Haval Jolion – What it competes against in the entry-level SUV segment

Haval recently launched the Jolion, their new entry-level SUV that packs impressive features into a stylish body, and ties it up with an attractive price.

It is replacing the H2, one of the company’s best-selling SUVs in South Africa.

This is an important role to fill, but the Jolion seems, at least on paper, to be up to the task.

Throughout the range it offers a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment display on the dash.

The infotainment system supports Bluetooth connectivity and acts as a control centre for nearly every feature that is fitted to this vehicle.

The more expensive models are then treated to leather seats and premium dash inlays, while the cheaper variants retain the attractive overall design – but make do with cloth seats and a less-flashy look.

If you do opt for the pricey trim you will also get a wireless charging pad, dual-zone climate control, and dedicated rear aircon ducts in addition to three driving modes and three steering modes.

In terms of safety, every Jolion is kitted well as standard.

Across the range, the SUV is fitted with:

Anti-roll
Hill assist
Cruise control
ABS with EBD
Stability control
Traction control
Dual front airbags
Rear parking sensors
Secondary collision mitigation

There is only one engine option in the range, too, which is a 1.5-litre, turbo-petrol motor that generates 105kW and 210Nm – and sends power to the front wheels.

This is mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DCT system, with combined fuel consumption rated at 7.5-litres/100km.

The Haval Jolion has a South African starting price of R299,900 – with the range-topping model coming in at R398,900.

This includes a 5-year/100,000km warranty and a 5-year/60,000km service plan.

The competition

The Haval H2, the Jolion’s older sibling, was competing against the best-selling SUVs in the country up until now.

Features and outputs are closely matched between these competitors, making price the biggest battlefield.

To see what’s on offer in the local market, we have listed the Jolion’s main competitors below.

The vehicles can be viewed in more detail on TopAuto Car Prices, the one-stop destination for new car prices and specifications in South Africa.

Toyota Urban Cruiser

Starting price – R247,900
Power – 77kW/138Nm
Warranty – 3-year/100,000km warranty and a 3-services/45,000km service plan.

Nissan Magnite

Starting price – R256,999
Power – 74kW/152-160Nm
Warranty – 6-year/150,000km warranty and a 3-year/30,000km service plan.

Renault Duster

Starting price – R289,900
Power – 66-84kW/156-250Nm
Warranty – 5-year/150,000km mechanical warranty and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.

Honda BR-V

Starting price – R292,000
Power – 88kW/145Nm
Warranty – 5-year/200,00km warranty, 4-year/60,000km service plan, and a 3-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance.

Ford EcoSport

Starting price – R303,400
Power – 91-92kW/150-170Nm
Warranty – 4-year/120,000km warranty, 3-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance, and a 4-year/60,000km service plan.

Suzuki Vitara

Starting price – R310,900
Power – 86-103kW/151-220Nm
Warranty – 5-year/200,000km promotional warranty and a 4-year/60,000km service plan.

Hyundai Venue

Starting price – R311,900
Power – 88kW/172Nm
Warranty – 5-year/150,000km manufacturer warranty with an additional 2-year/50,000km powertrain warranty, 7-year/150,000km roadside assistance, and a 3-year/45,000km service plan.