After spending time with the Haval Jolion Pro Super Luxury on local roads, it becomes clear this offering brings a compelling mix of styling, cabin comfort and technology to a fiercely competitive market. However, it also arrives with a few quirks that buyers should understand before signing on the dotted line.
The Jolion Pro carries a bolder look than the standard Jolion, with sharper lines and a more purposeful stance. The front grille dominates the face, flanked by slim LED headlamps that give the vehicle a modern, almost futuristic appearance. From the side, the Pro features pronounced wheel arches and a gently sloping roofline that suggests a coupé-like silhouette without sacrificing rear headroom. At the back, a full-width light bar and integrated spoiler complete the package. It is not a subtle design, but it does stand out in a carpark full of more conservative rivals.
Search like a Pro for your new Jolion - just click here
Once inside, the Super Luxury trim impresses with its material choices and layout. Soft-touch surfaces cover most contact points, and the seats offer decent support for longer journeys. The cabin feels airy thanks to the generous glass area and available panoramic sunroof on higher specs. Storage spaces are thoughtfully placed, with door pockets that accept large bottles, a deep centre console and a tray ahead of the gear selector for phones and wallets.
Rear passengers are not forgotten. Legroom is generous for the segment, and even taller adults will find acceptable headroom. The boot swallows a reasonable amount of luggage, though the sloping roofline does cut into vertical space compared with boxier rivals like the Tiggo 4 Pro.
Where the Jolion Pro draws criticism is in its control layout. The Super Luxury trim relies heavily on the central touchscreen for vehicle functions that some drivers prefer to operate by feel. Climate adjustments, drive mode selection and certain safety system toggles live within the screen’s menus. While the display itself responds quickly enough, it requires eyes off the road for longer than a physical button would. Buyers coming from older vehicles or those who prefer tactile feedback should spend time with the system before committing.
Under the bonnet, the Jolion Pro Super Luxury uses a 1,5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine producing 105 kW and 210 Nm of torque, sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. On paper, these figures place it squarely in the middle of the segment. On the road, the story is more nuanced.
Look forward to a great insurance deal - click here
From a standstill, the engine takes a moment to wake up. There is a noticeable pause between pressing the accelerator and feeling the car move forward with intent. This turbo lag is most apparent when pulling away from intersections or attempting a quick gap in traffic. Once the turbo spools and the transmission finds its footing, the Jolion Pro gathers speed without drama. The dual-clutch gearbox shifts smoothly under gentle acceleration but can hesitate when asked to downshift suddenly for an overtake.
On Johannesburg’s highways, the Jolion Pro settles into a comfortable cruise. At 120 km/h, the engine turns over quietly and wind noise is well suppressed. The suspension absorbs most road imperfections without transmitting harshness into the cabin. This is a vehicle tuned for comfort, not corner carving. The steering feels weightier than expected at low speeds, which some drivers may appreciate for its substance, but it does not communicate much feedback from the front tyres.
Where the powertrain calibration becomes a genuine frustration is on loose surfaces. During testing on gravel roads in the Kyalami area, the traction control system intervened aggressively and sometimes unpredictably. Combined with the delayed throttle response, this made maintaining smooth progress on dirt challenging. The system cuts power abruptly when it detects wheel slip, then hesitates to restore it, leading to a jerky, hesitant driving experience. Drivers who regularly travel on farm roads or poorly maintained gravel routes should test the car in those conditions before buying.
Real-world fuel economy from local road tests suggests the Jolion Pro Super Luxury drinks between 7,8 l/100 km and 10 l/100 km, depending on driving style and route. In mixed urban and highway driving around Gauteng, I observed figures closer to 9,0 l/100 kilometres. That is not disastrous for a compact SUV of this weight, but it trails the class leaders, particularly hybrid offerings like the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid.
On the tech front, Haval has loaded the Super Luxury with features that genuinely work. Wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connected reliably during testing, which cannot be said for some more expensive European rivals. The upgraded wireless charging pad fits most large phones, and the pair of Type-C ports in the front and rear keep devices powered. The surround-view camera system provides a clear, stitched image that makes parking in tight Sandton shopping centres far less stressful. Adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist function as intended without being overly intrusive or jerky.
You are just one click away from finding the very best finance deal for your new car
Against the Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid, the Haval gives up significant fuel efficiency and resale value but undercuts the Toyota on price by a considerable margin. The Corolla Cross offers a smoother, more refined powertrain and a dealer network that remains the benchmark in South Africa. For buyers who cover high annual kilometres, the fuel savings of the Toyota will add up quickly.
Against the Kia Seltos 1.5T GT Line, the Haval feels softer and less engaging. The Kia’s engine responds more eagerly, the steering communicates better and the cabin trim on GT Line models approaches premium territory. However, the Seltos commands a higher purchase price, pushing it into contention with larger SUVs from mainstream brands.
Buyers must decide whether the Haval’s lower purchase price and higher equipment count justify its occasional powertrain frustrations.
However, the Haval Jolion Pro Super Luxury delivers a spacious, well-equipped cabin and striking looks for a competitive price. It cruises comfortably on the highway and offers technology that works as advertised. But the turbo lag and traction control calibration require patience and the touchscreen-heavy interface will not suit every driver. Take it on a proper test drive covering town traffic, highway cruising and a gravel road. Only then will you know if the trade-offs are acceptable for your daily drive.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
proudly ALL THINGS MOTORING
