The Haval Jolion Pro's Name Means "First Love." The Reviews Suggest Otherwise
The review doesn't hold back: genuinely low pricing is about the only thing working clearly in this car's favour, with the driving experience, refinement and dynamics all landing somewhere between forgettable and frustrating.
Illustration for editorial purposes
A Sweet Name Attached to an Unremarkable Car
"Jolion" translates from Chinese as "first love" — a genuinely charming piece of naming. Reviewers keep noting the car itself doesn't live up to that romance, delivering a thoroughly average experience wrapped in a price tag that undercuts far more polished rivals.
Specs at a Glance
| Body style | Medium-size crossover |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L turbo petrol hybrid (DHT) |
| Length | 4,470mm |
| Official fuel economy | 47.0mpg claimed |
| Key rivals | Kia Niro, Suzuki S-Cross, Subaru Crosstrek |
Full Review Summary
Autocar
Autocar found the hybrid powertrain's petrol engine and electric motor work together reasonably well for outright punch, but the engine responds to harder throttle inputs with a loud, hairdryer-like whirring that undermines refinement. They rated the ride as consistently busy and unsettled over scruffy surfaces, thunking through potholes, while the chassis offered neither feelsome steering nor confidence-inspiring handling — with the Kumho tyres fitted easily overwhelmed even in modest cornering. Their overall verdict was blunt: "not irredeemable but doesn't really impress in any regard," comparing it unfavourably to a Subaru Crosstrek without any of the off-road ability that would justify the comparison, and recommending buyers spend the extra money on a genuinely superior rival instead.
Trims & Engines at a Glance
There's only one powertrain — the choice across Premium, Lux and Ultra trims is purely about equipment, not performance.
| Derivative | Engine | Power | Transmission | Body | 0–62mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jolion Pro Hybrid Premium / Lux / Ultra | 1.5L full-hybrid petrol, FWD | 186bhp | 2-speed dedicated hybrid transmission | SUV | 9.0s |
Trim walk runs Premium → Lux → Ultra, with Lux adding heated seats and Ultra adding ventilation, a head-up display and wireless charging. A handful of exterior colours are offered. Check Haval's UK configurator for current pricing.
Strengths
- Genuinely low pricing versus established rivals
- Decent hybrid punch when accelerating
- Reasonably specified for the price point
Weak points
- Loud, unrefined engine noise under harder acceleration
- Busy, unsettled ride over rough surfaces
- Numb steering and limited handling confidence
- Fuel economy trails key rivals like the MG ZS Hybrid+
Who It Actually Suits
Buyers for whom price is the overriding priority and who are willing to accept meaningfully compromised refinement and handling in exchange. Every point of the review suggests spending a bit more on a genuinely better-resolved rival is the wiser choice if your budget allows it.
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Haval Jolion review ↗ (same video, watch above ↗)