If I get ONE more person asking me if they should buy a new [ insert Chinese crossover here ] I swear I’m going to open a dealership.
You should know: I’ve recently gone on record stating that all modern SUV Cross-dresser type vehicles (not just Chinese) look the same to me so, umm, ignoring a bout of flattering imitation, this Jaecoo J7 certainly breaks that stigma with its blunt angles, straight lines and urban chic proportions.
More info: It even looks good in facsimile metallic green, and the wow factor continues inside. Where other brands struggle to integrate screens, air vents and charging trays into a cohesive dashboard shape, Jaecoo apparently went about it in reverse order… which culminates in a sleek and modern cabin with a large screen stuck to the middle.
What else? Most of our testers didn’t mind it, especially because the air vents still work and – unlike the pioneers of vertical TV’s in cars – Jaecoo gave its J7 a small, stand-alone digital gauge cluster. Oh, and the seats are utterly comfy, it’s got all the media goeters we desire, while the boot swallow between 585 and 1,350 litres.
More figures include 200m of ground clearance, 145kW or 290Nm at full throttle, claimed average fuel use of 7L/100km in ideal conditions, a 50L petrol tank, 0-100km/h in about 8.2 seconds, 4.5m length, maximum water wading depth of 600mm and a kerb weight somewhere around 1.600kg.
Why you shouldn’t: I’m scared to jump on this bandwagon these days, but there’s no physical volume knob (minus 1 point) and the automated dual-clutch gearbox isn’t always fully awake (minus another) but both these criticisms apply to most of its competitors; if they’ve been cursed with missing knobs and napping cogs, too.
Why you should: Have I mentioned the good looks yet? It drives quite nicely as well, although I implore you to get your bum into a new Jaecoo J7 seat to experience this for yourself. And while you’re there, be sure to check out the multitude of active driver aids, passive safety features, as well as the powered or automated goodies.
Each new J7 is sold with a 5-year/150,000km vehicle warranty, 10-year/1-million km engine warranty (for the first owner) and a 5-year/70,000km service plan. And seeing that I’ll probably open a dealership soon, I can also tell you that there are other trim lines and easy financing on offer, too.
FULL SPEC LIST
| Engine: | 1,598cc i-4 turbo-petrol |
| Transmission: | 7-speed DCT, FWD |
| Max. Power: | 145kW @ 5,500rpm |
| Max. Torque: | 290Nm @ 2,000rpm |
| Avg. cons.: | (claimed 7L/100km) |
| 0-100km/h: | 8.23 seconds (2023 test, J7 AWD) |
| Top Speed: | No claim |
| List Price: | R579,900 |
