In a time when many countries are shifting to electric cars while South Africa is struggling to keep the lights on, hybrid vehicles appear to offer the perfect middle ground of real-world practicality combined with tangible fuel savings.
To this end, many carmakers have been ramping up their list of hybrid offerings in the last few years, and the most recent of these to do so has been Haval with its Jolion HEV.
Similar to how the manufacturer introduced a hybrid model for its bigger H6, the HEV is the top-spec model in the Jolion family with prices starting at R549,950.
At this end of the spectrum, hybrid buyers are limited for choice and the only other option for a semi-electric crossover comes from the country’s most-popular manufacturer in the form of the Toyota Corolla Cross.
It’s worth mentioning however that there is a considerable price difference this time around as the range-topping Corolla Cross XR is around R70,000 cheaper than the closest Haval.
Powertrains
The Jolion’s hybrid setup consists of a 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with a small electric motor, and the end result is a power reading of 140kW and 375Nm.
Haval’s crossover then makes use of a seven-speed automatic transmission to send power to the front wheels, leading to a frugal consumption figure of 5.0l/100km.
It doesn’t stop there, however, as the HEV is fitted with other fuel-saving technologies such as the ability to switch between full-electric, series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and regeneration drive modes depending on how it is being driven.
The car also offers a choice of Standard, Eco, Sports, and Snow settings, and incorporates a launch control feature for rapid acceleration from a standstill, according to the automaker.
Toyota’s hybrid offering, in contrast, consists of a 1.8-litre petrol powerplant and an electric unit which together produce a much lower 90kW than its rival. The manufacturer has not provided the official torque figures for any of its hybrid models, however, instead listing the Corolla’s as “142+e Nm.”
In any case, a CVT transmission is employed to give the crossover a frugal fuel economy of 4.3l/100km giving it a hand up over the Haval.
Like the Jolion, the Cross has regenerative braking, too, and it is able to switch entirely to electric power at low speeds, and it also offers its own driving modes in the form of Normal, Eco, and Sport settings.
Features
As the top-end entries in their respective vehicle families, both crossovers are fitted with a generous amount of equipment.
Toyota’s Corolla Cross in XR guise gets a leather steering wheel and gearstick, a partial leather finish on the seats, front parking sensors as well as rear ones, and a 7-inch media display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Both crossovers are also equipped with LED headlights and daytime running lights, 18-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing wipers, keyless start and entry, multifunction steering wheel, electronically-adjustable driver’s chair, automatic dual-zone climate control, six speakers, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, hill assist, rear parking sensors, blind-spot detection, and reverse camera.
Differentiating the Haval then is a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, a 7-inch digital driver display, and an artificial leather upholstery.
Pricing
The Haval Jolion 1.5 HEV Luxury has a South African starting price of R549,950.
This includes a 5-year/100,000km warranty, a 4-year/60,000km service plan, and a 150,000km battery warranty.
The Toyota Corolla Cross 1.8 Hybrid XR has a local starting price of R480,200.
Each purchase comes with 3-year/100,000km warranty, a 6-year/90,000km service plan, and an 8-year/195,000km battery warranty.
Haval Jolion HEV
Toyota Corolla Cross
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