Peter Lyon
October 22, 2024
Jaecoo’s compact J5 SUV, a car that was teased earlier this year, just made its debut at the 2024 Omoda Jaecoo International User Summit in Wuhu, China. It slots in below the J7 that’s marketed in Malaysia, and according to the carmaker, will be “pet-friendly” to appeal to “urban youths.”
Features like extended seats for pet comfort and safety and an intelligent climate control system that adjusts the temperature to your pet’s preferred level should appeal to animal lovers.
Let’s face it—your pet’s smell becomes an integral part of your vehicle. In order to maintain clean cabin air, Jaecoo has incorporated a filtration system that blocks pet fur. Also, to prevent bacterial growth within the cabin, the temperature control system boasts an antibacterial system. Other eye-catching options include boarding steps for smaller pets and cabin-fitting food bowls.
The J5 takes several of the larger J7’s stylistic cues to realize a stylish SUV that will appeal to pet owners. Its signature big “waterfall” grille is unique if not a little garish while its door handles are strangely not flush with the body. At 1.45 square meters, this SUV also gets the widest panoramic sunroof in the sector.
Its measurements of 4,380 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, 1,650 mm in height, and boasting a 2,620 mm wheelbase put it squarely in the B-segment, competing with vehicles like the Honda HR-V and Proton X50.
In addition to having pets, Jaecoo thinks that today’s youth like being outside. Yeah okay—can’t disagree with that. Most young families will spend time touring and enjoying nature—that’s the nature (no pun intended!) of the beast.
As a result, it features a 75kg-capable roof rack, charging outlets, several hooks in the 480-liter cargo area (1,180-litres when the rear seats are folded), and camping lighting.
The dash is comprised of a digital instrument cluster behind a twin-spoke steering wheel and a 13.2-inch portrait-oriented infotainment screen, while air conditioning vents and USB charging ports are provided for rear passengers. More significantly, there is a full-sized spare tyre that will be quite useful on trekking excursions in addition to a powered tailgate.
Although the J5 was designed to accommodate both electric and ICE powertrains, the SUV is expected to arrive in Malaysia with the same 1.6-litre turbo-four engine from the J7, a unit that produces 194 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque and is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Although it is available in AWD or FWD with traction modes, the latter is unlikely to make it here.
According to Chery Malaysia VP Emily Lek, Malaysia is just one of the markets for the J5’s global debut. It is expected to arrive on our shores by the fourth quarter of 2025, giving the automaker enough time to establish local assembly (CKD) at its new Shah Alam facility, if it decides to follow in the footsteps of its older brother.
CARLIST THOUGHTS
The J5 looks impressive. Boasting front-end styling that could arguably come from any major car-producing nation, the J5 is a well-proportioned SUV. While EV leaning buyers will have to wait for the electric version, buyers of traditional ICE models will be ecstatic to learn that the only powertrain available now is a turbo with a snappy 194hp and loads of torque.
