The Haval Jolion has quickly earned its place as one of South Africa’s most popular compact SUVs since its 2021 debut. Produced by Great Wall Motors (GWM) under the Haval brand, the Jolion delivers impressive value, sleek styling, and generous technology — all at a competitive price point. By 2025, its appeal has broadened even more with the introduction of the facelifted Jolion Pro, which refines the formula with enhanced performance, sharper aesthetics, and an available hybrid variant.
In this detailed review, we explore both the original Haval Jolion (2021) and the Jolion Pro (2024 facelift) — analysing their design, interior, technology, driving dynamics, and value for South African motorists. Whether you’re considering the entry-level Jolion City or the high-end Pro HEV Ultra Luxury, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about pricing, specs, ownership, and how it compares to rivals in the same class.
Exterior Design and Styling
Haval Jolion (2021 Model)
The original Haval Jolion debuted with a fresh, modern look that emphasised sophistication and urban readiness. Its front fascia featured a bold chrome grille, flanked by LED headlights and daytime running lights that gave it an upmarket appearance. Sleek body lines and subtle chrome accents lent a premium edge uncommon in its price segment. The proportions—compact yet muscular—made it a perfect fit for South African city roads and tight parking spaces.
The rear was equally striking, with sculpted taillamps and a sporty bumper that reinforced its youthful appeal. The Jolion’s overall road presence punches above its class, giving buyers a sense of luxury without the premium badge. With alloy wheels available across trims and optional panoramic sunroof, the Jolion managed to blend practicality with aspirational design.
Haval Jolion Pro (2024 Facelift)
The Jolion Pro, introduced in 2024, takes the SUV’s exterior to new heights. It features a sportier grille design, reworked bumpers, sleeker headlights, and an overall wider stance. The side profile now incorporates more aggressive body contours and black cladding that add visual depth and enhance aerodynamics. The full-width LED taillight bar at the rear gives it a futuristic aesthetic similar to luxury European SUVs.
Measuring 4,470 mm long and 1,898 mm wide, the Pro feels more substantial on the road than its predecessor. The “S” variant stands out with 18-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, and contrasting trim details. Overall, the Jolion Pro’s exterior updates position it as one of the most stylish compact SUVs in South Africa’s R350,000–R520,000 bracket.
Interior Comfort, Technology, and Driving Performance
Haval Jolion (2021 Model)
Inside, the original Jolion offers a premium feel with soft-touch materials, a well-laid-out dashboard, and ambient lighting in higher trims. A 10.25-inch touchscreen dominates the center console, offering smartphone integration, Bluetooth, and navigation. Space is one of its standout strengths—rear passengers enjoy generous legroom and a practical boot suitable for family trips or daily errands.
Performance-wise, it’s powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 105 kW and 210 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT). The driving experience is smooth in most conditions, with light steering and good visibility, though some owners report minor hesitation from the gearbox in stop-start traffic. Fuel economy is claimed at 7.5–8.1 L/100 km, though real-world figures often lean closer to 9 L/100 km depending on driving style.
Haval Jolion Pro (2024 Model)
The 2024 Jolion Pro introduces notable upgrades to both performance and technology. The cabin now features a 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless smartphone charging, a 360-degree camera, and a digital driver display. The materials feel more refined, with stitched leather surfaces and improved ergonomics compared to the outgoing model. Top trims, like the Ultra Luxury, include heated and ventilated seats, panoramic roof, and customisable ambient lighting.
Under the hood, buyers can choose from three engine options:
- 1.5T Petrol (105 kW/210 Nm) – for balanced everyday driving.
- 1.5T Petrol S (130 kW/270 Nm) – tuned for better acceleration and response.
- 1.5L Hybrid (140 kW/375 Nm) – offering smoother power delivery and improved efficiency at a claimed 5.1 L/100 km.
The Pro’s hybrid model is especially attractive for South Africans seeking reduced fuel expenses amidst rising petrol prices. While the dual-clutch gearbox still exhibits slight lag at low speeds, overall refinement has improved, and the ride feels more composed on highways. However, some reviewers mention that the suspension remains firm on rougher roads, though handling is more confident in corners.
Pricing and Value in South Africa
As of 2025, the Haval Jolion range starts from R347,950 for the base City model and extends to R519,950 for the range-topping Pro HEV Ultra Luxury. Each model is backed by a 5-year/100,000 km warranty, with the hybrid versions benefiting from an extended 7-year/200,000 km (battery 8-year) coverage.
- Jolion City – Comes with a 1.5T petrol engine paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, producing 105 kW of power. It starts at R347,950.
- Jolion Pro Premium – Features the same 1.5T petrol engine but with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), also delivering 105 kW. It starts at R391,150.
- Jolion Pro S Ultra Luxury – Upgrades the 1.5T petrol engine to 130 kW, with a 7DCT gearbox for improved performance. Starting price is R498,950.
- Jolion Pro HEV Ultra Luxury – The hybrid option that combines efficiency and power, offering 140 kW with a DHT transmission. It begins at R519,950.
These prices make the Jolion one of the most competitively priced compact SUVs in its category, offering near-premium features for the cost of a mid-range rival.
Relevance to the South African Driving Environment
South Africa’s diverse driving conditions — from city traffic to rural gravel roads — make versatility crucial. The Jolion’s ground clearance, comfortable seating position, and safety aids make it well-suited to both urban and semi-rural use. The hybrid variant also caters to drivers seeking efficiency without sacrificing power, a major advantage in areas with fluctuating fuel prices.
GWM’s growing dealership presence across the country ensures easier access to maintenance and parts compared to earlier years. The inclusion of long-term warranties also helps reduce ownership anxiety, making the Jolion range ideal for middle-class families and young professionals seeking practicality and prestige.
Comparison with Segment Rivals
In South Africa’s compact SUV segment, the Haval Jolion faces strong competition from the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, and Volkswagen T-Cross. However, it often undercuts these rivals on price while offering more features. For instance, the Jolion Pro S delivers 130 kW at under R500,000—far more power and technology than similarly priced rivals.
In terms of resale value and durability, Toyota and Hyundai still hold a slight edge due to longer market presence, but GWM’s local reliability record has improved drastically in recent years. Maintenance costs remain reasonable, and the brand’s expanding network reduces the risk of parts delays previously noted by owners. Over time, this increased local support is expected to boost long-term value.
Conclusion
The Haval Jolion and Jolion Pro together represent a significant milestone for GWM’s growth in South Africa. They merge contemporary design, advanced features, and affordability into a package that appeals strongly to modern consumers. The Jolion Pro’s bold new design, improved hybrid powertrain, and enhanced technology make it a standout choice for those seeking comfort and efficiency without exceeding their budget.
In a market crowded with reliable compact SUVs, the Haval Jolion continues to redefine what buyers can expect for under R500,000. With solid warranty support and growing local trust, it’s a smart investment for South African drivers in 2025.
