Review of Haval’s Jolion and H6 hybrid models

When it comes to affordable hybrids, Haval has standouts in the Jolion and H6 … but there is a winner

Haval has two of the most affordable hybrids on the market in the Jolion (left) and the H6.

Electric power has stolen the spotlight. The popularity explosion around the nation now has some pundits predicting a slowdown for the new automotive darling.

Battery electric vehicle sales have more than doubled compared to last year, but hybrids which combine electric and petrol power have grown by just 2.4 per cent.

Many manufacturers believe that the early adopters have already jumped and those sceptical about the new technology are still chasing a more efficient and affordable alternative to the standard combustion engine.

Queues for the brilliant Toyota RAV4 hybrid continue to stretch past two years for some models, and rapidly growing Chinese brand Haval presents two alluring alternatives.

Its popular Jolion and H6 SUVs are now both available with hybrid options. The compact Jolion version is discounted by $2000 until the end of December while the mid-size H3 has $1000 off its sticker price.

Our family sampled both range-toppers to see which is the pick of the pair.

The Haval Jolion Hybrid.

WHAT DO YOU GET?

Ultra models are as good as it gets with Haval. The Jolion Hybrid is currently $38,990 drive-away while the H6 Hybrid is $44,990.

Both come equipped with man-made leather trim, wireless phone charging, panoramic sunroof, heated front seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen, full digital driver instrument cluster (larger on the H6), head-up display and a hybrid exclusive mesh grille.

The warranty is above average at seven years and unlimited kilometres – Mitsubishi is the leader with 10 years – but Haval roadside assist is restricted to five years.

Capped price servicing is available and both variants cost $1650 over five years, which is below most mainstream prices.

Inside the Haval Jolion Hybrid (pictured) and H6 Hybrid are near identical, apart from a larger digital driver’s screen in the H6.

Smartphone mirroring apps are standard, but we experienced glitches in both models. Minimal buttons means all operations are through the central touchscreen and often going back to change the aircon controls saw the Apple CarPlay functionality disappear.

One quirk in the Jolion saw the dual-zone aircon readout transposed for the driver and passenger.

Haval's H6 Hybrid Ultra.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

Hybrids deliver improved efficiency without the need for charging. All the hard work is done by the car, with the battery stored energy used to bolster performance when required and even run completely on electric power when coasting or at slow speeds.

Both models are powered by turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engines, but the H6 generates 175kW/530Nm compared to 139kW/375Nm in the Jolion.

The improved outputs in the H6 deliver a more responsive and smooth performance in all conditions.

Conversely, the Jolion lacked on-road confidence with asthmatic responses up hills.

Around town the steering feel of both hybrids was light and vague on occasions.

Each model has an impressive array of safety features, although using the radar cruise control can aggressively slow the car when roadside hazards are detected. Armco and concrete guardrails through roadworks dramatically slowed progression on occasions for no reason. Getting close to the claimed fuel consumption of about five litres for every 100km, the H6 was particularly impressive and showed a range of nearly 1000km from one tank of fuel when driving easily in rural areas between 60-90km/h.

Haval’s Jolion Hybrid generates 139kW/375Nm.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: Given a choice, the H6 would definitely be my pick. For a medium-size SUV it has awesome back seat and boot space. Both models have good looks and I liked the efficiency they delivered but I would want the technical quirks we experienced rectified with the infotainment system before committing.

GRANT: Haval has rapidly made ground on the segment leaders and both these SUVs are solid offerings. I agree, the H6 is head and shoulders above the Jolion on this occasion. Yet both models lack overall confidence in driving and cabin functionality … I’d probably reduce my initial investment and side with a conventional combustion engine model.

Originally published as Review of Haval’s Jolion and H6 hybrid models