A scheduled long-distance excursion allowed the otherwise competent Jolion to stretch its legs while stifling its thirst for fuel.
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Time spent: Two of three months
Distance covered: 4 120 km
Average fuel consumption: 8.9 L/100 km
We like: Gravel-road compliance
We don’t like: Harder knocks can trouble the suspension
A planned journey between Johannesburg and KZN aimed to test the open-road credentials of the Jolion Pro 1.5T Ultra Luxury – including its standard cruise control and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) – but also to rein in this otherwise competent compact SUV’s average fuel consumption.
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As we’ve experienced in several test units fitted with soon-to-be-mandatory modern ADAS technology, these systems can, in certain instances, add an unwelcome level of anxiety to the driving experience. They tend to be overly sensitive and, at times, unable to read local road markings or comprehend the “intricacies” of road-tripping in South Africa, which includes negotiating roadworks.
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A short detour across a section of gravel road highlighted the relative suppleness of the Jolion’s suspension. That said, some more substantial bumps were felt through the steering wheel, and a subsequent squeak emanating from the front wheel arch suggested – despite the inclusion of a hill descent function – that we had reached the limits of the Haval’s all-terrain prowess.
With more than half of its accumulated mileage recorded on the open road, returning to my weekly graft, I aim to try and keep the Jolion’s average fuel consumption below 9.0 L/100 km.
Find the full feature in the April 2025 issue of CAR Magazine.
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