And looking at it in profile, there's more to it than a Kia Sportage element.

The grille is almost like Audi's signature Singleframe front grille.

Having said that, it has elements that are undeniably Haval like stripes of chrome accents and a rather flat hood.

Is this the prettiest little SUV ever? No, in our opinion, but Haval did enough to make the Jolion stand out in the crowd, aided by some bold exterior colors like the blue on our test car.

Step inside and you'll see a nice, simple and clean cabin, and Haval has obviously gone to great lengths to improve the interior ambience of its entry-level model.

And while the Jolyon looks good enough on the surface for the most part, scratch a little deeper and you can find some flaws.

At first, the rotary gear selector looks and feels nice enough, but the moment you turn it to put the Jolion in drive or reverse, you'll find that the turning action is too light, doesn't give enough feedback for those moments when you shift gears and will spin endlessly in one direction instead of stopping after two revolutions. The rotary shifter looks and feels nice enough.

There are no additional buttons and controls on the center console, but this means that Haval has decided to hide the drive mode selector in the touchscreen infotainment system, and you will have to look for it if you want to change from Eco, Normal or Sport.

This becomes especially difficult, and maybe even dangerous, on the move.

Likewise, the seat heating controls are also tucked away in the menu, making it difficult and annoying to find when a simple button or switch would suffice.

Oh, and good luck using that touchscreen without fiddling with the climate controls, as the latter's touchpad is positioned exactly where you'd put your palm to use the former.

How about changing the information on the driver display? Just press the page switch button on the steering wheel, right? Well, it doesn't really do anything because you have to press and hold to switch between car data, music, phone book, etc.

Finally, some menus are also badly translated, such as turning on/off the wireless smartphone charger labeled "open/close".

Look, none of these flaws are a deal breaker on their own, but they add up and ruin the look of an otherwise great small SUV.

Let's hope some or all of these issues get resolved in an update, because with a little more time in the oven, the Haval Jolion can be a real gem.

How practical is the interior space? 10/10

With a length of 4472 x 1841 mm, a width of 1574 x 2700 mm, a height of XNUMX x XNUMX mm and a wheelbase of XNUMX mm, the Haval Jolion occupies a leading position in the small SUV class.

The Jolion is larger in every way except for height than its H2 predecessor, and its wheelbase is even longer than the average Toyota RAV4 SUV by one size more.

The Haval Jolion belongs to the larger class of small SUVs.

Increased exterior dimensions should mean more interior space, right? And this is where the Haval Jolion really excels.

The two front seats are spacious enough, and a large greenhouse adds lightness and airiness up front.

The two front seats are roomy enough.

Storage options include door pockets, two cup holders, a compartment under the armrest and a tray for your smartphone, but the Jolion also has one more under the tray, just like the Honda HR-V.

At the bottom, you'll find a charging outlet and two USB ports so your cables can be tucked out of sight.

Another great and practical feature is the USB port at the base of the rearview mirror, making it much easier to install the dash cam facing forward.

This is something that more automakers should include as security technology becomes more popular and eliminates the hassle of opening interior trim to run the long cables needed to power the camera.

In the second row, the Jolion's growth spurt is most noticeable, with acres of head, shoulder and leg room for passengers.

In the second row, Jolyon's growth spurt is most noticeable.

What's particularly eye-catching and much appreciated is the completely flat floor, meaning middle seat passengers don't have to feel like second class and have just as much room as side seat passengers.

Rear passengers have air vents, two charging ports, a fold-down armrest with cup holders, and small door pockets.

Opening the trunk reveals a cavity capable of swallowing 430 liters with the seats up and expanding to 1133 liters with the rear seats folded down.

The trunk offers 430 liters with all seats.

Of note is the fact that the rear seats don't fold down completely, so it can be difficult to haul longer items, but trunk amenities include a spare, bag hooks, and a trunk lid.

The trunk increases to 1133 liters with the rear seats folded down.

The Jolion's size is undoubtedly its strongest asset, offering the practicality and roominess of a midsize SUV for the price of a small crossover.

Trunk amenities include a spare to save space.

What are the main characteristics of the engine and transmission? 7/10

All variants of the 2021 Haval Jolion are powered by a 1.5-liter turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine with 110kW/220Nm.

Peak power is available at 6000 rpm and maximum torque is available from 2000 to 4400 rpm.

The Jolion is equipped with a 1.5-liter four-cylinder petrol turbo engine.

Drive is also fed to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission in all classes.

Power and torque are roughly what you'd expect from a small SUV under $40,000, with most of the competition falling just below or above the Jolion's power output.

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How much fuel does it consume? 6/10

Officially Haval Jolion will consume 8.1 liters per 100 km.

Our short time with the car during the launch of the Jolion didn't yield an accurate fuel consumption figure, as driving was mostly driven on high-speed freeways and some short bursts on dirt tracks.

Compared to other small SUVs like the SsangYong Korando (7.7L/100km), MG ZST (6.9L/100km) and Nissan Qashqai (6.9L/100km), the Jolion is more greedy.

Haval Jolion will consume 8.1 liters per 100 km.

What safety equipment is installed? What is the safety rating? 7/10

At the time of writing, the Haval Jolion has not yet received crash test results from the Australian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) or Euro NCAP and therefore does not have an official safety rating.

Cars Guide understands that Haval has submitted vehicles for testing and the result will be announced in the coming months.

Despite this, Haval Jolion's standard safety features include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, driver alert, rear cross traffic alert, rear view camera , back parking. sensors and blind spot monitoring.

Going to the Lux or Ultra level will add a surround view camera.

In our time with the car, we noticed that the traffic sign recognition would update quickly and accurately every time we passed a speed sign, while the lane and blind spot monitoring systems worked well without being overly aggressive or intrusive.

Warranty and safety rating

Basic Warranty

7 years / unlimited mileage


guarantee

ANCAP Safety Rating

How much does it cost to own? What kind of guarantee is provided? 9/10

Like all new Haval models sold in 2021, the Jolion comes with a seven-year unlimited mileage warranty, matching Kia's warranty period but falling short of Mitsubishi's 10-year conditional offer.

However, Haval's warranty is longer than Toyota, Mazda, Hyundai, Nissan, and Ford, which have a five-year warranty period.

Jolion comes with a seven year unlimited mileage warranty.

Haval is also adding five years / 100,000 km of roadside assistance with the new Jolion purchase.

Haval Jolion scheduled maintenance periods are every 12 months or 15,000 km, whichever comes first, except for the first service after 10,000 km.

Price-limited service is offered for the first five services or 70,000 km at $210, $250, $350, $450, and $290 respectively, for a total of $1550 for the first half century of ownership.

What is it like to drive? 6/10

Haval promises a significant improvement in the Jolion's handling over its H2 predecessor, and it performs well in this regard.

The 110kW/220Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine does its job well, and the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission also ensures smooth shifting.

Power and torque are never enough to overwhelm Jolion tyres, but city performance is strong enough with the latter peaking in the 2000-4400 rpm range.

On the highway, however, the Jolion struggles a little more when the speedometer starts to climb above 70 km/h.

Haval promises a significant improvement in Jolion handling.

The seven-speed DCT also has a hard time hitting the gas pedal, taking a while to shift into gear and push the Jolion forward.

None of these swings ever go into dangerous territory, but you have to be careful when trying to overtake.

The suspension is also excellent at soaking up road bumps and bumps, and even when we rode the Jolion on a gravel path, there was almost no unwanted shudder.

Bear in mind that this was done on the top-of-the-line Ultra trim fitted with 18-inch wheels, so we're guessing that the base Premium or mid-level Lux trim with 17-inch wheels might even provide better ride comfort.

Softer suspension tuning comes at a price.

However, this softer suspension setup comes at a price, and it suffers a lot in high-speed corners.

Turn the Jolyon wheel at speed and the wheels seem to want to go one way, but the body wants to keep moving forward.

It's an annoyingly light steering feel that makes the Jolion easy to steer around town at slower speeds, but will numb and cut out when driving enthusiastically.

And the "Sport" driving mode only seems to sharpen throttle response and hold gears longer, so don't expect the Jolyon to suddenly turn into a cornering machine.

To be fair, Haval never set out to build a small SUV that was the last word in driving dynamics, but there are better handling and more confidence-inspiring yokes. 

Verdict

Jolion is a radiance of incredible proportions, as Haval transforms the goofy, dull and dull H2 into something fun, fresh and whimsical.

It's perfect? Hardly, but the Haval Jolion certainly does more right than wrong, even if it still feels a bit rough around the edges.

Buyers looking for an inexpensive small SUV that is equipped with safety features and capable of competing with higher class cars should not sleep on the Haval Jolion.

And in the mid-range Lux class, you get nice modern features like dual-zone climate control, heated seats, and a surround view monitor, you'll still have change to spare from $28,000.