The GWM Haval Jolion’s interior is larger and roomier than its small SUV status suggests, with exceptional passenger space, especially in the back-seat area.

Other plus points include an easy driving position, helped since 2024 with the introduction of a steering wheel that adjusts for reach as well as height, attractive digital instrumentation, a head-up display, good ventilation, great forward vision, a decent amount of storage and an attractively-presented dashboard.

But keyless entry into the car is only available from the driver’ side. The centre touchscreen is fiddly and distracting to use, with few buttons and no volume knob, meaning that eyes are off the road and the distracted-driver tech sounds off regularly and annoyingly (and can’t be permanently disabled, just temporarily). And there is no DAB+ digital radio, wireless for Apple CarPlay/Android Auto or USB-C ports (just USB-As).

That said, the GWM Haval Jolion’s back row is tops, with acres of legroom, a comfy seat and most expected amenities. But that comes at a cost to luggage capacity, which is poor for the size of this SUV.

All GWM Haval Jolion grades have a full suite of advanced driver-assist safety systems (ADAS), seven airbags, a reversing camera, driver’s-side-only keyless entry and start, digital instrumentation, adaptive cruise control, a central touchscreen, wired-only Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, alloy wheels and alarm.

From the Lux and up, features include LED in lieu of halogen headlights, artificial leather upholstery instead of cloth, electric and heated driver’s seats, dual-zone climate control, a 360-degree view camera and luggage cover, while the Ultra boasts a panoramic sunroof, a 12.3-inch (not 10.5-inch) touchscreen, a head-up display, a powered front passenger seat, vented front seats, auto park assist, wireless charger and ambient lighting.

The GWM Haval Jolion Premium and Lux feature a 105kW/210Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The more-powerful Haval Jolion Ultra swaps that out for a 130kW/270Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Meanwhile, the Haval Jolion hybrid is powered by a 70kW/125Nm 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 115kW/250Nm electric motor, to make a combined 140kW of power and 375Nm of torque. They drive the front wheels via a special CVT hybrid transmission.

The GWM Haval Jolion is a five-seater small SUV.

The front bucket seats are softly-sprung and reclinable, though after longer journeys some drivers may find the cushion a little flat and unsupportive.

The seats are finished in cloth upholstery in the base Premium model and artificial leather trim in the mid-spec Lux and Ultra. The latter grades also gain electric assistance and heating, while the driver’s side is alone with ventilated cushions.

The rear seat is divided into a 60:40 split, with a fixed cushion of surprising comfort and support, along with an agreeably-angled backrest. In fact, the back seat seems more comfortable than the front ones in the Haval Jolion.

The GWM Haval Jolion Premium and Lux petrol models accelerate from zero to 100km/h (0-100km/h) in about 10 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 185km/h. This is in contrast to the more-powerful Haval Jolion Ultra petrol model, which can accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 9.0 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 185km/h.

The Haval Jolion hybrid can accelerate from 0-100km/h in around 8.9 seconds, on the way to a top speed of 185km/h.

The GWM Haval Jolion Premium and Lux average 8.1L/100km on the combined cycle, for a carbon-dioxide emissions rating of 186g/km. With their 55L tank running on the recommended 91 RON standard unleaded petrol, that should mean an average theoretical range of nearly 680km.

The more-powerful Haval Jolion Ultra averages 7.5L/100km on the combined cycle, for a carbon-dioxide emissions rating of 173g/km. With its 55L tank running on the recommended 91 RON standard unleaded petrol, that should mean an average theoretical range of over 733km.

The Haval Jolion hybrid averages just 5.1L/100km on the combined cycle, for a carbon-dioxide emissions rating of 118g/km. With its 55L tank running on the recommended 91 RON standard unleaded petrol, that should mean an average theoretical range of over 1075km.