Jaecoo has finally landed in South Africa, with the Chinese automaker opening its innings to the SA market with the introduction of the J7. Here’s what you can expect, including pricing and spec, from the newcomer…
The J7 line-up comprises a trio of derivatives, each available in a distinct trim line (Vortex, Glacier, and Inferno), a single engine-transmission option, and two drivetrains, front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The latter, ‘All Road Drive Intelligent System’ (ARDIS), which features seven driving modes, is exclusively equipped to the J7 in range-topping Inferno level of specification.
The engine-transmission set-up comprises a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol and seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The four-cylinder powertrain produces 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque, with the latter available between 2 000 r/min and 4 000 r/min in the rev range.
According to Jaecoo, when powering the front-wheel-drive derivatives (the Vortex and Glacier), the turbocharged unit sips 7.0 L/100 km on average. The all-wheel-drive variant’s claimed average fuel-consumption figure is 7.8 L/100 km. All models sport a 51-litre fuel tank.
Now, let’s take a look at the standard features…
the Vortex is equipped with a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 360-degree camera set-up, wireless smartphone charging, electrically adjustable front pews, an electric tailgate, LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels, and seven airbags. The Glacier upgrades to a 14.8-inch touch-enabled infotainment display, a head-up display, heated and ventilated front seats, replete with memory functionality, a panoramic sunroof, and an array of driver-assistance systems. On top of the above-mentioned items, the flagship Inferno gains heating functionality for the steering wheel.
“As South Africa’s first taste of Jaecoo, the new J7 has an important role to play. Boasting high levels of sophistication and performance — not to mention a modern, yet classic design aesthetic — the J7 will appeal to customers who love the great outdoors but are not prepared to compromise on either comfort or standard specification,” said Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager of Chery, Omoda, and Jaecoo SA.
Added Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for Omoda & Jaecoo SA, “The Jaecoo J7 offers outdoor-loving customers something entirely new: far more toughness than a typical urban SUV but also more comfort and technology than traditional off-roaders. Add lofty levels of standard specification, a potent powertrain and highly competitive pricing, and you can see why we believe the J7 will take the local market by storm.”
So, speaking of “competitive pricing”, how much can you expect to pay for the J7? Well, the entry-level Vortex will set you back R549 900; the mid-tier Glacier, R599 900; and the pinnacle, all-wheel-drive, Inferno model, R679 900.
Pricing includes a five-year/70 000 km service plan and a five-year/150 000 km warranty. An additional engine warranty, spanning 10 years or 1 million km, is also standard.