Chinese automaker GWM recently announced that it has a host of vehicle introductions planned for our market in 2024, among which will be an updated version of its entry-level crossover badged the Haval Jolion Pro.
Based on the Asian market’s Haval Chitu – which translates to “Red Rabbit” – the Jolion Pro is set to slot in above the standard Jolion that made its debut in 2021.
Befitting of the “Pro” moniker, the incoming crossover boasts a decidedly sportier look than its non-Pro namesake, though both sit on the same foundation and are driven by the same powertrains.
Upon launch, the Jolion Pro will assume the role of the new flagship in the line-up while the standard Jolion will be allotted the entry-level position.
What to expect
The Jolion Pro – or Chitu – was revealed in China at the 2021 Shanghai Auto Show around the same time the normal Jolion arrived on local shores.
Visually setting apart the athletic Pro is a vertically-slatted grille, separate LED headlights and daytime running lights, a lower front lip with plenty of angular cuts, a bootlid spoiler, an edge-to-edge LED lightbar at the rear, and an aggressive rear bumper design with flared sides.
It measures 4,470mm long, 1,898mm wide, and 1,625mm tall which compared to the standard Jolion is 2mm shorter, 84mm wider, and 6mm higher.
Mechanically, the Jolion and Chitu feature the same drivetrains but different suspension setups to give the latter a more responsive driving persona.
While both crossovers make do with MacPherson struts at the front, the normal model sees torsion beams at the back whereas the Pro gets independent multi-link suspension.
In terms of their power units, both Havals will be available domestically with a 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol mill putting out 105kW and 210Nm in the Jolion and a higher 130kW and 270Nm in the Jolion Pro.
The Pro will also be the only Jolion sold in hybrid guise as this option is being dropped from the standard version, in which the addition of a small electric motor boosts total potential to 140kW and 370Nm.
Notably, once the Jolion range is updated later this year there will no longer be a manual on offer. Instead, the entire range will be equipped with a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox while the hybrid will feature the automaker’s proprietary Dedicated Hybrid Transmission.
Judging from an AutoTrader hands-on, the Pro’s cabin is nearly identical to what we currently have available in the normal Jolion.
It gets the same leather multifunction steering wheel, rotary gear shifter, contoured seats, carbon fibre-esque panel finishes, digital driver’s display, and floating central touchscreen.
Given the similar aesthetic, the Pro should also have an equally generous specification sheet as its sibling.
Hence, prospective buyers can expect niceties such as electric and heated seats, smart keyless entry and start, a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, a heads-up display, 360-degree cameras, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, and automatic emergency braking.
Source: AutoTrader
Availability
The new Jolion Pro is earmarked to launch in South Africa in Q2 this year in four trim levels, including a Sport derivative.
Upon its arrival, the standard Jolion family will shed the Premium and Luxury specifications and only be available in City and Super Luxury grades going forward.
At present, the Jolion retails from a starting price of R348,350 for the City and R462,750 for the Super Luxury.
Considering these price points, we can speculate that the Jolion Pro with its more dynamic demeanour will likely sell from around the R450,000 mark and up.
The complete South African pricing, line-up, and specifications of the Jolion Pro will be announced closer to its launch date.
Loading ...
