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.

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