In this article, we explore the GWM SUV duo: the Haval Jolion Pro S Ultra Luxury and the Jolion Pro HEV Ultra Luxury Coupe. Both models are brand new, packed with high-end specifications and luxurious features, and competitively priced at R495,950 and R516,950, respectively. You’d likely be pleased to have either parked in your driveway.

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    However, the driving experiences they offer are quite different due to the technologies utilized in their powertrains. It’s a clash between traditional internal combustion engines and hybrid systems that blend combustion with electric power.

    You might expect that adding electric assistance to a turbocharged engine would enhance performance, but this isn’t the case with these models.

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    Haval Jolion Pro S Ultra Luxury
    Jolion Pro HEV Ultra Luxury Coupe

    Under the Hood

    Both vehicles are equipped with the same foundational engine—a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol unit, a common choice among Chinese car manufacturers. In the Jolion Pro S, this engine generates a respectable 130 kW of power and 270 Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

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    Haval Jolion Pro S Ultra Luxury Interior

    The Haval Jolion Pro HEV, on the other hand, features a two-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) that combines the same 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine with an electric motor powered by an onboard battery. This setup allows it to switch seamlessly between EV, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, and Regeneration modes. The hybrid model sees a slight increase in power to 140 kW and a significant boost in torque to 375 Nm, theoretically providing it with more zest compared to its non-hybrid counterpart.

    However, the reality is that the Jolion Pro HEV is approximately 100 kg heavier due to the battery and electric motor, and this additional weight offsets the benefits of the increased power and torque.

    Jolion Pro HEV Ultra Luxury Coupe

    Performance Comparison

    During testing by the Citizen Motoring, the Haval Jolion Pro S demonstrated quicker acceleration, achieving a 0-100 km/h time of 8.28 seconds compared to the HEV’s 8.49 seconds. In the 0-140 km/h sprint, the Pro S also outpaced its hybrid sibling, clocking in at 16.31 seconds against 17.48 seconds.

    The trend continues with roll-on acceleration tests. While the Jolion Pro HEV may initially feel quicker during overtaking maneuvers, it soon loses momentum as the electric assistance wanes. The disparity in the 60-140 km/h time—12.89 seconds for the Pro S versus 22.17 seconds for the HEV—highlights this issue.

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    Fuel Efficiency and Conclusion

    From a fuel economy perspective, the Jolion Pro S recorded a reasonable real-world consumption figure of 9.6 liters per 100 km, whereas the Jolion Pro HEV achieved an impressive 6.9 L/100 km. While this hybrid model may benefit from city driving, where fuel efficiency could potentially improve, I personally lean towards the Jolion Pro S as the more well-rounded choice overall.

    Ultimately, your decision between the Haval Jolion Pro S and the Jolion Pro HEV will depend on your preferences for performance versus fuel efficiency.

    Here’s a comparison of the Haval Jolion Pro S and Haval Jolion Pro HEV, highlighting their key features:

    FeatureHaval Jolion Pro S Ultra LuxuryHaval Jolion Pro HEV Ultra Luxury Coupe
    Engine1.5L Turbo Petrol1.5L Turbo Petrol + Electric Motor
    Power130 kW140 kW
    Torque270 Nm375 Nm
    Transmission7-Speed Dual-Clutch2-Speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT)
    0-100 km/h Acceleration8.28 seconds8.49 seconds
    0-140 km/h Acceleration16.31 seconds17.48 seconds
    Fuel Consumption9.6 L/100 km6.9 L/100 km
    WeightLighter (100 kg less than HEV)Heavier due to battery and electric motor
    Driving ModesTraditional Internal CombustionEV, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid, Regeneration
    PriceR495,950R516,950
    Interior FeaturesUltra Luxury finishes, Spacious cabinUltra Luxury finishes, Spacious cabin
    TechnologyStandard Infotainment SystemEnhanced Infotainment with Hybrid metrics
    Safety FeaturesComprehensive safety suiteComprehensive safety suite

    This table summarizes the significant differences and similarities between the two models, allowing you to compare their features at a glance.

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    Related article: 20 SUVs Set to Launch in SA in the Second Half of 2024

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