The Jaecoo J7 has been on sale in South Africa since April 2024, mere months after being announced as a Chery sub-brand at the Auto Shanghai Show in China last year. The J7 stands out with its sleek design and advanced technologies and comes in three variants starting at R549 900.
A 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers 145 kW and 290 N.m of torque and powers the entire range. This engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The base Vortex and mid-level Glacier models are front-wheel drive, while the top-tier Inferno offers an all-wheel-drive system, featuring Jaecoo’s All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS). The J7 offers several driving modes through its off-roading system.
The SUV boasts a 21-degree approach angle, a 29-degree departure angle, 200 mm ground clearance, and 600 mm wading depth.
Related: Jaecoo J7 driven in its native China
The range
Items on the entry-level Vortex include power-adjustable front seats, an electric tailgate, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 360-degree panoramic camera, wireless smartphone charging, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, automatic windscreen wipers, and seven airbags. The Glacier model, priced at R599 900, upgrades to 19-inch alloys, a 14.8-inch touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats with memory function, a head-up display, and an integrated dashcam. It also includes advanced driver-assistance features like automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and more.
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The flagship Inferno model, priced at R679 900, includes all-wheel drive with the ARDIS system, heated leather steering wheel, and privacy glass.
All Jaecoo J7 models come with a 5-year/70 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty, plus an industry-leading 10-year or 1 million km engine warranty.
The influx of Chinese vehicles like the Jaecoo J7 into the South African market is notable, with these vehicles increasingly gaining popularity among local buyers. Known for their advanced features, Chinese cars are steadily becoming a preferred choice, offering robust competition to established brands.
