The new generation of Haval’s smallest model has been revealed.

SAID to be conflation of ‘joy’ and ‘lion’ – also, an Anglicisation of the Chinese word, Chulian, which means ‘first love’.

So goes the back story to why the replacement for the cheapest model Chinese maker Haval offers in New Zealand has a proper name now.

What we’ve known to date as the H2 will, according to overseas’ reports, now be the Jolion. 

Part of the Great Wall Motors’ family, Haval is represented nationally by GWM NZ, which has yet to offer comment on the car or when it might come on sale.

The H2 is presently the focus of a big advertising push at the moment and Jolion is expected to be available in other right-hand-drive markets of significance soon.

Reports from South African and Australia say the model is based on Haval’s new modular platform, also oddly-named (given the connotation, perhaps we won’t see much reference to it being the Lemon underpinning). Anyway, this platform also underpins the larger H6 and ‘Big Dog’ (no, seriously) SUVs.

Despite the off-roaderish look, the car still produces in front-drive only and continues with a 1.5-litre petrol, though the transmission has changed, the current six-speed auto being dropped for a seven-speed direct shift unit.  

Outputs are yet to be confirmed; some markets take the engine in a 116kW and 220Nm tune, but Australia’s CarAdvice website cites documentation it has viewed suggests the unit also comes in a 105kW form – so, producing 5kW less than the current car. That’s the one it believes will offer in Australia and so, perhaps, also NZ as in the past our countries have settled on common choices.

The Jolion delivers with 17-inch wheels as standard, with a higher-spec variant to be offered with 18-inch wheels and a sunroof.

The car also expected to feature a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, and a reverse camera, plus LED headlights, tail-lights, and daytime-running lights, and keyless entry with push-button start.

Wireless smartphone charging, adaptive cruise control, a power-operated tailgate, and semi-autonomous parallel parking could also be offered, CarAdvice has suggested.

Overseas models also feature in-cabin LED lighting which reacts to the music being played through the audio system.