GWM Haval Jolion Lux 2024 Review

In an age of persistent increases in the cost of living, the 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux is $1000 cheaper than the equivalent pre-facelifted model.

At $29,990 drive-away, the Jolion Lux offers a lot of small SUV metal for the cash. Forgo some features, and the entry-level Premium slashes the price of entry to $26,990 drive-away.

The revamped hybrid range comprises three grades (Premium, Lux and Ultra) and prices vary from $32,990 to $38,900 – all drive-away, no more to pay.

Rivals from China are mounting thick and fast with the $33,990 (before on-road costs) Chery Omoda 5 BX and sales-topping $22,990 (before ORCs) MG ZS Excite. The next-gen MG ZS will land Down Under soon.

Three other strong contenders in the jam-packed segment are the $32,500 (before ORCs) Hyundai Kona and the $32,740 (before ORCs) Mitsubishi ASX GSR.

The 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux is packed with equipment to mirror its status.

While the petrol range’s exterior tweaks aren’t as extensive as the HEV models, the Lux gains a new grille, redesigned front, and rear bumpers with black accents and prominent GWM badging on the boot. The new, and somewhat polarising, guards and plastic trim covers feature here too, although they aren’t as pronounced as the HEV.

The Lux is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that drives the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike the HEV and now discontinued S variant, petrol Jolions miss out on the multi-link rear suspension, instead running with a torsion-beam arrangement.

The Lux is fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with daytime running lights, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, faux-leather upholstery as well as a six-way electrically adjustable driver’s seat (manual passenger) with heating for both front pews.

The test car is painted in Azure Blue which, just like the other optional colours, is a $495 option. The only standard hue is Hamilton White.

All variants come with GWM Care 755, with the seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty surpassing the segment norm of five years. The Jolion is also covered by five years of capped-price servicing and five years of roadside assistance. Servicing intervals are every 12 months or 15,000km, except for the first which is required at 10,000km.

The 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux ticks all the right boxes in terms of safety and the range gains seven airbags and a five-star ANCAP rating (awarded in 2022).

Other highlights include autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with cyclist and pedestrian detection, lane keep assist, lane departure warning, blind sport detection, lane change assist, traffic sign recognition, traffic jam assist, adaptive cruise control, rear parking sensors (six) and a 360-degree reversing camera.

However, while the Jolion Lux hits all the right points to gain the must-have ANCAP rating, how the safety tech is implemented is a different story. The main culprits are the driver drowsiness detection and emergency lane keep assist.

Even at the mere thought of wandering eyes, the driver drowsiness detection system bings, bongs and even flashes up a warning of “Hey, don’t stray!” on the central touchscreen. If that isn’t enough to extinguish white-line fever, the emergency lane keep assist will as it intrusively intervenes if you meander near the edge of your lane.

While you can turn these systems off, ironically, the camera-based driver monitoring requires the most menu-searching to disable. And it’s a prerequisite every time you get in the car. A test drive to ascertain your tolerance is a good idea.

For the price of admission, the 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux offers a lot for your money.

Sitting prominently on top of the dash is a 10.25-inch infotainment display which is accompanied by a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster. There is wired Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth connectivity as well as four USB-A ports – two up front and two in the rear to charge all your devices.

There are a few omissions, the key being wireless smartphone mirroring and charging (the latter is available in the highest specification hybrid only). You also won’t find a more modern USB-C port or native sat-nav, either.

However, most will connect their smartphone for navigation and it’s pleasing to see all the touchscreen’s acreage used with such applications. You can also choose between a few themes and the general clarity of the 10.25-inch screen is clear.

Nestled within the engine bay of the 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux is a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol unit. It produces 105kW and 210Nm (a reduction of 5kW and 10Nm from the pre-facelifted model) and emits 186g/km of CO2.

Those figures are sent to the front wheels via the seven-speed DCT and, despite all-wheel drive not being offered, the Jolion Lux doesn’t struggle for traction like the axed S (130kW/270Nm) used to.

For driving within the confines of a city the engine generates enough power and torque to keep pace with traffic. However, the lax throttle response on take-off renders smooth acceleration a chore and the Jolion Lux isn’t endowed with abundant overtaking ability for single-lane highways.

If ultimate fuel consumption is high on your priority list, then the 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux will slip a few rungs in desirability.

With a claimed combined average consumption of 8.1L/100km, there are certainly more frugal options in the small SUV segment – even within the Jolion line-up given the hybrid’s frugal 5.1L/100km rating.

Throughout our week of testing the Jolion Lux couldn’t match its claim and returned an average of 9.1L/100km.

Gaining brownie points is the fact it can run on cheaper 91RON fuel and the tank itself is 55 litres, which equates to a maximum range of more than 820km.

The 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux is relaxing and approachable to steer for a wide range of drivers. Getting comfortable behind the wheel is now made easier given there’s rake and reach adjustment for the steering wheel.

Just don’t expect too much in the way of dynamic ability as there is noticeable roll through corners and the body control could be better managed when you encounter a smooth mid-corner undulation. A tweak to the damping on rebound is required. However, the ride quality is compliant and soaks up most imperfections well.

The steering is very light and vague, yet it does smarten in its Sport mode. Yes, that’s right, this budget family SUV has tuneable steering and it’s far more satisfying with the extra weight that comes with Sport mode. There are also various driving modes – you just have to find where to select them within the infotainment. Oddly, Sport mode also comes with flashes of the hazard lights every time you engage it.

The seven-speed DCT can be recalcitrant, especially when transitioning from Drive to Reverse on an incline. The delayed throttle response exacerbates this sensation, however, when up to speed in general use the gearbox behaves sufficiently well. Just don’t bother with the steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.

Aesthetically, the 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux embodies its nomenclature.

Regarding design, the Jolion belies its price point with sleek finishes, pleasing materials, and large screens. It’s visually appealing with an upmarket ambience, the kind of vibe you want when getting into your new purchase.

However, despite the build quality being perceived as decent, delve a little deeper and you’ll discover cheaper plastics and ergonomic flaws – the control dial for the gearbox is one of them.

It is now a common occurrence with many new cars, but the lack of easy-access HVAC controls is frustrating – particularly for the fan speed and temperature – and finding the menu to use the heated seats is like entering into a rescue mission. Of course, these procedures become familiar over time, but the fact they require a process grates.

Interior space is where the Jolion really kicks goals. Haval’s ‘small’ SUV is 4472mm in length, 1874mm wide, 1581mm tall and has a wheelbase of 2700mm, meaning there’s impressive amounts of room. Back-seat occupants enjoy ample head, toe or shoulder room and the inclusion of rear air vents is a boon.

Boot space is a commendable 430 litres, a figure that expands to 1133 litres with the 60/40-split folding rear seats stowed. The cargo area utilises a flat floor and houses a space-saver spare tyre underneath.

It’s hard to get away from saying ‘for the price’, but the cabin is largely insulated from tyre roar and general NVH levels are appreciably low. Combined with the compliant ride quality, the 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux makes getting from A to B a relaxing affair.

It’s hard to ignore what you’re getting for your money in the 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Lux. If you’re stepping up out of a used car, then it will seem like Christmas.

Yet, there are caveats to the overall package. The petrol powertrain is thirsty, the gearbox needs refinement, and the implementation of its active safety systems leaves a lot to be desired.

However, the Jolion’s dimensions render it a small SUV masquerading as a medium SUV, the list of standard kit belies the sub-$30k drive-away price and the warranty period is greater than industry standards.

Overall, the Haval Jolion is racking up bulk sales because it scratches monetary and pragmatic itches.

2024 Haval Jolion Lux at a glance:

Price: $29,990 drive-away
Available: Now
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 105kW/210Nm
Transmission: seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 186g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: five-star (ANCAP 2022)

Related: Facelifted 2024 Haval Jolion priced

Related: 2024 Haval Jolion Hybrid Review

Related: Chery Omoda 5 v Haval Jolion 2023 Comparison