Talking about Chinese brand GWM and their small Haval Jolion Hybrid SUV
which arrived in 2021 and was upgraded in July – there’s three Jolion Hybrids, I
drove the flagship Hybrid Ultra, now $3,000 more affordable at $37,990 drive-away
combining a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine with an electric motor and a
two-speed hybrid automatic transmission. The transition between electric and
petrol power well managed, smooth and imperceptible. The steering adjustable in
three steps lacks a little feel but perhaps best in comfort mode. Using 91 regular
unleaded I managed a best economy of 5.6L/100km with a mix of city and country
driving. That aspect of the Jolion Ultra Hybrid is well sorted, not so some of the
driver assist elements like lane keep assist and active cruise control. Far too
reactive and in need of refinement. Road noise also is most noticeable on a
coarse surface. Overall, this is a very easy to drive small SUV, good build quality
with comfortable seating although front legroom somewhat tight – as the Ultra
name implies it has all the features including panoramic sunroof, LED headlights,
360-degree camera, head up display and much more. And it comes with a 7-
year/unlimited kilometre warranty and 8-year/unlimited kilometre battery
warranty. I’m David Berthon

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chinese brand GWM has been enjoying strong success this year, on the back of
its best seller – the small GWM Haval Jolion SUV. I’ve just tested the upgraded
2024 Hybrid Ultra model, $37,990 drive-away. GWM distinguishing it from the pure
petrol model with styling updates yet inside it remains as before. And the hybrid
gains a most welcome multi-link rear suspension. This front drive hybrid
combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, combined outputs of
140kW and 375 Nm of torque driving through a 2-speed hybrid automatic
transmission. A nice cabin however front legroom is tight, rear legroom excellent
and well serviced by dual air vents. Luggage space smaller to the pure petrol
model due to the battery pack and disappointingly a tyre repair kit replaces a
spare wheel. The infotainment screen well sized but vehicle functions need too
many frustrating presses and a combination of buttons for climate would be far
more user friendly and there’s no wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The
GWM Haval Jolion Ultra Hybrid offers much for the money though including a
panoramic sunroof, a head up instrument display, a 7-year unlimited kilometre
warranty and service costs of $810 over three years, $1550 over five years. I’m
David Berthon

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nissan Australia boss Andrew Humberstone made some interesting comments
last week regarding the company’s ‘Australianness” in a market that’s being
rapidly disrupted by new Chinese brands, new regulations, and economic
pressures. Mr. Humberstone, in outlining his new long-term business strategy,
said he had to move Nissan Australia from mediocrity to excellence to avoid
falling out of a market which he forecast will see up to 100 brands fighting for a
slice of only 1.2 million sales. His plan to lift Nissan permanently into the top six
sellers and guarantee its long-term profitability. He made it clear that reinforcing
Nissan Australia’s identity and heritage is at the heart of his bold new strategy,
also pointing out that Nissan is the only local manufacturer – its Casting Plant in
Dandenong producing around 1.2 million components for 80 global markets as
well as 160,000 tow bars. I’m David Berthon

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.