Haval Jolion S (2023) First Drive Review

The latest addition to the Haval SA stable is the sporty new Jolion S. It may look like a normal Jolion, but this crossover has a sting in its tail. We got to grips with the new model at launch and after a few days, this is what we found.

Lawrence Minnie

1 Feb 2023 · 23:00Buying a Car8 min read

1 / 10

Sporty crossover is now available

Haval has been leading the charge with a comprehensive lineup of crossovers and SUVs that have taken our local market by storm. These products have helped Haval with its meteoric rise in popularity locally. The Jolion range has been one of their success stories as these have been some of their most fast-moving lines and consumers can have them in a spectrum of specifications and colours.

The latest addition to that range is the new Jolion S and Haval gave us the opportunity to sample one of these new models the day after its local introduction. A few days behind the wheel revealed a few surprises and we couldn't be happier.

Styling

At first glance, you wouldn't notice that this was an S designation as the Jolion S is not all that dissimilar from the standard Super Luxury model. If one were to point out the unique front grille in chrome with its honeycomb pattern and the several unique blacked-out styling elements including the front and rear bumper garnish, side mirror caps, door beadings, and roof rails you then begin to see the differences and once you notice them you realise that it is quite striking.

Tech

Although the interior appointment is neat and trim it is a somber affair with its black-on-black leather and trim. It is very familiar and resembles much of the Haval range. Where it shines though is the generous standard Interior specification which includes paddle shifters behind the eco-leather steering wheel, a seven-inch colour instrument cluster, wireless charging, a front 12V power outlet, and a dashcam power outlet. Infotainment is catered for by a 12.3-inch multimedia touch display that incorporates Bluetooth and a six-speaker sound system. and you can plug in your smartphone for Apple Car Play and Android Auto compatibility.

Safety

Haval has packed the new Jolion S with safety systems these include dual and front side airbags as well as curtain airbags. Active safety equipment includes ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability System (ESC) and Traction Control, Anti-Roll System and Secondary Collision Mitigation as well as Hill Start Assist.

There are several driver systems to ensure that the driver travels as safe as possible. These include Lane Departure Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane center keeping, Blind spot detection, Lane change assist, and Driving fatigue detection. Unique to this model is Pre-Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking. The overall safety package will include a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System, Rear Park Distance sensors, a 360-degree panoramic camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Turning Assist, and Traffic Sign recognition as well as keyless entry, push-button start, and an anti-theft alarm system.

Let's drive

The new Jolion S comes with four driving modes covering Standard, Eco, Sports, and Snow as well as three Dynamic adjustable steering modes, namely Sport, Comfort, and Light. Much of the underpinnings match those of existing Jolion models, however, the Jolion S model features an independent multi-link system at the rear, which ensures extensively enhanced ride and handling performance during both regular and sporty driving.

This allows what was already a snappy little crossover to step into a realm where launch control is a standard fitment feature and a new generation 1.5 turbo engine that puts out 130kw and 270Nm now propels the Jolion S toward the horizon at a prod of the accelerator. Careful throttle manipulation is required to keep the Jolion S on song and it becomes easier the more you drive it. The S model is quite a pleasure to pilot around town with its tech and, albeit from a crossover, dynamic drive. We also love that Haval listened and toned down the very intrusive binging from the safety systems that was so very prevalent in the first Jolions that arrived.

Models and Pricing

HAVAL Jolion City 6MT	R342 950
HAVAL Jolion Luxury 6MT	R377 950
HAVAL Jolion Premium 7DCT	R384 950
HAVAL Jolion Luxury 7DCT	R414 950
HAVAL Jolion Super Luxury 7DCT	R446 950
HAVAL Jolion S 7DCT	R479 950

HAVAL Jolion carries the standard 5 year/60 000km Service Plan and a 5 year/100 000km Warranty. Service intervals are every 12 months or 15 000km.

* Pricing correct at time of publication and subject to change without notice

Verdict

Haval has successfully added another great vehicle to their lineup and this one is sure to garner the attention of a slightly younger audience. We highly recommend checking out the new Jolion S model if you are looking for a quality crossover that has sporting ambitions and plenty of trinkets to keep you and your passengers occupied.

Written by Lawrence Minnie

Lawrence has been involved with motorsports for almost 30 years. Whether it's two wheels or four, if it has an engine, he will try to race it. This love of motor vehicles has led him to ride, drive, film, photograph, and write about his passion. Freelance for a while but now a permanent fixture on the AutoTrader team for over 7 years, Lawrence contributes written, photographic, and video content for AutoTrader and AutoTrader Bikes.Read more