The Haval Jolion S has launched in South Africa, featuring more power and more aggressive styling. Here’s how much it costs, plus details on its new engine.

It could be said the Jolion has been an absolute winner for the Haval brand, highlighting just how rapid the Chinese carmaker has understood and rolled out appropriate products for the developing markets. The Haval of just 5 years ago is nowhere near anything like the Haval of today.

Now there’s the Haval Jolion S, bringing more performance and sportier styling to South Africa. “The contemporary Jolion range has proven its popularity with South African motorists since being introduced in 2021. Haval’s promise of reshaping tomorrow continues in 2023, by constantly refining our vehicles to give a first-class driving experience, and the Jolion S does just that, with an enhanced ride and handling performance which befits the S nameplate,” said Haval South Africa Chief Operations Officer Conrad Groenewald.

MORE: Haval H6 GT: The new SUV superstar

Jolion S engine

Cutting right to the chase is a new-generation 1.5-litre petrol engine that’s fitted with an upgraded turbocharger. There’s 130 kW and 270 Nm on tap, which is an increase of 25 kW and 60 Nm over the standard model. An economy figure of 7.5 L/100 km is claimed, and performance figures were not supplied. The Jolion S comes with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

It’s not just a more potent engine as a new multi-link independent rear suspension replaces the standard torsion beam setup. This will improve the ride quality, refinement and handling.

MORE: Read a review of the current Haval Jolion here.

Inside, the Haval Jolion S gains the same level of specification as the Jolion Super Luxury (which is all-encompassing), but cosmetically, it features a sporty-looking honeycomb front grille and gross black detailing on the 18-inch wheels, mirror caps, roof rails, door beading and bumper garnish.

Standard features for the Jolion S include things like the 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless charger, rotary gear selector and 7-inch digital dashboard. There are heated seats for the front two passengers, while the rear passengers have access to two USB charging ports. A panoramic sunroof and digital heads-up display are standard fare too.

Want to buy a new or used Haval? Browse stock here.

How much does the new Haval Jolion S cost in South Africa?

The new flagship is sold with a comprehensive 5 year/60 000 km service plan and 5 year/100 000 km warranty.

Jolion S 7DCT R479 950

Jolion City 6MT R342 950

Jolion Luxury 6MT R377 950

Jolion Premium 7DCT R384 950

Jolion Luxury 7DCT R414 950

Jolion Super Luxury 7DCT R446 950