GWM Haval Jolion vs Honda HR-V

The GWM Haval Jolion starts from $32,990 before on-road costs, while the Honda HR-V opens at $30,300 (our estimated RRP; the brand lists drive-away prices only). Both land at the same RRP, so on-road costs and dealer deals become the real differentiator.

Once you factor in stamp duty, registration, CTP insurance, and dealer delivery, expect to add roughly 8-12% on top of the RRP depending on your state. That puts estimated driveaway prices in the ballpark of $36,289 and $33,330 respectively.

Over 5 years, the running costs are nearly identical since both have similar efficiency.

The GWM Haval Jolion holds a 5-star ANCAP rating vs 4 stars for the Honda HR-V. Adult occupant protection scored 90% for the GWM Haval Jolion and 82% for the Honda HR-V.

Where the two diverge is in active safety technology. We can confirm 8 of 10 key ADAS systems on the GWM Haval Jolion, against 5 on the Honda HR-V.

Both include the essentials: autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, a reversing camera. Airbag count is 6 in the GWM Haval Jolion and 6 in the Honda HR-V.

A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.

The GWM Haval Jolion features a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a 7-inch digital dash, while the Honda HR-V gets a 9-inch display and 7-inch instruments. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across both.

The GWM Haval Jolion stands out with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, wireless charging, panoramic roof, heated front seats and ventilated seats — features our data doesn't list for the Honda HR-V. The Honda HR-V counters with Apple CarPlay and ambient lighting. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.

Interior trim differs: the GWM Haval Jolion gets synthetic leather upholstery while the Honda HR-V offers cloth.

The GWM Haval Jolion uses a Petrol producing 130kW and 270Nm of torque, sent through a 7-speed dual clutch transmission to a FWD layout.

The Honda HR-V responds with a Petrol making 89kW and 145Nm, paired to a cvt driving the front wheels.

The GWM Haval Jolion has the clear power advantage at 130kW vs 89kW. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.

The GWM Haval Jolion measures 4,470mm long on a 2,700mm wheelbase, 125mm longer than the Honda HR-V at 4,345mm (2,610mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the GWM Haval Jolion generally means more rear legroom.

Boot space is 291L in the GWM Haval Jolion and 304L in the Honda HR-V, giving the Honda HR-V a 13L advantage.

For towing, the GWM Haval Jolion leads with a 1,500kg braked capacity vs 1,000kg. That 500kg difference matters if you regularly hitch up.

Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,853/year for the GWM Haval Jolion and $1,767/year for the Honda HR-V. That is a $86 annual difference in favour of the Honda HR-V.

Warranty: 7 years / 999,999km (GWM Haval Jolion) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Honda HR-V). The GWM Haval Jolion has longer coverage. Capped-price servicing: —5yr (Honda HR-V).