Test-driving the newly introduced Jaecoo 7, a Chinese SUV aiming to revolutionize the concept of luxury
The automotive landscape is evolving, and one of the latest additions to the European market comes from China's second-biggest car company, Chery. Their new brand, Jaecoo, has entered the fray with their first model, the J7.
Jaecoo is a fresh name in the industry, born from Chery's network of design studios under the guidance of chief designer Steve Eum, formerly of GM. The name Jaecoo is a clever blend of the German word for hunter, jäger, and the word 'cool'.
The J7 is positioned as a practical, reliable, and economical family car, reminiscent of the venerable Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV from a decade ago. It boasts a 1.6-litre engine, although a hybrid version is also available, featuring a 1.5-litre unit.
The J7's design is a blend of modern aesthetics and familiar elements. It features design elements reminiscent of Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), such as the rear light and signature bar, blacked-out C and D pillars, sleek LED headlights, and a deep, prominent grille.
Inside, the J7 offers a range of features to enhance comfort and convenience. The base model comes equipped with double-glazed windows and a massive sunroof. The Luxury trim takes it a step further with a 14.8" central touchscreen, 8-speaker Sony audio, head-up display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, four USB points, a 50W wireless charge pad, and the ability to power external devices from the car.
Safety is paramount, and the J7, in all-wheel-drive trim, comes with a comprehensive suite of Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Off-road capabilities are impressive, with seven different driving modes, including sand, snow, and mud, and the ability to wade through water to a depth of 0.6m.
The J7 does not compete in the powertrain battle, instead focusing on practicality and efficiency. However, as the era of Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) fades away, it's expected that the powertrain will evolve. The SHS version of the J7, for instance, boasts an exceptional range of up to 745 miles.
Chery, the parent company of Jaecoo, is looking at a potential factory site in Spain and already has an R&D center in Germany. The company has a large design team drawing on talent from around the world, and they are known for their flexible and fluid culture conducive to innovation and rapid change.
The J7 was launched in the UK, and the audience hailed its arrival. However, some aspects of the J7's function feel overwrought, such as the interior LED lighting selector and the wing mirror controls moved to the touchscreen in the Luxury model.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Chery and Jaecoo are poised to make their mark. The larger J8, also an SUV, will follow the J7, and it has a 7-seat option while the J7 is only available as a 5-seater. The future is bright for these newcomers, and we look forward to seeing what they bring next.
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