Powered-up Haval Jolion S priced

Having premiered in Australia last November, Haval has officially announced price and specification details for the Jolion S that succeeds the Super Luxury as the line-up’s new flagship model.

The new sportiest derivative of the smash-hit Jolion that regularly posts four digit sales numbers come the monthly Naamsa figures, the S builds on the Super Luxury, but with a series of exterior and interior tweaks.

What has changed?

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In the case of the former, these consist of mode-unique black 18-inch alloy wheels, a new grille with a honeycomb pattern and chrome surround, black mirror caps and black accents on the grille itself, at the base of the doors and on the roof rails.

Somewhat oddly, Haval has opted against making the physical buttons for some of the switchgear available on the South African market S as it has on the Australian version. A so-called eco-leather fabric adorns the steering wheel, with the front seats now being heated.

A key aspect of what continues to make the Jolion a success, its standard specification sheet, prevails with the S as items on offer includes a six-speaker sound system, electric driver’s seat, a wireless smartphone charger, keyless and push-button start, as well as:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• seven-inch digital instrument cluster
• panoramic sunroof
• dual-zone climate control with rear vents
• auto on/off LED headlights
• folding electric mirrors
• tyre pressure monitor
• six airbags
• 360-degree surround-view camera system
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Driver Attention Alert
• Hill Start Assist
• Collision Mitigation Warning
• Downhill Control Assist
• Traffic Sign Recognition
• Automatic Emergency Braking with Cyclist and Pedestrian Detection
• Lane Keep Assist
• Lane Centring
• Lane Departure Alert
• Lane Change Assist
• Blind Spot Detection

More grunt, better dynamics

Centre to the S’ inclusion is its dynamic alternations, namely a multi-link rear suspension Haval claims “ensures extensively enhanced ride and handling performance during both regular and sporty driving”.

In addition, Haval has also extracted an additional 25kW/60Nm from the 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, meaning outputs now stand at 130kW/270Nm.

A faster shifting seven-speed dual-clutch transmission delivers the amount of grunt to the front wheels with a first time Launch Control being included as well. No performance figures were, however, disclosed.

Price

Now available, the S, like the rest of the Jolion range, adds a five-year/100 000 km warranty as well as five-year/60 000 km service plan to its price tag.

• Jolion 1.5T City – R342 950
• Jolion 1.5T Luxury – R377 950
• Jolion 1.5T Premium DCT – R384 950
• Jolion 1.5T Luxury DCT – R414 950
• Jolion 1.5T Super Luxury DCT – R446 950
• Jolion 1.5T S DCT – R479 950