GWM Haval Jolion vs MG Mg7

What's the difference?

The GWM Haval Jolion Lux offers affordability in a modern, attractive package. However, the execution of some of its features isn’t always convincing. So yes, it’s sharply priced but it also feels underdone in some respects which doesn’t necessarily equate to value. But if affordability is at the top of your priority list and one or two shortcomings doesn't mean the end of the world, this could be the urban SUV you're looking for.

In a world obsessed with SUVs and electric powertrains, a mid-size petrol sedan almost feels rebellious. But the MG7 kind of is. A sleek fastback with a turbocharged engine, a sporty edge and a price that makes you look twice - it’s a compelling combination. There are some drawbacks for families in efficiency and back-seat practicality but it's not a bad offering for those wanting something a bit more fun than an SUV.

The Jolion is now longer and wider than it's rivals at 4472mm long, and 1874mm wide. The next largest 'small' SUV is the Kia Seltos at 4385mm long and 1800mm wide which does the Jolion a whole lot of favours for internal passenger space and kerb-side appeal.

The Jolion looks substantial and well-shaped, with enough bells and whistles in the design to keep it fresh; like the swoopy LED DRLs at the front and a curvy behind that’s accentuated by a black spoiler.

The interior has interesting features, like the rotary-dial gear selector, push-button starter and minimalist button panel that sits below the large technology screen.

The dashboard juts out into the cabin and the low-key design is too pared back for my taste. But the cabin looks nice and new with lots of tactile accent panels and shiny screens.

There is still too much plasticky-looking styling to elevate it properly, but for its grade level this is almost luxurious.

The MG7 is genuinely good looking. The fastback roofline gives it a sleek silhouette, and there’s a confidence to the way it carries itself.

The blacked-out badging, quad exhaust outlets, 19-inch Michelin tyres and red brake calipers all lean into that sporty brief. It looks fast standing still. The frameless doors are a nice touch, and the retractable rear spoiler adds a bit of theatre and fun.

Inside, the cabin follows through on that upmarket intent. Deep burgundy leather and synthetic suede are used generously throughout, giving it a sumptuous feel. Although, my husband joked that he wouldn't be able to drive it during State of Origin... sorry, Queenslanders!

There’s less reliance on piano black trim, which I appreciate as it scuffs easily, and most surfaces look well-finished. The integrated headrests up front give the illusion of proper sports seats but I do wonder if the interior would pop half as well if it was finished in the optional black.

The dashboard is dominated by a wide digital display incorporating a 10.25-inch instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch media screen. The panoramic sunroof helps keep things light and airy, and while there aren’t many physical buttons or dials, which is usually a gripe of mine, the overall execution feels cohesive and premium for the price point.

It's a running theme but the practicality of the Jolion doesn't always land. However, what it does well, it does very well.

Take the access and space for passengers. Both rows offer class-leading head- and legroom for its occupants, even middle seaters should be happy considering the transmission tunnel isn't tall.

Despite the manual passenger seat being set too high and both seats lacking lumbar support, front seaters still enjoy the most comfort. The heated front seats are also a pleasant surprise for the grade level, although their function is buried deep within the multimedia system and I mostly forgot about them.

The rear seat is fairly hard and doesn't offer much side bolstering, although the middle armrest helps to secure outer passengers in corners.

Storage is solid throughout the cabin with a reasonably sized glove box that can hold a thick manual, middle console and dedicated phone shelf, as well as a second phone 'slot'.

There is a sunglasses holder (sunnies rattle when stored, though) and a cubby underneath the centre console that can hold a small handbag but anything stored might interfere with the USB ports housed there.

There are two cupholders up front but you can't fit two cups side by side. Two cupholders, a couple of map pockets and storage bins finish up the storage in the back seat.

The boot capacity sits at 337 litres and while large enough for a good grocery haul it falls on the lower end for the class. By comparison, the Kia Seltos offers 433L.

Now, on to what the Jolion doesn't do all that well. It's new 10.25-inch multimedia screen and 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster look the part - all shiny and new-looking - but their usability falls somewhat short.

The media touchscreen is responsive but a punish to use on the go as most functions, including climate control, are accessed via the screen. A few dedicated buttons would be welcome, so changing bits on the road doesn't leave you flustered.

The digital instrument cluster isn't customisable and is set to a dark display screen with a typeface that looks blurry on some key displays, especially the speedometer.

There is a rather large and in-your-face driver monitoring camera installed on the A-pillar which feels too much like you're under surveillance while driving (not a fan, clearly).

Charging options include four USB-A ports and a 12-volt socket but that's it and it would be good to see a newer, faster USB-C port somewhere in the car.

A feature the Jolion does get right is the wired Apple CarPlay as it maintains a steady connection and is very quick to set up. The Lux also has wired Android Auto.

You don't get a powered tailgate and you might miss it as the boot lid is fairly heavy.

Up front is where the MG7 feels most generous. The electrically adjustable front seats are comfortable and supportive for daily driving, although extendable under-thigh support would help reduce fatigue on longer trips. You do get heating for both the seats and the steering wheel but having to dive into the media menu to activate them is annoying.

In the second row, legroom is respectable for a mid-size sedan. Headroom, however, is tighter thanks to the fastback roofline and panoramic sunroof. Tall teenagers won't feel like they can sprawl out but younger kids will be fine. The second row features two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top-tether anchor points but two child seats will fit best. Bending down to buckle in a child will remind your back why SUVs became all the rage, but it's certainly doable.

The seats in the second row are thickly padded and comfortable, and the fold-down armrest sits at a good height to lean on. Amenities aren’t especially extensive given there’s only one grade available, but you do get a couple of cupholders, map pockets, directional air vents and two USB-C ports.

Storage in the front row is about what you’d expect for a car of this size. There’s a decent glove box, a shallow middle console, large door bins and some handy little nooks near your knee. A sunglasses holder and a dedicated phone cradle with wireless charging round things out nicely. The wireless charger can lag a little in topping up your battery, and it's quick to overheat your phone - added ventilation would be a big help here. However, there’s also a 12-volt socket and two USB-C ports if you prefer a cable.

The media system itself is responsive and largely intuitive, although the touchpad-style controls on the dash feel slightly back-to-front in use. On the plus side, it’s very easy to flick into Sport mode and open up the exhaust using the cluster controls, which adds a bit of fun to the daily drive.

The boot offers 375 litres of capacity, which is on the smaller side for the segment. Comparatively, the Sonata N Line offers 480L, the Skoda Sportline 600L and the Camry 524L. That said, it’s been perfectly usable for grocery runs and the odd road trip this week. You do need to load bulkier items further back toward the seats to work around the sloping fastback design. A powered tailgate adds convenience, and there’s a temporary spare tyre underneath, which I always prefer to a repair kit.

For now, the MG7 is offered in a single grade, the Essence, priced from $44,990 before on-road costs.

That positions it just above the Skoda Octavia Sportline, which starts from $44,490 MSRP, although the Skoda doesn’t match the MG7 feature for feature. In terms of features and styling, it’s closer to the Hyundai Sonata N Line, which opens at $56,500 MSRP. And then there’s the segment darling, the Toyota Camry SL, from $53,990 MSRP, happily flexing its hybrid efficiency credentials.

On price alone, the MG7 looks competitive. On specification, it starts to look like a bit of a statement. You get leather and synthetic suede upholstery, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, memory function for the driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof and 19-inch Michelin tyres.

Technology feels well thought out and a large centre display houses a 12.3-inch media system, paired with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that appears larger than it is thanks to the integrated touch controls. There’s wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in satellite navigation, 256-colour ambient lighting and a 14-speaker Bose sound system.

Practicality hasn’t been overlooked either. A powered tailgate, temporary space saver spare wheel, dual-zone climate control, acoustic door glass, rain-sensing wipers and a 360-degree camera system round out the package.

The Jolion Lux has a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol engine that produces 105kW of power and 210Nm of torque.

The Lux is a 2WD and has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission which isn’t always smooth with its gear changing but power is sufficient if you don't expect it to be zippy.

The MG7 has a 2.0L, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing up to 170kW of power and 380Nm of torque. That’s pretty gusty compared to its nearest rivals, although the Sonata N Line still beats it with its 213kW/422Nm outputs. The Hyundai is more of a dedicated sports model. Still, with these outputs the MG7 manages a 0 -100km/h sprint in a swift 6.5-seconds!

Power is delivered to the front wheels and the nine-speed auto transmission punches through its gears relatively smoothly. You can also flip it into Sport mode, where gear changes become more pronounced.

Overall, the whole setup creates an engaging on-road experience without lulling you into any false pretences. The MG7 is not a racer, even though it looks like one, but it holds its own.

The Haval Jolion Lux has an official combined (urban/extra-urban) fuel cycle figure of 8.1L/100km and based on its 55L fuel tank, theoretical driving range is around 680km, which is respectable for a little SUV.

My real-world usage came in at 7.8L/100km after mostly open-road driving, with a smattering of urban stuff. Overall, it's a solid result.

The MG7 has a claimed combined fuel consumption figure of 8.0L/100km. With its 65-litre fuel tank, that equates to a theoretical driving range of up to 812km.

That places it broadly in line with the Hyundai Sonata N Line, which claims 8.1L/100km, although the Hyundai delivers stronger engine outputs. The Skoda Octavia Sportline is notably more frugal at 6.1L/100km, while the Toyota Camry SL continues to dominate the efficiency conversation with its 4.0L/100km hybrid figure.

In real-world driving, expect that 8.0L/100km claim to creep up. Even after a week consisting mostly of longer highway stretches, my trip computer was sitting at 8.6L/100km. That’s not wildly unexpected for a turbo-petrol engine, and it’s hardly alarming, but efficiency is a major consideration for families. Against hybrid rivals, it doesn’t win that particular argument.

Combined CO2 (ADR 81/02) emissions sit at 183g/km, which is comparative to the Hyundai Sonata N Line but not as low as its other rivals.

MG recommends a minimum 95 RON unleaded petrol to be used.

The Jolion's on-road experience is underwhelming and unsophisticated most of the time. It's strictly an A to B style car, which will work well for some people.

The power and its delivery are okay but this car doesn't get close to zippy and its well of performance feels decidedly shallow on the open road.

The engine whines loudly when trying to get up to speed and its gear changes can come a tad too swiftly, especially between first and third.

The accelerator and brakes are touchy, and until you get used to them the Jolion can feel a little jerky in the city. But the steering is on the right side of firm and that at least feels direct and responsive. 

Suspension is hard and you get all the bumps which also translates into a loud cabin. Your senses take a battering on a longer trip and kids in the back will ask you to repeat yourself.

The Jolion is redeemed somewhat by an excellent 360-degree view camera system but you miss out on front-parking sensors.

It’s small enough that it’s not hard to park and for an urban dweller that is a big plus as it's quite suitable for a dash to a busy shopping centre car park. 

Power delivery in the MG7 is smooth and responsive, and it doesn’t take long to feel confident with the turbo-petrol engine. For a bit of extra fun, flick it into Sport mode and open the exhaust; gear changes become more pronounced, and the engine note gets noticeably throatier. It’s not a performance sedan, but it’s definitely engaging on the road.

Handling is another highlight. The steering is responsive and firms up depending on your selected drive mode, and the low-slung stance helps the car feel surprisingly nimble in corners. That said, it’s not always surefooted when accelerating out of tight bends, which reminds you that the MG7 is sporty but not track-focused.

Visibility is adequate but not perfect. The thicker pillars, lower roofline, and relatively small windows do make the cabin feel a touch enclosed, and there’s some road noise, which is enough to remind you it’s not a luxury saloon, but it never becomes intrusive.

The MG7 feels agile in tighter spaces, and the 360-degree camera system is high-quality. Parking is straightforward, which frazzled parents will appreciate.

The MG7 has a maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating from testing done in 2025 and scored well across its individual criteria with 88 per cent for its adult protection, 85 per cent for child protection, 80 per cent for vulnerable road user and 81 per cent for its safety assist.

Passive safety items include seven airbags including a front centre airbag and curtain airbags covering both rows. Families will like that there are two ISOFIX child seat mounts and three top-tether anchor points but realistically, two child seats will fit best. There are also powered locks for the rear windows and intelligent seatbelt reminders for all five seats. Parking is easy with the rear parking sensors and 360-degree view camera system.

Active safety includes forward and rear collision warning, lane keeping aids, lane departure warning and prevention, blind-spot detection, side exit assist and a relatively unobtrusive driver monitoring system.

Other highlights include emergency lane keeping, which will activate when there’s no response from the driver and the rear cross-traffic alert also gets assisted braking. The adaptive cruise control is fairly well-calibrated and it’s a bonus having the emergency call functionality, although it seems to connect to an MG service line, rather than directly with emergency services. And you have to select which country you’re in before it activates, which might not be a delay you want when you really need it!

There’s autonomous emergency braking with car, pedestrian and motorcyclist detection and it's operational from 4.0 – 85km/h and up to 150km/h for car detection but it is more typical to see that top figure closer to 180km/h.

The Jolion is offered with an excellent seven-year/unlimited km warranty.

There is a five-year capped priced servicing program and services average $310 which is mid-range for the class.

The first service is before 10,000km but thereafter, servicing intervals are at every 12-months or 15,000km, whichever occurs first.

MG backs the MG7 with a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. If you service exclusively through MG service centres, that coverage can be extended to 10 years or up to 250,000km, which makes it one of the more generous warranty offerings currently available.

At the time of this review, servicing intervals and service prices haven't been set for the MG7. It's fairly easy to secure servicing for an MG, as they have around 90 service centres nationwide at the moment.