2024 GWM Haval Jolion price and specs: Hybrid gets unique bodywork, prices cut

The 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid has been treated to a significant restyle – with new sheetmetal for nearly every body panel, and lower prices – after close to two years in showrooms.

It means the Haval Jolion range will be split in two – a brand-new hybrid with sportier styling, and the existing non-hybrid model, which has come in for a mild exterior update.

And prices have not risen despite the upgrades, rather they have been cut by up to $2000 across the range – reversing some of the increases applied to the Haval Jolion during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The new Haval Jolion Hybrid is sold by GWM in China as the Chitu (or Red Rabbit) – and in South Africa as the Jolion Pro, a badge that remains on the tailgate of the existing Australian model.

UPDATE, 17 June 2024, 7:00pm: GWM Australia has confirmed full details of the updated Jolion range.

This story has been updated with the new information, which amends some incorrect details published on the GWM Australia website that were used in the original version of this piece.

It is almost identical in length to the outgoing Haval Jolion Hybrid – and continuing non-hybrid Haval Jolion – with the same wheelbase and underpinnings, but the new model is slightly wider and taller, albeit with a smaller boot.

Sportier bumpers – as well as a tall roof spoiler – are intended to give it a more aggressive appearance, with a body that is not as boxy as the non-hybrid version.

The old and new hybrid Haval Jolions are almost identical inside, with a large 10.25- or 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen sitting alongside a 7.0-inch instrument display in top-of-the-range models.

Also shared between old and new Jolion Hybrids is the petrol-electric hybrid system, which combines a 1.5-litre non-turbo four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor to develop 140kW and 375Nm combined.

It powers the front wheels exclusively through a 'dedicated hybrid transmission' – the name given to the automatic transmission used by GWM in some of its hybrid vehicles.

Claimed fuel consumption is 5.1 litres per 100 kilometres in lab testing.

Three model variants of the new Haval Jolion Hybrid are available, including a base-grade Premium for the first time, priced from $32,990 drive-away.

Standard features across the hybrid range include; dual interior displays, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of active safety technology.

"The rear of the vehicle carries Jolion Pro badging (consistent with global naming) but for simplicity of communication and to continue reinforcement of the Jolion nomenclature, this model will be marketed and sold as GWM Jolion Hybrid in the [Australia and New Zealand] region," GWM said in a media release.

Meanwhile, the non-hybrid version of the GWM Haval Jolion has been given an exterior update, with; a new black grille, new front and rear bumpers with black trim, and prominent black wheel-arch cladding.

Both updated Haval Jolion SUVs wear large 'GWM' badges on the tailgate, replacing the 'HAVAL' script on the outgoing Jolion range.

The non-hybrid Haval Jolion has been repositioned as a price leader in the range, with the Ultra non-hybrid model dropped, and the remaining Premium and Lux trims $1000 to $1500 cheaper than before.

It is the most affordable the GWM Haval Jolion has been in more than two years – excluding limited-time offers.

Powering the petrol Jolion is an unchanged 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine developing 105kW and 210Nm, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, good for claimed fuel consumption of 8.1L/100km.

The 2024 GWM Haval Jolion Hybrid is available now.

Note: All prices above are drive-away.