The nameplate already boasts a significant presence in key global markets such as Europe, Russia, Malaysia, the Middle East and now South Africa with nearly 40 dedicated dealerships around the country.

What’s new?

The JAECOO is described as hitting the market as the very first model from the newly established urban off-road SUV brand. According to the manufacturer, the new J7 has an important role to play. Boasting high levels of sophistication and performance, the J7 will appeal to customers who love the great outdoors but are not prepared to compromise on either comfort or standard specification.

Exterior:

The inclusion of ARDIS in the Inferno derivative completely redefines the off-road driving experience, allowing effortless navigation through mud, sand and several other types of terrain. Drivers benefit from a 21° approach angle, a 29° departure angle, 200 mm of ground clearance and 600 mm of wading depth.

The modern square design gives the vehicle a distinctive look from other vehicles in this segment.

Engine:

All three derivatives in the J7 range are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 145 kW and 290 Nm, and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. In the case of the base Vortex and mid-spec Glacier variants, drive is delivered to the front axle, while the range-topping Inferno features an all-wheel drive system called proprietary ARDIS with seven driving modes.

Interior:

Specification levels are extremely generous across the line-up. Belying its entry-level positioning, for example, the Vortex grade includes items such as power-adjustable front seats, an electric tailgate, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 360° panoramic camera system, wireless smartphone charging, 18-inch alloy wheels (framing red brake callipers), LED headlamps, front foglamps, automatic windscreen wipers, seven airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), front radar and several added safety features.

Meanwhile, the mid-tier Glacier model upgrades to 19-inch alloys and a 14.8-inch touchscreen, while also gaining items such as innovative inter-seat airbags, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats, a head-up display, an integrated dashcam and a raft of extra driver-assistance features. These include items such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-departure warning, intelligent high-beam control, rear cross-traffic assist and more.

The flagship all-wheel-drive Inferno ships with the aforementioned ARDIS system, along with extras such as a heating function for the leather-trimmed steering wheel as well as privacy glass.

Engine:

All three derivatives in the J7 range are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine producing 145 kW and 290 Nm, and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. In the case of the base Vortex and mid-spec Glacier variants, drive is delivered to the front axle, while the range-topping Inferno features an all-wheel drive system called proprietary ARDIS with seven driving modes.

Prices:

JAECOO J7 1.6T Vortex FWD 7DCT (R549 900), JAECOO J7 1.6T Glacier FWD 7DCT (R599 900) and the JAECOO J7 1.6T Inferno AWD 7DCT (R679 900).

All three versions of the JAECOO J7 come standard with a 5-year/70 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty. An additional industry-leading engine warranty spanning 10 years, or one million kilometres, is included in the purchase price.