A proper head-to-head in South Africa — compare price, performance,
fuel economy or electric range, safety and the details that shape long-term ownership.
Jolion has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Picanto remains close.
Picanto starts ZAR 172,905 cheaperJolion from ZAR 409,900 · Picanto from ZAR 236,995
Five key differences
Exact selected derivatives
Swipe sideways to compare every column
Specification
Jolion
Picanto
Maximum Power
Jolion115 kW @ 5500 rpm
Picanto61 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
Jolion250 Nm
Picanto121 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Engine Size
Jolion1497 cc
Picanto1248 cc
Combined Fuel Economy
Jolion17.9 km/l
Picanto15.9 km/l
Ground Clearance
Jolion190 mm
Picanto155 mm
Strongest published figure in that row; no road-test winner is implied.
Independent editorial assessment
Hagalu editorial ratings
When a variant is selected, its rating out of five applies only to that exact derivative; a model-range review is not inherited. Editorial ratings are separate from the Specification Evidence Index out of 100 and are not customer ratings.
GWM Jolion
1.5T Hybrid LT
Hagalu editorial ratingNot yet rated
No complete editorial rating is published for this exact variant. This is not a zero score.
Not yet rated means a complete review is not published; it does not mean the vehicle scored zero. Read the rating methodology.
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Specification evidence leader
Jolion
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger listed safety equipment
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Lower published ownership cover
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished EfficiencyPublished Practicality
Picanto
Strengths
Stronger published ownership cover
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Lower published practicality figures
Best suited to:General Use
Which One's Right for You?
Jolion
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Picanto
Buyers prioritising the stronger published warranty or service cover
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
360 Degree Camera
Yes
No
Active Engine Braking
No
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
No
Attention Assist
Yes
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Automatic High Beam
Yes
No
Auto Highbeam
Yes
No
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Park Assist
No
-
Auto Wipers
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Warning
Yes
Yes
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
Yes
Not Applicable — Petrol Engine
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Not Available
Front Camera
Yes
No
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
No
Parking Distance Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Parking Sensor
Front and Rear
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front and Rear
Yes
Pre-Collision System
Yes
Yes
Rain Sensor Wipers
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Yes
Yes
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera
Yes
Yes
Reverse Camera Type
Yes
Yes
Reversing Camera
Yes
Yes
Sport Mode
Yes
No
Surround View Camera
Yes
No
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
FWD
FWD
Clutch Type
Wet Multi-Disc
Torque Converter Automatic
Differential Lock
No
Not Applicable
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Drive Mode Selector
Yes
-
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
FWD — Front Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
Front Wheel Drive
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Transverse Front-Mounted
Final Drive Ratio
3.73
4.058:1
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
2
4
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Floor-Mounted Selector
Gearbox
DHT Hybrid Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
Gearbox Type
DHT Hybrid Transmission
4-Speed Automatic
LSD Available
No
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Applicable
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Reverse Gear Warning
Yes
-
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
2.8
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
2
4
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
19 deg
17 deg
Approach Angle Deg
19 deg
17 deg
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
26 deg
22 deg
Departure Angle Deg
26 deg
22 deg
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
190 mm
155 mm
Ground Clearance Min
190 mm
155 mm
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
Not Applicable
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
16 deg
0 deg
Ramp-over Angle
17 deg
0 deg
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Recovery Hooks
No
1 Rear Tow Hook
Skid Plates Fuel Tank
Not Available
Not Available
Skid Plates Transfer Case
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Mud
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Normal
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Rock
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Sand
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Mode Snow
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Modes
Not Available
Not Available
Terrain Response System
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Camera
Not Available
Not Available
Underbody Protection
No
Not Available
Breakover Angle
16 deg
0 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
0 mm
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Wading Depth Mm
-
0 mm
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
Yes
Ambient Lighting
Yes
No
Front Armrest
Yes
No
Armrest Front
Folding with storage
No
Armrest Rear
Centre folding with cupholders
No
Boot Light
Yes
-
Boot Space Seats Down
1133
1010
Cargo Hooks In Boot
Yes
-
Cargo Net
No
-
Cooled Seats
No
No
Cup Holders
Yes
2
Driver Seat
Yes
Manual 6-Way Driver Seat Adjustment
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Electric
6-Way Manual Adjustment
Fabric Seats
No
No
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Yes — 60/40 Split Fold
Front Headrest
Adjustable
Yes — Adjustable
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes — Front Heated Seats
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital Instrument Cluster
Semi-Digital Instrument Cluster
Interior Colour Options
2
2
Interior Colours
2
2
Interior Courtesy Lamps
10.25-inch infotainment touchscreen on LS, 12.3-inch on LT and Hybrid variants. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range. Leather upholstery on LT and Hybrid LT (synthetic leather on Hybrid LS, fabric on
Yes — Smartphone Navigation via Android Auto/CarPlay
Premium Audio
Yes
No
Radio
Yes
Yes
Rear Usb
Yes
No
Infotainment Screen Size
12.3-inch Touchscreen
8-Inch Touchscreen
Smartphone Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
9
6
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
8-Inch Touchscreen
USB Ports
3
2
Voice Control
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
Wi-Fi Hotspot
Yes
No
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
-
Yes
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
6 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years/150
Roadside Assistance
Yes
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Roadside Assistance
Yes
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years/150
Warranty Kilometers
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years/150
Warranty Roadside Assistance
Yes
5 Years Roadside Assistance
Warranty Years
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years/150
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
Auto Brake Hold
Yes
Conventional Handbrake
Autonomous Emergency Brake
Yes
Yes
Brake Type Front
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Brakes
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Cornering Brake Control
Yes
Yes
Electric Park Brake
Electronic
Conventional Handbrake
Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Yes
Yes
Fifth Wheel Prep
Not Available
Not Available
Front Brake Disc Diameter
308 mm
247 mm
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated Disc
Front Tyre Width
215 mm
185 mm
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Conventional Handbrake
Hydraulic Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Leather Steering Wheel
Leather Wrapped
Leather-Wrapped
Parking Brake Type
Electronic
Conventional Handbrake
Rear Brake Drum Diameter
292 mm
234 mm
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Rear Tyre Width
215 mm
185 mm
Spare Tyre
Yes
Full Size Spare Tyre
Spare Wheel Location
Under vehicle / boot floor
-
Spare Wheel Size Type
Steel
Full Size Spare
Spare Wheel Type
Yes
Full Size Spare Tyre
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Cruise Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Phone Controls
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Trim
Leather Wrapped
Leather-Wrapped
Tyre Load Index
94
84
Tyre Pressure Display
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Tyre Size
215/55R18
185/60 R15
Tyre Speed Rating
V
T
Tyre Type
Radial
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Cover
Alloy
-
Wheel Diameter
18
15 Inches
Wheel Locking Nuts
Yes
-
Wheel Material
Multi-Spoke Alloy
Sport Design
Wheel Rim Size
18
15 Inches
Wheel Size Type
18
15 Inches
Wheel Type
Multi-Spoke Alloy
Sport Design
Wheels
Multi-Spoke Alloy
Sport Design
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
Body Style
SUV
Hatchback
Color Note
Hamilton White, Crystal White, Pittsburgh Silver, Mars Red, Atlantic Blue and Dignity Black. Some colours are limited to specific trim levels and availability changes annually.
Clear White, Aurora Black Pearl, Chili Red, Horizon Blue, Perennial Grey, Sporty Blue (two-tone options available on EX+)
Dealer Stock Note
Top grade in the South Africa lineup
Flagship grade in the South Africa lineup
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
published
active
Segment
SUV
Hatchback
Tare Mass Kg
1500 kg
975 kg
Vehicle Type
SUV
Hatchback
Model Introduced Year
2021
2004
Generation
Jolion sold in South Africa is the first generation under the Jolion nameplate, derived from Haval's L.E.M.O.N. modular platform launched in 2020. Local specification differs from the Chinese-domestic version in suspension calibration (slightly softer for SA road conditions), cabin material grades (higher) and infotainment software localisation.
Third generation (JA) since 2017; 2021 facelift model current in SA
Facelift History
Haval Jolion received a mid-cycle update in 2023 that brought the 12.3-inch infotainment screen to LT as standard (replacing the original 10.25-inch unit), added wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto across the range, refined driver-assistance calibration, and updated front-end styling with revised headlamp signatures. The hybrid variants were introduced to the South African market in 2024 as a separate trim ladder rather than a powertrain option on existing trims.
2011 second generation; 2017 third generation; 2021 facelift with updated front fascia and infotainment
Facelift Launched Since
2024
2021
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
Boot/Cargo Space
340 l
255 l
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
35 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2200 kg
1425 kg
Ground Clearance (Default)
190 mm
155 mm
Front Headroom
990 mm
970 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
935 mm
Height
1628 mm
1485 mm
Kerb Weight
1500 kg
975 kg
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1040 mm
Rear Legroom
890 mm
880 mm
Length
4472 mm
3595 mm
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
0 kg
Minimum Turning Radius
11.4 m
4.8 m
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2400 mm
Width
1841 mm
1595 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
148 mm
151 mm
Payload Capacity
550 kg
450 kg
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
Chassis Material
Monocoque
Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque Unibody Steel Platform
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Front Track Width
1560 mm
1415 mm
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Power Steering
Yes
Electric Power Assisted (EPAS)
Rear Axle Type
Multi-Link Independent
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Standard Anti-Roll Bar
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link Independent
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Rear Track Width
1570 mm
1420 mm
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Shock Absorbers
Hydraulic
Telescopic Gas Dampers
Steering Column
Adjustable
Tilt and Telescopic Adjustable
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut with Coil Spring
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
CO2 Emissions
128 g/km
145 g/km
CO2 Emissions G Km
128
145
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 5
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP)
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
93 RON Unleaded
Green NCAP Rating
4/5
Not Independently NCAP Green Rated
Hybrid System Type
Full Parallel Hybrid (DHT)
Not Applicable
Idle CO2 Output
128
Within Euro 5 Emission Limits
Noise Level
Low
68 dB
Particulate Filter
No
GPF Fitted
Start Stop System
Yes
No
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
CVVT on Intake Camshaft
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
Ownership Role
Top
Flagship
Price Zar
519900 ZAR
325995 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current listed price
Starting Price
519900
325995
Starting Price Zar
519900
325995
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
Real-world City Mileage Max
9.5 l/100km
8.8 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.0 l/100km
7.2 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
8.0 l/100km
5.5 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
6.0 l/100km
4.5 l/100km
Owner Review Count
-
0
Spec
Jolion
Picanto
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
1.2-litre Naturally Aspirated Petrol
Engine Code
GW4B15A
G4LA
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Parallel Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
1248 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Naturally Aspirated
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Multi-Point Injection
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
11.0:1
Bore
72.5 mm
71 mm
Stroke
90.8 mm
79 mm
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 5500 rpm
61 kW @ 6000 rpm
Maximum Torque
250 Nm
121 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
4-Speed Automatic
Top Speed
188 km/h
163 km/h
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
12.9 sec
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Eco
Launch Control
No
No
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
62.6 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
124.1 Nm/tonne
Battery Capacity
1.8 kWh
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
48 V
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
In depth: how these cars differ
This Jolion and Picanto comparison uses the exact derivatives selected above for South Africa. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: Jolion 51 vs Picanto 28.
Efficiency index: Jolion 73 vs Picanto 61.
Safety-equipment index: Jolion 93 vs Picanto 89.
Practicality index: Jolion 59 vs Picanto 53.
Ownership-cover index: Jolion 65 vs Picanto 77.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Model imagery
Jolion and Picanto image comparison
Open an image for its full canonical file or visit the model page for the complete vehicle record.
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
Jolion leads by 8 points
Jolion has a modest catalogue-index lead, while Picanto remains close.
Close catalogue match. Buyer priorities should decide the outcome.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
Jolion
Performance
51/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
93/100
Practicality
59/100
Ownership
65/100
Picanto
Performance
28/100
Efficiency
61/100
Safety
89/100
Practicality
53/100
Ownership
77/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexGWM Jolion
leads the specification evidence index with 68 pts
vs 60 pts for Picanto
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, Jolion leads. However, Picanto may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South Africa models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the models and available derivatives in South Africa on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
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