DAAR is ons in Northern Cape in company of the Jolion Pro 1.5T Luxury AT –and yes, it does sit well on uneven roads.
The grille, still bold and chrome-accented, is a demurer item, while the LED ‘tear marks’ have become elements within the faux front air dams, so is those distinctive brakelamps.
This cross-over uplifted SUV looks neat and upmarket- be it a city or a rural drive, it’s a pleasure to drive but be mindful the throttle might not be as you’d like.
The suspension though softer, did not succumb under hard braking, which goes on to tell this Chinese made is well thought.
Front is prepped with hexagonal grille adorned with fourteen chrome-tipped vertical bars and the prominent ‘HAVAL’ badge. The sleek daytime running lights, available with LED illumination in the Luxury models, complement the grille’s striking appearance.
So is the front splitter.
A purposeful lower grille and vents on each side add to the dynamic look. The side profile’s sculpted lines and flowing roofline are reminiscent of a sporty coupé. The rear end boasts a bar, a black spoiler, and a modern, venturi-inspired lower bumper.
You see, the purpose of a test drive is like telling a kid what to eat or dress, but at the same time inform the reader on options available and the likes of rejuvenated Jolion 1.5 offers such options, without proving too much.
Inspired by Asian automotive design with European-inspired aesthetics, the interior quality and the inclusion of reach adjustment for the steering column improves ergonomics.
Infotainment system that, while function-rich, features an operating system, keyless entry sensor, spacious leg room standing at 615, a 232-litre boot that expands to 936 litres with the 60:40-split rear seatbacks folded, are some of key features associated with Jolion.
Leather upholstery, heating and ventilation for the electrically adjustable driver and passenger seats, wireless phone charging pad, 360-degree camera array and dual-zone climate control, and a sunroof are some of the niceties included.
On the drive, the Pro is a composed performer, coupled with a smooth seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the 1.5-litre turbopetrol’s 130 kW and 270 Nm outputs.
Averaging a speed of 145km/h the drivetrain and throttle calibration were good but not excellent, meaning low-rev lag means the 0-100 km/h sprint is despatched in a leisurely 10.47 seconds, while our mixed-use fuel run stood at 8.46 L/100 km.
To save fuel that has gone down but diesel rising- opted for the ECO mode as opposed to others. The S version has a multi-link rear suspension setup, though.
On safety, it provides adaptive cruise control, radar-actuated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and rear cross-traffic alert being among top features and safety –airbags. Had to switch off the lane-departure warning system –its irritating because of the incessant beeping.
It is fitted with surround camera view.
Lightweight L.E.M.O.N platform from the Jolion underpins this model and contributes to a 1 452 kg kerb weight and a steady anchor point for MacPherson-strut front/torsion beam rear suspension setup that does a great job of soaking up bumps and, along with steering that’s light and possessed of a fairly leisurely gearing.
The facelifted Pro has not faulted on the success of Jolion’s formula, it remains solid, and a pleasure to drive.
Pro retails for R 495.950
It comes at a five-year/75 000 km service plan and seven-year/200 000 km warranty.
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (5)
Fuel 1-10 (4)
Image SLM (The facelifted Jolion Pro 1.5T Luxury AT provided a smooth drive despite the terrain.)
