The four things we love best about the Haval Jolion S

As a sportier adaptation of the top-rated Jolion compact SUV, the latest Haval Jolion S has more power, trendier styling, and augmented features. Read our blog to find out why we rate this SUV so highly.

In summary, we’re loving:

1. The sporty exterior design
2. Tech-oriented interior
3. Superb performance
4. High-end safety features

Have you ever found yourself musing about what it would be like to drive a vehicle that's hotter than the sun? Well, maybe not literally, but the new Haval Jolion S claims to be just that. It is the freshest offering from the innovative Chinese brand that has undeniably shaken up the South African market with its unrivaled and economical products. As a sportier adaptation of the top-rated Jolion compact SUV, this modern iteration boasts more power, trendier styling, and augmented features.

Below are our four favourite things about the Haval Jolion S

A comparative analysis between the Jolion and Jolion S showcases a marked difference, with the Jolion S featuring a more aggressive and commanding front end, with a honeycomb grille and fang-like LED headlights. The vehicle's dynamic aesthetic is further accentuated by black wheels, mirror caps, roof rails, door beading, and bumper garnish. Additionally, the Jolion S features larger 18-inch gloss black alloy wheels, bestowing it with an apparent premium and sinewy stance.

Its comprehensive dimensions measure up to a length of 4,472 mm, a width of 1,814 mm, and a height of 1,619 mm, with a wheelbase stretching to 2,700 mm, making it one of the largest and most roomy models in its designated segment.

The interior features plush leather seats and an eco-leather steering wheel. The driver’s seat is 6-way electrically adjustable with a heating function. Furthermore, the driver's line of sight is amplified by a sophisticated 7-inch digital instrument cluster and an 8.6-inch head-up display equipped with traffic sign recognition technology. The front passenger seat is also heated and has a 4-way manual adjustment option.

The rear seats have split-folding functionality that serves to augment the already generous provisions of legroom and headroom. The spacious boot space of 337 litres is magnanimously expandable to a capacious 1,133 litres, courtesy of the versatile rear seat configuration.

The sporty SUV additionally showcases an imposing 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that confers seamless support for Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and wireless charging functionalities.

The Jolion S offers an enhanced driving experience that is more exhilarating and immersive compared to the regular Jolion, courtesy of its refined powertrain and suspension setup. Its state-of-the-art 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine is a new breed of machine that generates a staggering 130kW of power and 270Nm of torque. It is a massive upgrade from the conventional Jolion, which has 25kW less power and 60Nm less torque. Moreover, the Jolion S's engine comes mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which ensures lightning-fast gear changes that propel the car to impressive speeds in no time. The vehicle also flaunts a fuel economy of 7.5L/100km, slightly better than the regular Jolion's 8.1L/100km, so you don't have to break the bank every time you hit the road.

The Jolion S 2023 model also boasts a high-end multi-link independent rear suspension system that replaces the torsion beam setup used in the other Jolion variants. This innovation significantly improves the ride quality, refinement, and handling of the Jolion S, making it more stable and agile in different road conditions. The SUV also offers four drive modes (Standard, Eco, Sport, and Snow) and three steering modes (Sport, Comfort, and Light).

The Jolion S is truly a fortress on wheels. Haval has pulled out all the stops to ensure you and your occupants are secure and safe inside this SUV. The Jolion S has a full suite of airbags, including dual front and side airbags and curtain airbags. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Other safety features include ABS with Electronic Brake Force Distribution and Brake Assist, Electronic Stability System (ESC) and Traction Control, Anti-Roll System and Secondary Collision Mitigation, and Hill Start Assist.

The Jolion S also comes with a host of driver assistance systems that will help you stay alert and focused on the road, including Lane Departure Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane center keeping, etc. And if all else fails, the Pre-Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking will kick in to prevent a crash.

And the safety features don't end there. The 2023 Jolion S also includes TPMS, Rear Park Distance sensors, a 360-degree panoramic camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Traffic Jam Assist, Intelligent Turning Assist, etc., to make your driving experience as smooth and stress-free as possible. And if you're worried about thieves, the keyless entry, push-button start, and anti-theft alarm system will put your mind at ease.

All this safety and technology don’t come cheap, though. The Jolion S will set you back a cool R479,950. But can you really put a price on your safety? (Prices correct at time of publication.)

Did you know?

Did you know we review at least three cars every month on the MotorHappy blog? If you love knowing about the latest cars to arrive on South Africa’s roads, be sure to visit the reviews section of our blog.

Imagery was sourced from www.haval.co.za