Chinese brand Great Wall Motors or GWM has been enjoying strong success this
year, on the back of its small Haval Jolion SUV. I’d previously tested the pure
petrol Haval Jolion Ultra and have just driven the $7,000 dearer Jolion Ultra
Hybrid distinguished from the pure petrol model with unique bumpers, wheels
and spoiler. Priced $7,000 dearer at $40,990 drive-away. The front drive hybrid
combines a new 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor with combined
outputs of 140kW and 375 Nm of torque driving through a 2-speed hybrid
automatic transmission. A nice cabin however front seat room is rather tight but
rear legroom excellent and well serviced by dual air vents and two USB ports.
Luggage space is smaller to the pure petrol Ultra due to the battery pack which
disappointingly means a tyre repair kit instead of a space saver spare. Six drive
modes plus a stack of driver assist features although the lane keep assist
function is oversensitive, simply annoying rather than a life saver although the
driver fatigue monitor which senses when your eyes leave the road is an
excellent addition. The GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid offers much including a 7-
year unlimited kilometre warranty but some its driver assist systems need more
refinement. I’m David Berthon

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