The Jaecoo J7
China’s Jaecoo brand has launched its first vehicles in South Africa – the J7 sports-utility vehicle (SUV) range.
Chery/Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa (SA) says the “urban off-road SUV brand” is “poised to take the local market by storm”, with the three J7 derivatives “priced from just R549 900”.
Chery/Omoda & Jaecoo SA executive deputy GM Tony Liu says South Africa is the first right-hand-drive market, and the first market in Africa, to launch the J7.
The three derivatives are the Vortex, Glacier and range-topping Inferno vehicles.
All three are powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine, producing peak power outputs of 145 kW and 290 Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The base Vortex grade includes 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 and front radar.
All three versions of the J7 come standard with a five-year/70 000 km service plan and a five-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty.
An additional engine warranty spanning ten years, or a million kilometres, is also included in the purchase price.
Jaecoo already has a presence in Europe, Russia, Malaysia and the Middle East.
After being announced at Auto Shanghai 2023 in China, Jaecoo debuted as an independent, urban off-road SUV brand within the Chery group.
The name Jaecoo comes from the fusion of the German word ‘jäger’, meaning ‘hunter’, and the English term ‘cool’.
The J7 plug-in hybrid and the flagship J8 are scheduled to be introduced in South Africa later this year.
Jaecoo has 37 dealerships around the country.