Since its introduction to the South African market in 2021, the HAVAL JOLION SUV has achieved significant success within the GWM range. It has played a pivotal role in HAVAL Motors South Africa (HMSA) becoming the first Chinese automaker to consistently rank among the top ten manufacturers in the monthly vehicle sales charts.
The enduring popularity of the JOLION has been further solidified by its recognition as a finalist in two categories of the 2023 Cars.co.za Consumer Awards (CarsAwards). The JOLION 1.5T Premium is a finalist in the Entry-Level Crossover (R300,000 to R400,000) category, while the JOLION S Super Luxury is in contention in the Compact Family Car (R400,000 to R500,000) category.
The JOLION, a product of extensive research and development, was also awarded the Manufacturing Award at the 2022 naamsa Accelerator Awards, earning the title of Top Imported Newcomer Car of the Year.
The name "JOLION," which means "first love," was chosen to reflect the strong affection that customers have developed for this vehicle. Locally, the JOLION has found favor among female buyers. In acknowledgment of this trend, HMSA organized a JOLION Experience Day at the Gerotek proving grounds for female members of the South African motoring media.
Bianca van Staden, Head of Marketing, Brand, and Public Relations for HMSA, explained, "Research data by Lightstone released in Women's Month (August) demonstrates the increasingly important role women are playing in South Africa's economy. When it comes to vehicle design, women are opting for Crossover/SUVs like the JOLION, and the most popular price bracket for women, according to the data, falls within the R300,000 range, precisely where the JOLION is positioned."
"The JOLION Experience gave us an exciting opportunity to engage with female journalists and influencers to celebrate Women's Month and to welcome spring, the season of new beginnings and budding first love," van Staden added. "It was also the first time the media had the opportunity to test drive the full range of JOLION models back-to-back."
The JOLION range comprises five variants with City, Luxury, Premium, and Super Luxury specifications, each offering a combination of styling excellence and high levels of features. The range expanded last year with the introduction of the sporty HAVAL JOLION S, featuring a new front grille, black finishes, and a new-generation 1.5-liter petrol turbo engine producing 130KW and 270Nm of torque.
Following the JOLION S, HAVAL introduced the JOLION HEV compact SUV model, which combines performance and efficiency. The JOLION HEV is equipped with a 1.5-liter hybrid drivetrain that combines a petrol engine with an electric motor, resulting in a total power output of 140kW and 375Nm. Distinguished by LED Premium Vision headlights, a standout diamond front grille, and various design enhancements, it represents HAVAL's move towards green and sustainable energy solutions, offering improved fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions, and lower maintenance costs.
Members of the media were impressed by the JOLION range's features, including the Rotary Dial shifter in Auto models, electronic parking brake, wireless charging station, Head-Up Display, Virtual Instrument Cluster, and the floating 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay compatibility. They also praised the high level of technology, interior attention to detail, materials, styling, and GWM's aftersales support that have endeared the JOLION to customers in South Africa. After experiencing the handling, power, performance, and specific benefits of each JOLION variant at the Gerotek proving grounds, it's evident that the JOLION is making a significant impact.
