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By Jonathan Crouch

GWM's Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid could just be the best value Qashqai-class SUV you've never heard of. Jonathan Crouch takes a look.

Ten Second Reviewword count: 63

Chinese maker GWM expands its reach in the UK market substantially with this lower mid-sized SUV, the Haval Jolion Pro Hybrid. It enters an over-crowded Qashqai class for family crossovers, but costs thousands less than some of its more commonly-chosen segment rivals. Yet includes frugal running costs and decent equipment levels for your money and a long warranty. Could be worth a look.

Backgroundword count: 190

GWM - Great Wall Motors - was one of the very first Chinese brands to enter our market back in 2022 with a small electric supermini, the ORA Funky Cat. ORA is just one of GWM's various sub-brands, the others being Wey, Tank, Poer and the conglomerate's most successful global nameplate, Haval. And it's Haval who provide the second of GWM's offerings in the UK - the Jolion Pro Hybrid mid-sized SUV. It was a sign of the times that the ORA Funky Cat (more recently re-named the 'ORA 03') was an EV. And it's probably also a sign of the times that this Haval model isn't. Power comes instead from a full-Hybrid petrol engine better suited to those still unconvinced by the EV revolution. This combination has worked well for the Haval brand in other markets - the Jolion Pro is the third best seller in its class in Australia for instance. As for what that class is, for rivals, think frugally-focused lower mid-sized crossovers like the Nissan Qashqai e-POWER or the Citroen C5 Aircross Hybrid 136 and you won't be too far out. Let's take a closer look.

Driving Experienceword count: 154

One of GWM's most proven engines, a petrol 1.5-litre four cylinder full-Hybrid with 188bhp, sits beneath the bonnet, able to propel this Jolion Pro to 62mph in a reasonable 8.5s. It's been coupled with a smooth 7-speed dual clutch auto transmission and with 210Nm of torque, there should be enough mid-range pulling power to keep you up with the flow of traffic without having to strain the little turbo petrol unit unduly. Don't expect engaging handling, but few lower mid-sized Hybrid crossovers of this kind provide that. What you might hope for given this Haval model's suburban journeying remit is a supple quality of ride - and you shouldn't be disappointed. The relatively lightweight (but unfortunately named) L.E.M.O.N. platform provides a strong anchor point for the MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear suspension designed to soak up bumps. Expect light steering - great for town use but not so good for twisting secondaries.

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