BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
JAECOO’s new J5, which was revealed at the 2024 OMODA & JAECOO International User Summit in Wuhu, China, this October will soon be in South Africa.
What is it?
With sophisticated luxury features and a sleek design, the J5 aims to set a new standard in the compact SUV class, says the manufacturer. The J5’s arrival follows in the footsteps of the introduction of the J7 earlier. The J5 slots in beneath the J7 within the JAECOO line-up.
Exterior:
Like the larger J7, the J5 features a bold, assertive design combining modern styling cues with rugged touches. The prominent JAECOO grille flows seamlessly into the slim headlights.
The generous ground clearance and subtly pronounced wheel arches underscore the J5’s adventurous personality. At the rear, the lightbar incorporates the taillights and ‘JAECOO’ nameplate, while the rear bumper integrates neatly with the bodywork.

Interior:
Other welcomed features include a 13.2-inch touchscreen with integrated entertainment applications and smart navigation. The J5 is available with a 1.45 m² panoramic sunroof, the biggest in its class.
The J5 comes with a towing capacity of 1 250 kg and a roof rack that can carry up to 75 kg. Other features include camping lights, factory-installed hooks in the cargo area, and a charging port that can accommodate all the necessary accessories one might take camping or on outdoor trips.
A standout feature of the J5 is its emphasis on "human-pet travel", for four-legged companions. The interior includes specially extended seats designed with pets in mind, enhancing their comfort and safety. Other features aimed at pet owners include specially crafted boarding steps for smaller pets and a pet-feeding system.
Engine:
Although the engine specifications and line-up still have to be confirmed, the J5 is available elsewhere with a 1600 cc turbo petrol-engine, delivering around 143 kW and 290 Nm of torque connected to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
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