Haval Jolion debuts in Thailand, CKD at Rayong, export to Malaysia on the cards

Earlier this year, Great Wall Motors introduced the Haval H6 in Thailand. This was swiftly followed by the launch of the Ora Good Cat late last month.

But Great Wall Motors isn’t resting on their laurels just yet, as the company has just debuted the Haval Jolion in the Kingdom – their third launch within this year. The Jolion was spied on Thai streets back in June, fuelling speculations that Haval has plans to introduce an SUV positioned below the H6.

Also Read: Spied: Haval First Love all covered up in Thailand, to follow after H6

What is the Haval Jolion?

The Haval Jolion is a subcompact crossover with dimensions that put it as a Toyota Corolla Cross and Subaru XV rival. 

That said, although it competes within the same subcompact segment with the Proton X50 and Honda HR-V, the Jolion is larger in terms of dimensions, as evident from the table below. 

Despite its smaller dimensions than the Haval H6, it has been a sales success for Haval, with more than 40,000 units sold between January and August this year.

Like the Haval H6 and Ora Good Cat, the Jolion is developed on the company’s new LEMON platform.

Up front, the Jolion gets a pair of MacPherson struts, while the rear gets a torsion beam suspension – pretty typical of SUVs in this segment.

Also Read: Spied: Haval First Love spotted in Malaysia!

How many engines will be offered?

Two engines will be offered in Thailand, both of which are carried over from the larger Haval H6.

The first engine is a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that does 152 PS and 220 Nm, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

As for the second powertrain, it is a petrol-electric, turbocharged 1.5-litre hybrid engine with a combined system output of 243 PS and 530 Nm. Thailand will be the first market globally to receive the hybrid powertrain in the Jolion, ahead of markets like South Africa and Australia where the Jolion is currently offered.

What features does the Haval Jolion get?

The Haval Jolion is a featured-packed SUV, offering a host of modern-day features you’d expect to see on a subcompact crossover, including the customary six airbags, stability control, full ADAS suite, automatic parking, 360-degree camera, and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

As for its infotainment system, it offers support for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – something that Proton could learn from.

Will the Haval Jolion come to Malaysia?

There is a possibility for this model be sold here. Great Wall Motor’s Thailand has mentioned that models manufactured at their Rayong plant will eventually be exported within the ASEAN region, Malaysia included. The model will also be offered in Indonesia and Australia.

However, there is the question of GWM's distributor in Malaysia. It remains to be seen if Go Auto will continue to represent the brand here, seeing that they have been rather quiet lately and has since disbanded their public relations team.

Is the Haval Jolion expensive?

GWM Thailand will announce prices of the Thai-assembled Haval Jolion on 25-November.