Chery’s Jaecoo J7 targets adventurous families in SA
The SUV blends daily practicality and comfort with an AWD system in the range-topping model, writes Phuti Mpyane
Chinese brand Chery has expanded its offering with the launch of the new Jaecoo sub-brand in SA, with the J7 as its first product.
The crossover SUV exists alongside the Chery Tiggo Pro line-up that relaunched the brand in this market in 2021, and the vividly styled Omoda C5 range, which debuted in April 2023. All Jaecoo J7 models are powered by a single engine.
The Jaecoo name is a mixture of “Jäger” (meaning “hunter” in German) and “cool”.
Rear passenger space feels adequate and the seats fold down flat, but the boot is rather shallow, though a full-size spare wheel dwells below.
Inside, you’ll find an interior that looks like nothing else in the Chery stable. The company has gone for a buttonless cabin with a big central screen that houses every on-board function, including the playful graphics, some in conjunction with 360° camera views. A digital binnacle sits ahead of the driver.
It’s all built sturdily enough, with three model specifications on sale and branded Vortex, Glacier and range-topping Inferno, with plentiful features and amenities. The entry-level Vortex comes with a 13.2-inch main screen, electric seats in front, electric tailgate, 360° panoramic camera system, wireless smartphone charging, LED headlamps, automatic screen wipers, 18-inch alloy wheels and a driving mode selector.
For 50K more, the Glacier has a larger 14.8-inch screen, heated and ventilated front seats, panoramic sunroof, interseat airbags, head-up display, integrated dashcam, 19-inch alloys and driver assistance systems including automatic emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, lane-departure warning, intelligent high-beam control, rear cross-traffic assist and more.
Another 80K on top of that gets you the range-topping Inferno model, which adds items such as a heated and leather-trimmed steering wheel and privacy glass, along with allwheel drive. The Vortex and Glacier are front-wheel drives.
All Jaecoo J7 models are powered by a turbocharged 1.6l petrol engine producing 145kW and 290Nm, mated to a sevenspeed dual-clutch transmission.
The big separator of the Inferno is the all-wheel drive system. This is where the “Cool Hunter” position takes off because Chery markets the J7 as
the model to buy if your active lifestyle takes you off the main roads and onto gravel paths. An off-road mode is afforded to this model, as is a 21° approach angle, a 29° departure angle, 200mm of ground clearance and 600mm of wading depth.
I drove the Inferno exclusively at the media launch and by comparison with similarpriced and sized Chery and Omoda cousins, I didn’t find much of a divider. The dirt road we travelled on, though littered with stones, just wouldn’t inconvenience both the Tiggo Pro 7 and Tiggo Pro 8 with their 193mm and 203mm ground clearances.
The Jaecoo is more accomplished on tarmac with a sturdy gait not afflicted by sway in the corners nor was the damping troubled by rough surfaces. The engine was hushed and the automatic transmission perceptive in its operation.
The first drive verdict is that the new Jaecoo J7 is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it looks handsome with its smart design and hi-tech interior with a good driving quality.
On the other hand, it competes too closely with Chery products such as the Tiggo 7 Pro Max, with the same engine and AWD system. The threepronged market attack may spell confusion for buyers.
All versions of the Jaecoo J7 come standard with a five-year/ 70,000km service plan and a five-year/150,000km mechanical warranty. An additional engine warranty spanning 10 years or 1-million kilometres is also included in the purchase price for the first owner.
Pricing
● Jaecoo J7 1.6T Vortex FWD 7DCT — R549,900
● Jaecoo J7 1.6T Glacier FWD 7DCT — R599,900
● Jaecoo J7 1.6T Inferno AWD 7DCT — R679,900