In the somewhat complex South African automotive landscape where a profusion of brand names exists in a globally small market, new names are being added on a regular basis and when the decision was taken to introduce Jaecoo to the mix it was both surprising, yet not entirely unexpected.
Let me explain. I was first introduced to the Jaecoo brand at a global Chery event in Wuhu, China more than a year ago and had the opportunity for a short drive on an offroad track the company had set up to showcase the all-wheel drive capabilities of the SUV.
Jaecoo – a name derived from the German word for hunter and ‘cool’, so literally Cool Hunter – is a subsidiary brand to the massive Chery organisation and, while informed the vehicle would be launched in South Africa, some detail was left out. At the time, the Chery Tiggo range did not have all-wheel drive variants and it seemed a reasonable move to have Jaecoo assume this mantle for the group.
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However, Tiggo gained the AWD versions and Jaecoo came to the country to be placed with the Omoda arm of the organisation that has its own separate dealer network and operates somewhat independently of the Mother company.
The Jaecoo J7 1.6 Inferno comes in at R679 900 and the comparable Chery product, the Tiggo 7 Pro Executive AWD has a price tag of R609 900 with the closest other brand names on the price ladder being the Volkswagen T-Roc 2.0TSI 140kW 4Motion Design (R688 100) and the Subaru Crosstrek 2.0i S (R699 000).
Certainly, my first sight of the Jaecoo genuinely piqued my interest. With its sophisticated silhouette and avant-garde design ethos, it commands attention and respect on the highways and byways alike. Its aesthetic appeal is not merely superficial; the Jaecoo J7 Inferno marries form with function in a manner that is both seamless and impressive.
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The acceleration is brisk and refined, allowing for a surge of power that feels both exhilarating and controlled – the Jaecoo having the same engine as its Chery counterpart, being a turbo-charged 1,6-litre petrol engine, delivering peak outputs of 145 kW at 5 500 r/min and 290 Nm of torque from 2 000 r/min, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The Chery delivers its torque from 1 750 r/min and, along with several motoring colleagues, noted there was an issue with the throttle modulation in that the step from nothing to power was uncomfortably sudden and sometimes surprising.
Still not perfect, the later onset of torque from the Jaecoo did appear to ease the issue and the acceleration from rest was more consistent and controllable.
Navigating through bends, the Jaecoo J7 Inferno displays commendable poise, its chassis responding with agility that belies its robust build. Comfort, too, is paramount in the design of this vehicle. Both driver and passengers are treated to a ride quality that is smooth and reassuring, making for an enjoyable journey regardless of distance.
Delving deeper into the attributes of the Jaecoo J7 Inferno reveals a blend of efficiency and sophistication with a significant advantage coming from its fuel economy that showcases an exceptional balance of power and eco-consciousness, providing an economically viable option without compromising on performance.
Jaecoo states 7,8 l/100 km as the average fuel consumption but, using the Eco mode on the highway I was able to squeeze this down to 6,7 l/100 km and that ‘aint too shabby. In Normal mode and used in and around town in varying traffic conditions the test average was 7,4 l/100 km and when I tried Sport mode and added in a bit of dirt road work it did creep up to 8,2 l/100 km.
The proprietary ARDIS intelligent off-roading system has seven driving modes, allowing the Jaecoo J7 to adapt to a wide variety of surfaces by dynamically adjusting the vehicle’s responses in real time. So, whether navigating urban streets or muddy terrain, the system handles each driving scenario with finesse and capability.
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The spaciousness and design of the interior further elevate the Jaecoo J7 Inferno above its contemporaries and occupants are greeted by a cabin that marries comfort with luxury, offering generous legroom and ergonomically designed seats that ensure comfort on journeys, both short and long.
Moreover, the Jaecoo J7 Inferno doesn't shy away from integrating technology to enhance the driving experience. From intuitive infotainment systems to advanced connectivity options, the car is equipped to meet the demands of modern drivers, ensuring that both functionality and enjoyment are at the forefront of every journey.
Specification levels are high across the three-derivative line-up. The Vortex entry grade includes items such as power-adjustable front seats, an power tailgate, a 13,2-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree panoramic camera system, wireless smartphone charging, 18-inch alloy wheels (framing red brake callipers), LED headlamps, front foglamps, automatic windscreen wipers, seven crash bags (including a driver’s knee bag) and front radar.
Meanwhile, the mid-tier Glacier model upgrades to 19-inch alloys and a 14,8-inch touchscreen, while also gaining items such as inter-seat crash bags, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats (with a memory function), a head-up display, an integrated dashcam and extra driver-assistance features such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-departure warning, intelligent high-beam control and rear cross-traffic assist.
The flagship all-wheel-drive Inferno gets the ARDIS system, along with extras such as a heating function for the leather-trimmed steering wheel as well as privacy glass.
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Obviously, one must make comparisons with the Chery – so the differences are items such as traffic sign recognition, leather covered steering wheel, refrigerated compartment under the centre armrest, front and rear cupholders, external mirror memory and lumbar support appearing in the Jaecoo but not the Tiggo.
The Tiggo does win on the luggage capacity scale offering 626 litres of standard space, rising to 1 672 litres when the seats are folded compared to the 412 litres and 1 335 litres of the Jaecoo.
In assessing the Jaecoo J7 Inferno, whilst its merits are plentiful, there are facets that beckon for enhancement, notably the driving dynamics, though generally commendable for their precision, reveal a rigidity in handling that may not resonate with all. This characteristic, whilst possibly engendering a sense of control and security for some, could detract from the driving pleasure of those who favour a more fluid and responsive interaction with their vehicle.
However, driving the Jaecoo J7 Inferno through varied terrains and cityscapes, I felt a sense of connection to the road that was invigorating. The responsiveness of the vehicle, coupled with its comfortable interior, made for journeys that were as enjoyable as they were memorable.
Colin Windell
Proudly CHANGECARS
