Haval Jolion Pro: Sport vs. Hybrid Models – Which One Should You Choose?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

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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