Jaecoo has confirmed that the plug-in hybrid version of its J7 SUV, known as the J7 SHS, will arrive in South Africa in June.
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CAR Magazine has already had a go in the all-new model, lauding it as a welcome new energy alternative to the Chinese automaker’s growing fleet. Going forward, this will also see the catalyst of a broader range of hybrid and electric vehicles coming under the Omoda and Jaecoo umbrella.
Related: Review: Jaecoo J7 SHS (PHEV)
The J7 SHS—short for Super Hybrid System—combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor, using a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) to deliver power to the front wheels. The 18.3 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery allows for an all-electric range of around 90 km, enough to cover most daily commutes without using any petrol. On longer trips, the hybrid system seamlessly takes over, offering a claimed total range of up to 1 200 km. Fuel efficiency is another highlight—on a recent 1 100 km trip between Cape Town and Gqeberha, the J7 SHS returned an average of just 4.88 L/100 km.
Inside, the J7 SHS offers a well-appointed cabin with premium materials and plenty of tech. Features include a 10.25-inch infotainment screen that is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a Sony eight-speaker sound system, head-up display, 50W wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control (with rear vents), heated and ventilated power-adjustable front seats, ambient lighting, panoramic sunroof and a 360-degree camera with front and rear parking sensors. Boot space is fairly limited with 240 litres available behind the rear seats, but it expands to 896 litres with the seats folded flat.
Performance is respectable for a compact SUV with hybrid credentials. The Jaecoo J7 SHS plug-in hybrid combines the 105 kW and 215 N.m of torque from the ICE with a 150 kW and 310 N.m electric motor. Together, the system delivers a combined total of 255 kW of power and 525 N.m of torque. All of this power is sent to the front wheels through the aforementioned dedicated single-speed DHT. The J7 SHS can accelerate from 0–40 km/h in 2.98 seconds, reach 60 km/h in 4.46 seconds, and cross 100 km/h in 8.55 seconds. Braking performance was equally solid, with the best stopping time at 2.62 seconds and an average braking distance of 37.10 metres. When plugged into a 40 kW DC charger, the battery can be topped up from 30–80% in just 20 minutes.
Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
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