For many years, brand loyal South Africans were reluctant to even look at new brands that attempted to launch into our motoring market. Think Daewoo, Dacia, Chery (1st time), Infiniti and a number of others.
However, since the arrival of Haval and Chery coming back for a second bite, a new trend has emerged. Newcomers are arriving in numbers and some of them are already launching sub-brands into our market…..and doing so successfully.
Chery’s re-entry to South Africa just more than two years ago has been a success story of note, followed quickly by Omoda and now we have the arrival of Jaecoo J7. Only launched internationally last year, SA is the first country to launch Right Hand Drive (RHD) models, a massive vote of confidence in our market from the Chinese Head Office.
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The name Jaecoo is derived from the German word ‘Jaeger’ meaning hunter and ‘Cool’, clearly this brand is aimed at young, adventerous buyers and the styling emphasises this. From the very distinctive, and large, waterfall grill, to smooth lines that are not as squared off as many other SUV’s, it exudes style.
The daytime part of the launch event consisted of an on-road experience giving us the opportunity to drive the cars through Johannesburg and to the Lion and Safari Park in Broederstroom. On road, the cars showed good performance, smoothness and luxury.
Especially so in the top-spec Inferno model that I was driving. The three-model range consists of Vortex, Glacier and Inferno with all offering tremendous luxury and safety spec, while the Inferno is the only model to add All-Wheel Drive (AWD).
The next stage of the drive was on some uneven, bumpy and rocky roads through the park. None of the vehicles experienced any issues or problems, including the front-wheel drive versions and we simply pottered along in comfort.
All Jaecoo J7 models are powered by the familiar 1,6-litre 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine that delivers 145 kW and 290 Nm through a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Power delivery is smooth with plenty in reserve for overtaking on freeways and the automatic transmission shifts seamlessly. Fuel economy is also very impressive with our car showing just over 6,0 l/100 km while cruising at freeway speeds.
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Looking at the generous specification levels, the Vortex model kicks off with leather interior, full size spare wheel, power tailgate, wireless 50W charging, 360 deg HD panoramic camera and wireless Carplay and Android auto.
Stepping up to Glacier adds 19-inch alloy wheels, 14,8-inch screen, panoramic sunroof and Driver Advanced Driver Assistance systems.
The top tier Inferno model adds more including: All wheel drive with seven driving modes, heated and ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel and the ‘ARDIS’ All road driving intelligent system that includes Active Safety systems such as active cruise control, active front and rear collision warning with emergency braking and much more.
The pricing announcement was met with a moment of stunned silence and then raucous cheering, both from media and then from the glamorous who’s who of Joburg society at the Glitz and Glam evening event.
The pricing is: Vortex R549 999
Glacier R599 999
Inferno R679 999
All models include the 10 year/ 1 million km Engine warranty for the 1st owner, a 5-year/ 150 000 km standard warranty and 5-year/ 70 000 km service plan.
Click here for our full video review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QT_F4qF3e2A
Alan Rosenmeyer
Proudly CHANGECARS
