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The Haval Jolion Pro is now on sale in the UK – which will probably come as a surprise to you, so quietly has this Chinese brand arrived.

To be fair, it isn’t technically a brand here (unlike in Australia, where incredibly it outsold Volkswagen in 2024). Instead, it’s a sub-brand of GWM, like Ora, which makes the 03 electric supermini – previously known in infamy as the Funky Cat.

'Jolion' is a translation of the Chinese term for 'first love'. How sweet. Other Haval models include the Big Dog and Cool Dog. Sure, why not?
Kris Culmer
Chief sub-editor

So to be clear, GWM is the brand, and Ora and Haval models are set to be joined in UK showrooms by more of their Chinese siblings in due course. All went quiet on the Wey front long ago, but perhaps you might fancy a Tank or a Poer…?

Yeah, GWM’s marketing strategy is confused. Or maybe the blame for that lies with International Motors, the Brummie firm that also handles UK imports for Isuzu, Subaru and Xpeng.

But either way, we’re here to find out whether the Jolion Pro is a car that can speak for itself.

Verdict

Model tested:

Rating:

GWM Haval Jolion Pro

Not irredeemable but doesn’t really impress in any regard, even if it does heavily undercut established rivals.

Good

Cheaper than rivals to buy

Bad

Outshone by rivals in every area

DESIGN & STYLING

Pros

Exterior doesn't look bad

Cons

No in-built DAB radio

At 4470mm long and 1625mm tall, this is a medium-sized crossover that compares with the likes of the Kia Niro and Suzuki S-Cross.

It’s being sold exclusively with a powertrain that comprises a naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine with a meagre 94bhp and an electric motor with a healthier 147bhp.

I don't understand why the rear numberplate is so large.
Murray Scullion
Digital editor

A two-speed transmission switches the system between series and parallel hybrid modes, while the battery is 1.8kWh.

Pricing starts at just £23,995, undercutting those aforementioned rivals by £5000 – even though the long list of standard kit includes a 7.0in digital dial display, a 12.3in touchscreen, parking sensors, a 360deg camera, LED headlights, an electrically adjustable driver’s seat, adaptive cruise control and all of the ADAS.

Weirdly not DAB radio, though. But you can use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for that.

INTERIOR

Pros

Materials don't feel nasty

Cons

Boot is absolutely tiny

The interior is actually a fairly pleasant place to be. None of the materials feel nasty and there’s plenty of space in both the front and back.

There are even some buttons, albeit not as many as I would like, given that the infotainment menus aren’t the easiest to navigate. Its graphical style looks outdated as well.

“Hi, GWM,” I said. “I’m coming!” the car’s voice assistant replied. “Are you coming...?” I asked, amused. “Please use the language of civilised norms!” she rebuked. Ooh, matron…
Kris Culmer
Chief sub-editor

Much more problematic is the boot capacity: a scant 255 litres, compared with more than 400 litres in all of its hybrid crossover rivals.

ENGINES & PERFORMANCE

Pros

Mode switching isn't clunky

Cons

Not the most aurally refined

Those rivals are notably better to drive too.

The Jolion Pro’s two power sources can provide a decent amount of punch and play together nicely, but the engine makes you pay for heavier throttle inputs with a loud, hairdryer-esque whirring.

RIDE & HANDLING

Pros

It does in fact have a ride, and indeed handling...

Cons

...but neither of them are very good

It’s not hard to overwhelm the grip limits of the Kumho rubber.

The ride is always busy as well, jostling you around on scruffy surfaces and thunking through potholes.

It's not obvious which mode the powertrain is operating in – except when the engine starts loudly whirring.
Kris Culmer
Chief sub-editor

And nor does the chassis offer either feelsome steering or confidence-inspiring handling.

MPG & RUNNING COSTS

Pros

There's no dashboard button to lock it into EV mode

Cons

Rival hybrids offer notably better fuel economy

My test drive wasn’t long enough for any reliable learnings about fuel economy, but plenty of other cars don’t need electrical assistance to achieve its official 47.0mpg, while the MG ZS Hybrid+ offers 55mpg.

VERDICT

Verdict

Model tested:

Rating:

GWM Haval Jolion Pro

Not irredeemable but doesn’t really impress in any regard, even if it does heavily undercut established rivals.

Good

Cheaper than rivals to buy

Bad

Outshone by rivals in every area

It’s coincidental, I’m sure, but the Jolion Pro in essence feels like a Subaru Crosstrek without the off-road excellence – the one thing that really justifies choosing a Subaru these days.

Ergo it’s mediocre at best in every area. It may be cheap, and its rivals may not be jaw-droppers, but the satisfaction of life with a superior product would surely be worth the extra outlay.