2024 Haval Jolion's sporty spin-off! Popular small SUV to get a new hybrid-only bodystyle as it continues to put pressure on the Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross

GWM has shown off a new version of its Jolion range at an event in its hometown of Baoding, China.

The new variant is a sporty, slightly lower-riding version of the Jolion, featuring overhauled exterior styling and a more coupe-styled rear. It is dubbed the Jolion Pro for international markets or ChiTu (‘red rabbit’) in China. Interestingly, this new version does not get some of the more major upgrades as seen in facelifted versions of its larger H6 sibling, such as a set of new screens, new steering wheel and a column-mounted shifter.

The new version seen in China was a full production model complete with a right-hand drive set-up, as opposed to the country’s native left-hand drive, confirming both export production and that the model may not be far from an Australian launch.

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CarsGuide understands this new version will be hybrid-only and feature independent rear suspension. The existing bodystyle will receive the already-leaked facelift, but will be offered with a petrol engine only and maintains its less sophisticated rear torsion-beam suspension. Timings for all these updates are yet to be confirmed by the local division.

Judging by the fact the update has already been spotted in Australia and none of the existing cars were seen at the brand’s international event it would be safe to assume the update will be on local roads before the end of 2024.

The new variant is a sporty, slightly lower-riding version of the Jolion, featuring overhauled exterior styling and a more coupe-styled rear.

It is understood both hybrid and non-hybrid engines from the current vehicle will continue, each with a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Petrol versions get a turbocharged unit and seven-speed dual-clutch driving the front wheels, while hybrid versions are naturally-aspirated driving the front wheels via a two-speed electrified transaxle.

The Jolion has gone from strength to strength for GWM, capturing a solid chunk of the small SUV market. The availability of a plugless hybrid, keen pricing, and persistent availability of stock have helped it (and by extension, GWM) storm up the sales charts, moving 11,252 units to the end of the year in 2023. It managed to outsell the Hyundai Kona and Kia Seltos, but placed behind the Mazda CX-30 and MG ZS. 

It would be safe to assume the update will be on local roads before the end of 2024.

The brand said its hybrid split for the Jolion range is currently about 35 per cent hybrid to 65 per cent petrol variants, and it expects hybrid to take an even larger share going forward. The Jolion’s larger H6 sibling is already an even 50/50 hybrid to combustion split, according to the brand.

The Jolion updates come as part of a wave of major updates for GWM’s global catalogue, which includes the Cannon Alpha ute, Tank 300 and 500 off-road SUVs, as well as a new generation H6 mid-size SUV.

It also won’t rule out further product expansion in Australia with more Tank, Haval, and Ora models able to be converted to right-hand drive should the local division be able to make a business case for them.