The Haval Jolion HEV (Hybrid Electric Vehicle) is GWM’s second New Energy Vehicle (NEV) behind the larger H6 HEV and sits atop the Jolion small SUV range, priced from $40,990 drive-away.
Powered by GWM’s 1.5-litre hybridised petrol engine and mated to what the company calls a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), it delivers a combined output of 139kW/375Nm with a claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption number of 5.0 litres per 100km using regular 91 RON unleaded petrol.
The hybrid model’s electronically controlled DHT unit is said to provide the Jolion with “excellent acceleration and performance from low speeds with increased efficiency and power at higher speeds” and deliver a driving experience GWM says is “similar to that of a battery electric vehicle”. Spoiler alert: it’s not far wrong.
Like many hybrid vehicles, the Jolion can operate in a variety of modes including EV, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid and Regeneration, with the DHT unit adjusted to offer maximum efficiency across all speed and load conditions, regardless of the drive mode selected.
The GWM Haval Jolion HEV is differentiated from the rest of the line-up by a new front grille, LED headlights and foglights with blue accents, a reprofiled front bumper, new rear spoiler and 18-inch alloy wheels. Otherwise, the model shares the same specification and equipment levels as the petrol Jolion Ultra.
Standard safety equipment for the Jolion HEV includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and crossroads detection, lane-keep assist (LKA), lane departure warning (LDW), blind-spot monitoring with lane change assist, forward collision warning (FCW) and traffic sign recognition (TSR).
Like all GWM products, the new GWM Haval Jolion HEV is backed by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty with five years’ roadside assistance and capped-price servicing.