Jaecoo enters the fray with an immediately impressive offering in the J7. Indeed, as I slid behind the wheel, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu. Another Chinese compact SUV, another promise of value and performance. But the J7, like its brethren from Omoda – itself an offshoot of the venerable Chery brand – is more than just a pretender to the throne. It’s a statement of intent.
The J7’s turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol heart pumps out a potent 145 kW and 290 N.m, paired with a buttery 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result? Competent, a smooth drive and a willingness to respond. Whether darting through city streets or devouring highway miles, the J7 is a gracious companion. But what truly sets it apart is its heritage. As a member of the Chery family, Jaecoo benefits from a shared (newish) legacy of innovation and quality. And it shows. From the solid build to the thoughtful design, the J7 exudes a sense of substance – or maybe it’s the fact that it’s something of a Tiggo in Range Rover clothing that’s creating a mild placebo effect?
Collectively, Jaecoo, Omoda, and their Chery roots pose a formidable challenge to established players like Haval. The writing’s on the wall: affordable, feature-packed Chinese SUVs are redefining the market. Japanese and European rivals, take note: the likes of Jaecoo and Omoda are leaving little room for error. With each new model, the gap between East and West narrows. The J7 is yet another example of China’s ascendancy in the SUV stakes. Naturally it benefits from a massive 14.8″ inch infotainment screen, but there’s also electric pews – heated and vented, dashcam, HUD, panoramic sunroof and more.
Verdict: Another excellent Chinese compact SUV, the Jaecoo J7 sets its sights on Haval’s throne. With its seamless performance, solid build, and unbeatable value, the J7 is a force to be reckoned with even amongst more established rivals in the segment. Its poise and punch ultimately impressed me, but it isn’t perfect. The assault of bongs, tings, and whoops from the electronics and safety systems go far beyond nannying into the realm of annoying. It’s the only aspect of the car (and similarly many of the Chinese offerings) that drove me bonkers. I respect the need to be safe, but there is something to be said about arriving at my destination rested and unstressed. A minor gripe I can live with.
Price: From R549,900 to R679,900
Engine: 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol