Latest news with #Jolion
TimesLIVE
12 hours ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Updated Haval H6 pushes value agenda in crowded segment
A more 'bling' grille and snazzier headlamps for the revised H6. Image: Supplied It could be argued that the big turnaround point for Chinese cars in South Africa was ushered in by the 2021 Haval Jolion. Eurocentric design flair, a progressive cabin with decent materials, above average refinement and pricing that was hard to ignore, made the model a success for Great Wall Motors' (GWM) SUV brand. After the Jolion set expectations, a follow-up came in the form of the larger H6, which eyed a slice of the hugely competitive C-segment arena. Four years later the H6, much like the Jolion, continues to demonstrate its popularity. This week the Chinese carmaker released the updated H6 on local shores. We attended the launch in Cape Town. The manufacturer took the opportunity to remind us that GWM has been in business locally for 18 years, with an uninterrupted run, making it the oldest Chinese player in the Mzansi motor market. A reminder that Haval is one of many brands under the GWM umbrella, including the Tank, P-Series and Ora. According to brand executives, the H6 appeals to a demographic ranging in age from 30 to 50, with incomes ranging from R600k to R900k per annum. The brand describes the average H6 buyer as well-educated, opting to make their purchasing decisions on virtues of quality and value, rather than being driven by emotional impulse. So what can these rational, level-headed shoppers look forward to with the updated model? First up, the design. Note the trapezoidal grille with its glittering finish, revised headlamps with integrated daytime running lights, as well as the fitment of black 19" alloys across the board, using run-flat tyres. Gone is the integrated lightbar design at the rear, with individual tail lamps now deployed. The colour palette remains conservative, joined by a new Noble Gold launch colour resembling the colour of champagne. On the inside, black leatherette upholstery is the default hue. Look out for a thicker steering wheel, ambient lighting and a more simplified centre console design. There are larger screens on offer, ranging from 12.3" to 14.6". The old rotary gear selector inspired by Land Rover has been axed in favour of a column-mounted shifter, just like you would get in a Mercedes-Benz. The GT version of the H6 has a different visual identity, but also benefits from the same list of subtle stylistic and cabin enhancements as its regular counterpart. Rich specification has been a trump card of the H6 and the latest version appears to maintain that standard. A 50W wireless charger, panoramic roof, nine-speaker audio system, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, as well as semi-autonomous driving aids are among the list of goodies punted by the brand. There are 30 cabin storage spaces, while boot capacity is a commodious 560 l. There are three derivatives in the range, all using turbocharged petrol motors. We had a chance to spend time with each version. First up is the conventional 2.0 l model which has gained 20kW/60Nm over its predecessor, now taking things to 170kW/380Nm. It is linked to a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic. The model felt reasonably punchy, if not as potent as the on-paper figures suggested. It proved to deliver a pleasant cruising experience, though excessive tyre roar was noted at higher speeds down the quiet straight leading into Franschhoek Pass. We spent about 120km of seat time with this version, through traffic and mountain roads. Next up is the 1.5 l hybrid model, which has a combined output of 179kW/530Nm. We drove this for a brief 20km stint. Its range readout displayed an impressive estimate in excess of 900km. Performance from standstill was undeniably punchy and the handover between electric motor and engine was imperceptible. The GT plug-in hybrid model serves impressive outputs. Image: Supplied And then we had a short turn with the flagship of the H6 range, the electrified GT model, on a private circuit. Boasting rakish coupé-like lines, the model is armed with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. It also uses the 1.5 l but with a 35.4kWh battery and electric motor enabling a combined output of 321kW/762Nm. Haval claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.9 seconds. The all-wheel drive GT plug-in hybrid is remarkably quiet and drama-free as it dashes off the line, without a hint of wheelspin. According to the brand, it can be driven on electric power for up to 180km, able to cruise at 120km/h in zero-emissions mode. The new H6 is served in Luxury, Super Luxury, Ultra Luxury and GT trims, with pricing kicking off at R495,500; topping out at R799,900 for the plug-in hybrid GT. A seven-year/200,000km warranty and seven-year/75,000km service plan is included. The hybrids get a separate eight-year/150,000km warranty for the associated high-voltage components. The H6 plays in a tough segment, with familiar favourites such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage and Mazda CX-5. But there are also Chinese rivals such as the JMC-sourced Ford Territory and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. As before, pricing for the H6 remains competitive. This, coupled with the fresh design and healthy list of amenities, should keep the model towards the top of shopping consumers' lists.
Mail & Guardian
18-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
Value-for-money Haval H7 is rugged and luxurious but slightly unresponsive
Unorthodox: The Haval H7 resembles its sister brand Tank and does not fit in line with the looks of the H6 and Jolion. At first glance, I found the Haval H7 to be a very odd looking vehicle. Since Haval introduced South Africans to its range in 2021, it has released the Jolion, Jolion Pro, the H6 and H6 GT, all of which were stylish, modern SUVs, with the Pro looking extra sporty and the H6 GT resembling the Lamborghini Urus. GWM also brought in the Tank range, which were meant to be rugged off-roaders. I was therefore slightly confused when the H7 was released and it didn't look like a more premium version of the H6 but rather as if it came from the Tank family. It's big and boxy, with no sharp features that are going to turn heads. It has rounded headlights that are dented deep into the grille on each side and taillights that start off thin, but eventually also get rounded out to bring the ruggedness of the exterior together. The roof rails make sense on this vehicle because of its squared-off shape and deeply sculpted side profile. I was surprised at the look at first, feeling as if it just didn't fit what we were used to seeing from Haval. It wanted to part from the elegant dynamism of the H6 but I couldn't understand why it would make the vehicle look this rugged when GWM already has a brand for that. It almost felt like an overlap between the Tank and Haval brands but this is supposed to be the flagship model from Haval. After two or three days, however, the look begins to grow on you. It also made me realise that the brand has huge confidence. It is not limited to producing vehicles that look a certain way, but can be unorthodox, and still keep the consumer satisfied. I say that because the interior is exactly what I expected. It's what we have come to expect from Haval: plush, posh and perfect. Huge leather seats in the front that are heated, a fully leather steering wheel, a clean and neat dashboard, a fully digital instrument cluster and a floating 14.6 inch infotainment system. What I really loved about the interior is that there are certain elements that keep the rugged, boxy feel of the exterior. The gear shifter is designed like those in a fighter jet and the door handles have big screws popping out of them to add to the vehicle's aesthetic. The space in the back was more than sufficient for three adults and provided enough comfort as well. However, for something this big, the car did fall short in terms of boot space. It offers 483 litres, which is significantly less than the H6, which offers 600 litres. The Haval H7 looks like an off-roader and comes with a variety of modes which will allow the vehicle to do whatever you need when going into the bush. Well, that is if you opt for the all-wheel-drive variant. The modes available are: Grass/Gravel, Convex Roads, Sand, Snow, Mud and for Sporty, Standard or Economical driving. Buyers of the 4×4 model will receive a unique off-road mode on their instrument cluster, which offers a low-speed bird's-eye view of the surroundings, as well as an AI-enhanced image of the surface below the vehicle. This effectively removes the vehicle from the on-screen image and gives the driver the best possible vantage point for technical off-road driving. If you opt for the two-wheel-drive variant, you won't be given those crazy features to go off-roading with, but the car will still handle simple gravel and sand due to its high ground clearance. On the road, the H7 offers a smooth drive and picks up speed very easily when you push your foot down lightly on the accelerator. However, if you need a quick kick to overtake, the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine is slightly unresponsive. There's a split second delay between the time you press and when you actually feel the power. This was kind of annoying because it took away from what was a very comfortable driving experience. For a car of its size, it handles the road very well, but once again, that delay in acceleration handicaps the vehicle on the road. But by no means is it underpowered. The H7 churns out 170kW of power and 380Nm of torque. Once it gets going, it's rapid. One thing nobody can fault Chinese manufacturers on is safety in all their vehicles. GWM have continued this by giving the H7 six airbags and seatbelt safety warnings on both rows of seats. All models feature electronic stability control, traction control, cornering brake control, ABS brakes with emergency brake assist and even tyre pressure monitoring. Every H7 also has hill descent control and hill hold control, a USB port for linking a dashcam, reverse radar and a full 360-degree camera system with an additional 180-degree electronically created view of the road surface beneath the vehicle for a 560-degree view. A full array of advanced driver assistance systems is featured as standard across the Haval H7 range. While it took some time to get used to the shape of the Haval H7, the interior has the luxury feel we have become accustomed to with the brand's vehicles. The exterior gives off love-me-or-hate-me vibes, but there's no doubt Haval have built a sturdy vehicle that comes in at a modest price point once again. Available in a two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive, the former comes in at R601 950 and the latter is priced at R671 950. There is a hybrid variant that is scheduled to be on sale this quarter at R730 950. I just find it unbelievable how the Chinese manufacturers are managing to give this much in a vehicle at such affordable prices. However, I still find it hard to look past the unresponsive nature in my verdict. Perhaps it is best to wait for the hybrid version but that means adding another R60 000 to the budget.
Daily Mail
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Shocking study exposes how some hybrid cars use more fuel than their petrol equivalents
They are sold as vehicles that will cut petrol consumption but tests on Australian roads show some hybrid cars use more fuel than standard models. In one case, a mild hybrid vehicle used 12 per cent more petrol than its internal combustion equivalent on highways and a conventional hybrid used almost three per cent more fuel. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings on Monday in an analysis of 16 real-world tests on hybrid and petrol vehicles from five brands. The news follows a spike in the popularity of hybrid cars, with sales of new models rising by more than 34 per cent in Australia over the past year. The real-world tests performed in Victoria showed three out of four Toyota hybrid vehicles cut petrol use by more than 30 per cent on average, while a Honda CR-V hybrid and a mild hybrid Suzuki Swift reduced fuel consumption by 23 and 17 per cent, respectively. But GWM's Jolion hybrid vehicle cut consumption by significantly less than promised, with a 17 per cent fuel saving compared to 38 per cent indicated by laboratory tests. The association tested 16 vehicles including six conventional hybrid cars, two mild hybrid vehicles and their petrol equivalents. Mild hybrid vehicles feature a small battery and electric motor to assist a petrol engine during short bursts and both hybrid styles promise to cut petrol consumption. It also used more petrol than the standard Jolion model when travelling on highways. The Subaru Forester mild hybrid used more petrol than its internal combustion equivalent by 2.8 per cent on average, although the model has been discontinued. The findings were stark given hybrids often commanded a higher price than petrol vehicles, Australian Automobile Association managing director Michael Bradley said. 'Our program continues to show that lab test results on the windscreens of new cars can differ significantly from real-world performance and cost-focused customers should do their research before spending their money,' he said. Tests revealed hybrid vehicles were significantly more fuel-efficient on urban areas than rural roads and were at their least efficient on highways. The Toyota Camry hybrid vehicle cut fuel consumption by 50 per cent on city roads, but only 13 per cent on highways. The discrepancy was common for hybrid vehicles but many consumers were not aware of it, Australian Electric Vehicle Association national president Chris Jones said. 'The conventional hybrid, which is basically a very efficient petrol vehicle, has been optimised for start-stop traffic and that's where most driving in Australia is done,' he said. 'It's that optimisation for the low speeds that has resulted in a decline in the efficiency at high speeds.' As a result, conventional hybrid vehicles may not be as useful for drivers in regional or rural Australia as a plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle, Dr Jones said. Australian motorists bought more than 47,000 new hybrid cars in the first three months of 2025, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
Mail & Guardian
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
Ticking all the boxes: The GWM Haval Jolion Pro
Stylish: The GWM Haval Jolion Pro has a more aggressive look compared to the classic Jolion. Since GWM introduced it in 2021, the Haval Jolion has become the brand's best-selling passenger vehicle in South Africa. The Jolion became a talking point in the country as it offered consumers a great deal at an affordable price. South Africans love that and gobbled it up. Haval then introduced the Jolion Pro in the last quarter of 2024. This one came with a much more sporty look. From an aggressive grille to a coupe-like silhouette, a rear spoiler, black door handles and a lightbar at the back, Haval took an already well-liked exterior and styled it to the maximum. It really took the fight to the exterior of the Jetour Dashing and Baic Beijing X55, while maintaining its uniqueness. You will also notice this is the first Haval vehicle that has GWM branding across the back as the Chinese manufacturer has opted to keep all its brands under the GWM umbrella, instead of its own brand. The interior The interior is very pleasing as well. When you get in, you are greeted by comfortable leather seats both in the front and back; a stylish leather dashboard with carbon-fibre print; a fully digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen that comes equipped with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Jolion Pro also has a few buttons below the infotainment screen for aircon controls, park assist and the demister, which is extremely convenient. Overall, the interior is lovely to look at and provides sufficient comfort for the driver and passengers. Only the boot gave me issues with this car. First, the 291 litres of bootspace felt very cramped. Second, there was no electric tailgate which I thought was odd, especially in a car packed with so much technology. The drive The Jolion Pro, much like the classic Jolion, has a seven-speed, dual clutch transmission gearbox paired to a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine that delivers 105kW of power and 230Nm of torque. I've never had a problem with the engines the majority of Chinese manufacturers put in compact SUVs. They provide sufficient power and a joyful and comfortable drive — albeit not the most seamless. The other issue we've been finding with the 1.5 turbocharged vehicles which are paired to a DCT or CVT gearbox is that the fuel consumption is often far higher than the figure claimed by the manufacturer. Luckily, this time, we were in the hybrid version of the Jolion Pro. It still has that 1.5-litre turbocharged engine but has an electric motor as well. The combined power of the two means increased performance and better fuel consumption. The hybrid version is lightning quick and extremely silent. It is perfect for the urban areas or traffic where your battery kicks in to help save fuel. Haval claims 5.1 litres/100km on the hybrid but a more realistic figure is 6 litres/100km. Safety The Haval Jolion Pro prioritises safety with features like adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system. The vehicle also benefits from a robust chassis, multiple airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control and tyre-pressure monitoring. Depending on which variant you jump into, you might be without features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist and a 360-degree camera. But, no matter which variant it is, the vehicle will be packed with technology and safety features to put you at ease. The outer body of the vehicle feels solid and heavy. The robust frame and high-strength steel provide a strong foundation for safety. Verdict For all the technology packed into the Jolion, there was one thing that was slightly annoying. My late grandfather owned one of the first GWM bakkie models brought to South Africa and that bakkie and this Jolion Pro had the same hooter sound. I might be being picky here but the hooter does sound like it's coming from an old vehicle. With that said, aesthetically, the Jolion Pro is definitely an upgrade from the classic version. But, if we are talking about the drive quality, there is not much of a difference. However, it must be noted that the classic Jolion did so well because of the amount of safety and technology that it gave consumers at an affordable price. The Pro does the same but looks cleaner. It ticks all the boxes and is still well worth it for South Africans on a budget who want a beautiful car that has everything. The Jolion Pro comes in four variants: a premium (R391 150), super luxury (R425 950), ultra luxury (R462 950) and a HEV ultra luxury (R516 950). From my experience, it is well worth going for the hybrid version if you can afford it. It provides a better drive and will save you money on running costs in the long run.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Some hybrid cars thirstier than their petrol peers
They are sold as vehicles that will cut petrol consumption but tests on Australian roads show some hybrid cars use more fuel than standard models. In one case, a mild hybrid vehicle used 12 per cent more petrol than its internal combustion equivalent on highways and a conventional hybrid used almost three per cent more fuel. The Australian Automobile Association revealed the findings on Monday in an analysis of 16 real-world tests on hybrid and petrol vehicles from five brands. The news follows a spike in the popularity of hybrid cars, with sales of new models rising by more than 34 per cent in Australia over the past year. The association tested 16 vehicles including six conventional hybrid cars, two mild hybrid vehicles and their petrol equivalents. Mild hybrid vehicles feature a small battery and electric motor to assist a petrol engine during short bursts and both hybrid styles promise to cut petrol consumption. The real-world tests performed in Victoria showed three out of four Toyota hybrid vehicles cut petrol use by more than 30 per cent on average, while a Honda CR-V hybrid and a mild hybrid Suzuki Swift reduced fuel consumption by 23 and 17 per cent, respectively. But GWM's Jolion hybrid vehicle cut consumption by significantly less than promised, with a 17 per cent fuel saving compared to 38 per cent indicated by laboratory tests. It also used more petrol than the standard Jolion model when travelling on highways. The Subaru Forester mild hybrid used more petrol than its internal combustion equivalent by 2.8 per cent on average, although the model has been discontinued. The findings were stark given hybrids often commanded a higher price than petrol vehicles, Australian Automobile Association managing director Michael Bradley said. "Our program continues to show that lab test results on the windscreens of new cars can differ significantly from real-world performance and cost-focused customers should do their research before spending their money," he said. Tests revealed hybrid vehicles were significantly more fuel-efficient on urban areas than rural roads and were at their least efficient on highways. The Toyota Camry hybrid vehicle cut fuel consumption by 50 per cent on city roads, but only 13 per cent on highways. The discrepancy was common for hybrid vehicles but many consumers were not aware of it, Australian Electric Vehicle Association national president Chris Jones said. "The conventional hybrid, which is basically a very efficient petrol vehicle, has been optimised for start-stop traffic and that's where most driving in Australia is done," he said. "It's that optimisation for the low speeds that has resulted in a decline in the efficiency at high speeds." As a result, conventional hybrid vehicles may not be as useful for drivers in regional or rural Australia as a plug-in hybrid or an electric vehicle, Dr Jones said. Australian motorists bought more than 47,000 new hybrid cars in the first three months of 2025, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
