2022 Haval Jolion price and features: MG ZST, Kia Seltos, Honda HR-V and Mitsubishi ASX rival gets more expensive, but is this small SUV still a sharp buy?

GWM Haval has quietly upped the price of its popular Jolion range.

Now costing $1000 more than before, the Chinese small SUV series now kicks off from $26,490 drive-away for the base Premium 2WD, pulling away from the MG ZST while closing the gap slightly against popular rivals like the Mitsubishi ASX, Hyundai Kona, Kia Seltos and Honda HR-V.

Other than the price jump, which came into effect on October 1, there have been no other alterations to the Jolion range for 2022, except for the recent running change of Android Auto capability a couple of months back, joining Apple CarPlay on all grades.

As with every other of the many carmakers that have upped prices in 2021, GWM Australia head of marketing and communications, Steve Maciver, blames increased manufacturing costs – partly brought on due to the effects of COVID-19 and microchip shortages – as the cultprit.

“The price rises were inevitable due to pricing pressures along the supply lines,” he told CarsGuide this week.

“But I believe we still offer a very strong competitive proposition, and will continue to do so for a very long time.”

To that end, the Jolion remains one of the lowest priced small SUVs on the market, since the considerably older MG ZST Core FWD is only $1000 cheaper from $25,490 driveaway, while other competitors remain considerably more expensive.

These include key opponents like the ASX ES 2WD from $26,240 before on-road costs, Kona 2WD from $26,600 (BOCs), Seltos S FWD from $28,290 drive-away and the soon-to-be-redesigned HR-V in entry-level VTi 2WD from $31,300 drive-away.

Additionally, the Jolion eclipses most of its rivals with more features, including a fuller suite of safety items like this decade’s must-have new accessory, the front centre airbag, as well as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, road sign recognition and adaptive cruise control as standard.

This is on top of kit like keyless entry, push-button start, alarm, paddle shifts, a 10.25-inch touchscreen, rain-sensing wipers, auto-on/off headlights and 17-inch alloy wheels… items that typically cost extra on the others (if they’re available).

So, how much does the rest of the Jolion range cost for 2022?

The mid-range Jolion Lux is now from $28,990 drive-away, and it brings in LED front lighting, electronic instrumentation, leather-wrapped steering wheel, synthetic leather seats, heated front seats, electric adjustment for the driver’s side seat, dual-zone climate control, 360-degree surround-view cameras, heated and auto folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and rear privacy glass.

Finally, the Ultra – now from $31,990 drive-away – includes goodies like a panoramic sunroof, 12.3-inch centre touchscreen, wireless charging, a head-up display, four (instead of driver’s side only) one-touch electric window switches, key-fob window close and 18-inch alloy wheels.

The Jolion has enjoyed a strong consumer reception since launching back in May, due to its keen pricing, high content, striking design and long warranty.

While the whole market in the first nine months of 2021 is up 26.6 per cent, small SUV sales have rocketed by 43 per cent year-on-year, making it the third largest segment after pick-up trucks and medium SUVs.

Within its class, the Jolion is already selling strongly, registering 544 units in September, putting it ahead of stalwarts like the (supply-constrained) Toyota C-HR, Suzuki Vitara and HR-V.

2022 Haval Jolion driveaway pricing

Varint	Price
Premium FWD automatic	$26,490
Lux FWD automatic	$28,990
Ultra FWD automatic	$31,990