maoriboy:

jonathan18:

Interesting to read you've bought the MG EV - how are you finding it? What sort of real-world range are you getting with it? Have you found the screen laggy at all? How do you find the rear leg and boot space?

I took an HS PHEV for a test drive the other week, and was pretty impressed - probably more with the interior finish than the driving refinement. The lack of any towing rating was a deal-breaker for us, though.

We've had it about a week and done about 140km of around town driving. Still shows 120ish km remaining on range. Boot space and rear leg room seem sufficient for our needs as a mostly around town runabout. My 6ft 2 teenager fits in the back seat fine when I'm in the drivers seat - I'm 6ft. First experience with android auto and it seems to work fine for me. It's a very nippy car, light on the steering and certainly a lot of fun to drive. Range is certainly affected by using the air con but I find the heated seats work well enough. Haven't needed to charge it as yet so will give that a go on the weekend. PM me if you want to pop round and take a look.

tchart: Review popped up on YouTube this morning

https://youtu.be/YcDxxWfwYGI

Interesting that it's the 5th best selling car in ZA

Hmmm...so that has me thinking that I now need to consider spending an additional $3k and going for the Jolion...

Great review. I saw his review of the H2 and whilst it had its minor issues, he was also very complimentary. 

I've not watched this, but it's an Aussie review from a week ago - Jolion vs Seltos

The AA review didnt show anything negative other than performance...

https://www.aa.co.nz/cars/car-reviews/haval-h2-2020-car-review/

That said, I think its too early to tell about reliability on the common components that need replacing... 

dafman:

 

I've not watched this, but it's an Aussie review from a week ago - Jolion vs Seltos

 

 

The only reservation I'd have with getting a Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Honda or Mazda et al in the same size/class is the increase in cost (in terms of outright price for new vehicle). When your budget is tight, you look at a certain price range and anything (even $5K) over that becomes largely a no-go. 

Kia Seltos starts at $32k + ORC. 

Haval H2 $23K + ORC

Haval Jolion $25K + ORC

Suzuki Vitara Turbo $33K

Hyundai Kona $34K 

Etc etc

Appreciate your comments re cost. However, $2k extra to move to Jolion seems like a no-brainer - you are getting way more than $2k in value. Even if you need to wait a bit longer to buy.

dafman:

 

Appreciate your comments re cost. However, $2k extra to move to Jolion seems like a no-brainer - you are getting way more than $2k in value. Even if you need to wait a bit longer to buy.

 

It's quite a bit bigger car than the H2. 150mm longer and 30mm wider than the H2.

Gets a 1500kg braked tow rating and more class appropriate 168mm of ground clearance too.

Visually a lot more appealing.

Despite being bigger, and running what is likely the same engine, rated fuel consumption is down from 9.0 (on 95ron) to 8.1L/100km (on 91 Ron). Still bad fuel consumption, but not quite as embarrassing as the H2, and being able to run 91 represents quite a cost saving in NZ where we 95 tends to command a steep premium.

Assume much of the fuel saving is down to the shift to a DSG gearbox. These are quite clever tech. Essentially two automated gearboxes next to each other and able to shift in milliseconds. Really nice to drive (based on VW versions of the tech), once you are moving, but suck badly for low speed maneuvering, especially on steep slopes. They need to be driven more like a manual than an auto. i.e. stop and start going up the steep motorway on ramp with signals, rather than creep up at 2 - 3km/h like you would do in a normal auto or EV. Importantly this is a wet clutch DSG (you really don't want a dry clutch as they much more prone to damage)

Not exactly like for like of course. The H2 gets stuff like a full size spare, that the Jolion lacks, and 18" wheels which are only on the top spec Jolion.

That South Africa review was pretty glowing, but the fuel consumption on test really stood out as a negitive. Real world 12+ L/100km. Not sure what sort or running the tester was doing, but that is a lot of fuel for modern modestly powered SUV of this size. Fuel tank is only 55L too. With a 10L reserve, at 12L/100km you would be refueling every 375km.... Would be interested if anybody has more sources of real world data for this.