Aside from the Haval H6 and Cannon pick-up truck, GWM Malaysia also took the opportunity to show off the Haval Jolion at the Malaysia Autoshow 2023. The Jolion is one of the three models that the company has confirmed for Malaysia (alongside the Haval H6 and Ora Good Cat), and we’re now finally getting our first look at the B-segment crossover.
No detailed information were provided on the Haval Jolion at the stand, so we can only take educated guesses based on these photos. But at least we don’t have to wait too much longer, as GWM Malaysia said that the car will be launched in Malaysia by the end of this year.
Size wise, the Haval Jolion measures similarly to the Toyota Corolla Cross, which means it’s actually slightly larger than most of its competitors in the segment. The car seen here is the hybrid version, as such it features several unique styling touches to differentiate itself from the regular variants, including the Star Matrix grille, as well as the blue accents on the unique headlamps.
On the mention of headlamps, the Haval Jolion HEV’s headlamp clusters are also unique to the variant, featuring three individual LED projector units, and a massive triangular segment underneath with horizontal daytime-running light elements that also doubles as the front turn indicators.
Other things of note include the 18-inch wheels, C-shaped taillight signature, chrome elements on the skidplate-esque bumper trims, and the unique light blue hue for the metalwork. Curiously, this exact blue colour is not offered in Thailand, where we’ll presumably be importing our cars from.
The cabin of the Haval Jolion also has a certain air of premium-ness, thanks to its use of the dual-tone leather upholstery in black and tan, mixed with wooden trims on the dashboard and centre console. As standard, the Haval Jolion comes equipped with a seven-inch digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment display perched on the dashboard.
This car, though, is the range-topping variant (from Thailand), which comes with additional niceties including a larger 12.3-inch centre screen, a panoramic glass roof, head-up display for the driver, and a Qi wireless charging pad.
RELATED: Haval H6 HEV previewed at Malaysia Auto Show 2023 – Hybrid X70 rival?
As the HEV badge on the tailgate suggests, the car here is indeed the hybrid variant, featuring a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine underneath the bonnet and a seven-speed DCT gearbox with an integrated electric motor for a combined system output of 190 hp and 375 Nm.
The Haval Jolion is also offered with a regular petrol powertrain, with a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four mill underneath the bonnet making 143 hp and 210 Nm. Despite being sighted here in Malaysia with (presumably) this configuration previously, we’re unsure if the petrol variant will eventually be available here, as our neighbour up North currently don’t have it in production.
Obviously, no pricing information is available just yet, but don’t expect it to undercut many of its competitors, given its fully-imported (CBU) nature. For reference, the Haval Jolion is available in three variants over in Thailand, with pricing ranging from THB879,000 (approx. RM115k) to THB999,000 (approx. RM130k).
With the introduction of the Haval Jolion and Chery Omoda 5 due this year, it seems that the compact crossover segment here in Malaysia is about to heat up again. Do any of these Chinese crossovers pique your fancy? Let us know in the comments below!
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GALLERY
Finally, an expected date for this much awaited Jolion’s launch in Malaysia! Being a Haval owner for the last 5 years plus, it has convinced me of its reliability, fuel efficiency and trusted after sales service. Am looking forward to place my booking for this posh looking new kid on the block!