Peter Lyon
March 22, 2024
By the first half of 2024, Chery’s luxury sub-brand Jaecoo, plans to introduce its J7 SUV to Malaysian consumers. This introduction makes Malaysia the first market in Southeast Asia to receive this “urban premium off-road SUV.”
Two J7 models were on display here at a January media preview, one of which had all-wheel drive and seven different terrain settings. The other version has the same engine and drivetrain but employs front-wheel drive.
The Chinese SUV is smaller than Mazda’s CX-5 but roughly the same size as the Honda CR-V. The Jaecoo J7 is intended to compete with the Range Rover Evoque, an SUV that is somewhat narrower but significantly longer and taller than the J7.
The J7 boasts 200 mm of ground clearance, 600 mm of wading depth, 21 degrees of approach angle, and 29 degrees of departure angle, making it versatile in most driving situations. Its maximum towing capacity is 1,300 kg and its 75 kg roof load capacity will also appeal to outdoor enthusiasts.
With its checkered-flag headlight signature and boxy exterior the J7 boasts a sophisticated yet rugged look. A set of 19-inch alloy wheels, welcome lights, LED headlights and taillights that mimic that of the Ford Everest are among the features that come standard with the J7 in Malaysia.
The 1.6-litre turbo pumps out 197hp!
Its 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-4 engine produces 197 hp and 290 Nm. The brand’s all-wheel drive system distributes power to all four wheels and is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. It boasts WLTP-rated fuel consumption of 7.48 L/100 km, enabling the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.0 seconds.
The J7 AWD’s All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS) is what makes it possible to go off-road. With the Bosch Intelligent Power Brake (IPB) control system, the car simulates differential lock capabilities and has ten distinct off-road driving modes and specific drivetrain logic. This feature enables the J7 to handle difficult off-road situations.
Inside, the Jaecoo J7 in Malaysia is equipped with kits that include a 50 W air-cooled wireless charging pad, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 14.8-inch infotainment head unit that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Malaysian-spec Jaecoo J7 also features dual-zone temperature control with rear air conditioning vents, and a 6-way electrically adjustable driver seat with memory, ventilation, heating, and welcoming settings. A huge 1.1 m2 panoramic sunroof, an 8-speaker Sony sound system, and a centre armrest box with a cooler are also featured.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The Chinese are here to stay. With every launch from brands like Chery’s Jaecoo and BYD in Malaysia, motorists are slowly but surely realizing that these new SUVs mean business—whether electric or petrol-powered. The J7 is a great example of one of the more desirable ICE SUVs that deliver sharp, futuristic styling and advanced packaging and design.
