More affordable entry point to petrol-electric GWM SUV range arrives from $36,990

„ MATT BROGAN

GWM has introduced a new entry point to its hybridised Haval Jolion SUV range in the form of the basegrade Lux, which hits dealerships priced from $36,900 drive-away, taking the number of variants now available within the range to six.

Powered by a familiar 1.5-litre petrol hybrid engine, the GWM Haval Jolion Lux delivers combined outputs of 139kW and 375Nm while returning a claimed combined-cycle fuel consumption figure of 5.0 litres per 100km. CO2 emissions are posted at 122 grams per kilometre. The quoted figures are achieved using 91RON standard unleaded petrol.

The hybrid model’s electronically controlled DHT unit is said to provide the Jolion with “excellent acceleration and performance from low speeds with increased efficiency and power at higher speeds” to deliver a driving experience GWM says is “similar to that of a battery electric vehicle”.

Like many similar hybrid vehicles, the Jolion can operate in a variety of modes including EV, Series Hybrid, Parallel Hybrid and Regeneration, with the DHT unit adjusted to offer maximum efficiency across all speed and load conditions, regardless of the drive mode selected.

Like the petrol-powered Jolion Lux, the Hybrid variant features a strong equipment list but is differentiated by the same grille treatment and wheels found on the Jolion Ultra Hybrid, as well as blue trim on the headlights and model-specific badging.

Standard safety equipment for the Jolion Hybrid includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian, cyclist and crossroads detection, Lane Keep Assist (LKA), Lane Departure Warning (LDW), Blind Spot Detection & Lane Change Assist, Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR).

New variants on their way

Paint choices for the model remain the same as the mid-grade Ultra Hybrid: Hamilton White, Golden Black, Glacier Blue, Smoke Grey, Azure Blue and Mars Red.

According to GWM Australia, first shipments of the new Jolion variant are already en route Down Under with stock available in showrooms nationally in the coming weeks.

All GWM Haval Jolion variants are backed by a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with five-year roadside assistance and capped-price servicing bundle. The battery pack of the HEV duo is warranted for eight years.

GWM sold 8,217 examples of the Jolion (including petrol and petrol-electric variants) in the last calendar year, placing the vehicle in seventh position within the SUV Small under $40K category.

In 2022, the popular seg- ment was topped by the MG ZS with 22,466 registrations ahead of the Mazda CX-30 (13,891 units), Mitsubishi ASX (12,753 units), Hyundai Kona (11,538 units), Subaru XV (9,090) and Kia Seltos (8,504).

The top 10 was rounded out by the Toyota C-HR (7,977 units) and Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (5973 units).

2023 GWM Haval Jolion pricing*:

Premium (a) $28,490 -

Lux (a) $30,990 -

Ultra (a) $33,990 -

Lux Hybrid (a)....... $36,990 .... New variant

S (a) $36,990 -

Ultra Hybrid (a) $39,990 (-$1000) *National drive-away price.