The GWM Haval Jolion is getting a performance boost.
Following the introduction of the efficiency-focused Jolion Hybrid earlier this year, the Chinese brand is introducing the 2023 GWM Haval Jolion S, a more powerful sports variant complete with a more sophisticated independent rear suspension system priced from $36,990 drive-away.
Bridging the gap between the Jolion Ultra ($33,990 D/A) and the Jolion Ultra Hybrid ($41,990 D/A), the Jolion S gets a 130kW/270Nm version of the base car’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine – increases of 20kW and 50Nm – and swaps out the torsion beam rear suspension of other Jolion models for a multi-link rear setup that claims to offer “enhance ride and handling performance befitting of the S nameplate”.
Drive continues to be sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Oddly, GWM Haval claims the Jolion S uses 0.6L/100km less than other non-hybrid variants, quoting 7.5L/100km combined.
Externally, the Jolion S features black alloy wheels, black door mirrors, black roof rails, black side garnish as well as blacked out front and rear bumpers. Otherwise, the Jolion S carries over the Jolion Ultra’s specification – read our price and specs breakdown here.
GWM Haval says it’s also applied learnings from consumer feedback in the cabin, adding “hard buttons” for the climate controls “making it easier to adjust cabin temperature on the move”.
It’s unclear if and when these interior changes will be applied to the rest of the Jolion line-up. CarExpert is awaiting further comments from GWM Haval’s local division.
Six exterior colours are available on the Jolion S:
- Hamilton White
- Golden Black
- Mars Red (pictured)
- Azure Blue
- Smoke Grey
- Tropical Green (NEW)
Tropical Green is exclusive to the new Jolion S.
Like the wider GWM Haval line-up, the Jolion S is covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
Owners are also covered by five years of complementary roadside assistance, as well as five years of capped-price servicing.
To the end of October, the GWM Haval Jolion has returned 6158 registrations in Australia, an improvement of 116.6 per cent on the same period in 2021 and representing a 6.6 per cent share of the mainstream small SUV segment.
