A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Seltos starts ZAR 19,905 cheaperJolion from ZAR 409,900 · Seltos from ZAR 389,995
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 5500 rpm
85 kW @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Torque
250 Nm
260 Nm @ 1500 rpm
Engine Size
1497 cc
1493 cc
Claimed Mileage
17.9 km/l
19.2 km/l
Ground Clearance
190 mm
190 mm
Boot / Load Bay
340 l
433 l
Airbags
6
6
Kerb Weight
1500 kg
1430 kg
Seating Capacity
-
-
Warranty
5 Years / 100,000 km
7 Years / 150,000 km
= leads in this spec
The Bottom Line
Both Jolion and Seltos are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Jolion
+6 pts
Efficiency
Equal
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Seltos
+8 pts
Ownership
Seltos
+6 pts
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Jolion
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Shorter warranty coverage
Best suited to:Highway Driving
🏆 Overall Winner
Seltos
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Better long-term ownership value
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
Jolion
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Seltos
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Long-term owners valuing warranty and ownership peace of mind
Full Specs, Side by Side
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Hybrid System
Parallel Hybrid
Not Applicable
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
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
59.4 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
181.8 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Battery Voltage
48 V
Not Applicable
Bore
72.5 mm
75 mm
Compression Ratio
10.5:1
16.0:1
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Inline
Cylinders
4
4
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Engine Code
GW4B15A
D4FE
Engine Displacement
1497 cc
1493 cc
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Common Rail Direct Injection
Fuel Type
Hybrid
Diesel
Launch Control
No
No
Regenerative Braking
Yes
Not Applicable
Stroke
90.8 mm
84.5 mm
Top Speed
188 km/h
175 km/h
Valves
16
16
Valves per Cylinder
4
4
Maximum Torque
250 Nm
260 Nm @ 1500 rpm
0-100 km/h
9.5 sec
10.5 sec
Battery Capacity
1.8 kWh
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Lithium-ion
Not Applicable
Drive Modes
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol Hybrid
1.5-litre Turbocharged Diesel
Maximum Power
115 kW @ 5500 rpm
85 kW @ 4000 rpm
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
7-Speed DCT
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Active Engine Braking
No
-
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Attention Assist
Yes
-
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Automatic High Beam
Yes
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Yes
Yes
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
Forward Collision Warning
Yes
Yes
Front Camera
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Park Assist
Yes
Yes
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
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
EV Mode
Yes
No
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
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
Yes
Clutch Type
Wet Multi-Disc
Dry Dual Clutch
Differential Lock
No
No
Differential Type Front
Not Available
Not Available
Differential Type Rear
Not Available
Not Available
Drive Mode Selector
Yes
-
Drivetrain
Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Drivetrain Layout
Front Engine Front Wheel Drive
FWD
Engine Position
Front Transverse
Front Transverse
Final Drive Ratio
3.73
3.63
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Gears
2
7
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
No
Gear Shift Type
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox
DHT Hybrid Transmission
7-Speed DCT
Gearbox Type
DHT Hybrid Transmission
7-Speed DCT
LSD Available
No
No
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Reverse Gear Warning
Yes
-
Steering Turns Lock to Lock
14.7:1
15.1:1
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Transfer Case Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Transmission Speeds
2
7
Transmission Type
Automatic
Dual Clutch Transmission
Axle Layout
FWD
FWD
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Approach Angle
19 deg
19 deg
Approach Angle Deg
19 deg
19 deg
Crawl Control
Not Available
Not Available
Departure Angle
26 deg
25 deg
Departure Angle Deg
26 deg
25 deg
Front Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Ground Clearance Max
190 mm
190 mm
Ground Clearance Min
190 mm
190 mm
Hill Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Locking Differential
No
No
Off Road Descent Control
Not Available
Not Available
Off Road Traction Assist
Not Available
Not Available
Ramp Breakover Angle
16 deg
16 deg
Ramp-over Angle
17 deg
17 deg
Rear Skid Plate Guard
Not Available
Not Available
Recovery Hooks
No
No
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
No
Breakover Angle
16 deg
16 deg
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Available
Energy Recovery Display
-
Not Available
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Yes
8-Way Power
Adjustable Front Seat
Yes
4-Way Manual
Ambient Lighting
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Centre Armrest
Armrest Front
Folding with storage
Centre Armrest
Armrest Rear
Centre folding with cupholders
Yes
Boot Space Seats Down
1133
1385
Cargo Hooks In Boot
Yes
-
Cargo Net
No
-
Cooled Seats
No
Yes
Cup Holders
Yes
4
Driver Seat
Yes
8-Way Power
Driver Seat Adjustment
8-Way Electric
8-Way Power
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
Yes
Heated Seats
Yes
Yes
Interior Colour Options
2
Black
Interior Colours
2
Black
Interior Courtesy Lights
LED
-
Interior Trim Colour
Black with silver accents
Black
Leather Accented Seat Trim
Leather
Leather
Leather Seats
Yes
Yes
Driver Lumbar Support
Yes
Yes
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
Memory Seats
Yes
Yes
Passenger Seat Adjustment
4-Way Manual
4-Way Manual
Rear AC Vents
Yes
No
Rear Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Headrest
Adjustable
Adjustable
Rear Seat Centre Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Seat Ventilation
No
-
Seat Adjustment
Yes
8-Way Power
Seat Adjustment Driver Backrest
Yes
Yes
Seat Adjustment Driver Fore Aft
Yes
-
Seat Adjustment Driver Height
Yes
-
Seat Belt Warning
Yes
Yes
Seat Fold Type
60/40 split fold
Yes
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Seat Trim
Leather
Leather
Front Shoulder Room
1430 mm
1380 mm
Rear Shoulder Room
1390 mm
1330 mm
Steering Adjustment
Tilt and Telescopic
Tilt and Telescopic
Steering Type
Yes
Yes
Third Row Seating Capacity
0
-
Third Row Seats
No
-
Rear USB Ports
Yes
Yes
Ventilated Seats
No
Yes
Boot Light
Yes
-
Fabric Seats
No
No
Instrument Cluster Type
Digital Instrument Cluster
Digital
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
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.
First generation (SP2); SA launch 2020; 2023 facelift model current
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.
2023 facelift with revised front and rear styling, updated ADAS suite and interior upgrades
Facelift Launched Since
2024
2023
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Current
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, Steel Grey, Gravity Blue, Intense Red, Pewter Olive, Glacier White Pearl (dual-tone on GT-Line)
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Boot/Cargo Space
340 l
433 l
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Fuel Tank Capacity
55 l
50 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2200 kg
1920 kg
Ground Clearance (Default)
190 mm
190 mm
Front Headroom
990 mm
990 mm
Rear Headroom
960 mm
950 mm
Height
1628 mm
1640 mm
Kerb Weight
1500 kg
1430 kg
Front Legroom
1050 mm
1030 mm
Rear Legroom
890 mm
860 mm
Length
4472 mm
4370 mm
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Towing Capacity
1500 kg
-
Minimum Turning Radius
11.4 m
10.6 m
Wheelbase
2700 mm
2610 mm
Width
1841 mm
1800 mm
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Chassis Material
Monocoque
Unibody
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Unibody
Front Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Front Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Front Track Width
1560 mm
1570 mm
MagneRide Damping
Not Available
Not Available
Power Steering
Yes
Yes
Rear Axle Type
Multi-Link Independent
Coupled Torsion Beam
Rear Spring Type
Coil Spring
Coil Spring
Rear Anti-Roll Bar
Yes
Yes
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link Independent
Coupled Torsion Beam
Rear Track Width
1570 mm
1560 mm
Shock Absorber Type
Hydraulic
Telescopic
Shock Absorbers
Hydraulic
Telescopic
Steering Column
Adjustable
Adjustable
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link Independent
Coupled Torsion Beam
Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
CO2 Emissions
128 g/km
136 g/km
CO2 Emissions G Km
128
136
Euro Emission Standard
Euro 5
Euro 6
Fuel Evaporation Control
EVAP Canister
No
Green NCAP Rating
4/5
4
Idle CO2 Output
128
143
Noise Level
Low
67 dB
Particulate Filter
No
DPF
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
No
Fuel Octane Requirement
95 Octane Unleaded
B7 Diesel
Start Stop System
Yes
Yes
Hybrid System Type
Full Parallel Hybrid (DHT)
Not Available
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Ownership Role
Top
Flagship
Price Zar
519900 ZAR
599995 ZAR
Pricing Role
Current listed price
Current listed price
Starting Price
519900
599995
Starting Price Zar
519900
599995
Price Source
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
South Africa variant price CSV; verify against latest OEM price list
Spec
Jolion
Seltos
Real-world City Mileage Min
7.0 l/100km
13.3 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Max
8.0 l/100km
23.3 l/100km
Real-world Highway Mileage Min
6.0 l/100km
20.0 l/100km
Real-world City Mileage Max
9.5 l/100km
17.2 l/100km
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
Seltos leads by 2 points
Both Jolion and Seltos are extremely closely matched, making the final choice dependent on buyer preference.
Very close match. Final decision depends on buyer preference.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
Seltos
Performance
45/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
68/100
Ownership
71/100
Jolion
Performance
51/100
Efficiency
73/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
60/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆KIA Seltos
wins with 70 pts
vs 68 pts for Jolion
In structured scoring, Seltos emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Jolion may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Seltos edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Jolion 73 vs Seltos 73. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Jolion 94, Seltos 94. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Jolion 65, Seltos 71. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Jolion 60, Seltos 68. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Jolion 51, Seltos 45. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Seltos edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Seltos scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Jolion and Seltos in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Jolion scores 51 vs 45.
Efficiency: Jolion scores 73 vs 73.
Safety: Jolion scores 94 vs 94.
Practicality: Jolion scores 60 vs 68.
Ownership: Jolion scores 65 vs 71.
Final structured scoring gives Seltos
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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