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Jaecoo J7 SUV Review for the UK
The premium SUV brand built by Chery, a Chinese automobile manufacturer, has officially entered the market with the launch of the Jaecoo J7.
So, as the new Chery Jaecoo J7 SUV becomes available in the United Kingdom, what are the specs and why is this competitively priced model receiving such great reviews?
What is the Chinese-Built Brand Jaecoo?
Jaecoo is a relatively new automotive brand established by a prominent Chinese car manufacturer - called "Chery Automobile".
The brand is part of Chery's strategy to expand its portfolio globally.
Plus, they also see a need to cater to a growing demand for off-road vehicles and luxury SUVs.
It's fair to say Jaecoo focuses on producing feature-rich cars that ooze with style, off-road capabilities, and urban sophistication.
Moreover, Jaecoo is positioned as a higher-end brand under Chery's umbrella, alongside other sub-brands (e.g. Omoda).
In fact, Jaecoo often shares platforms, components, and technologies with Omoda. This collaboration allows for faster development cycles and more efficient economies of scale.
Yes... Omoda focuses on futuristic, sporty designs. Nonetheless, Jaecoo offers its customers a more rugged and refined approach.
Design Philosophy
Jaecoo emphasises a subtle balance between urban and off-road aesthetics. By and large, their vehicles feature advanced technology with a robust exterior and a luxurious interior.
The brand integrates cutting-edge technology in every vehicle, including efficient hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and modern infotainment setups.
In other words:
The Jaecoo brand represents Chery's vision for a sophisticated lineup of SUVs that cater to modern lifestyles. It combines off-road capability with premium features.
Launching the Jaecoo J7 SUV in the United Kingdom signals their intention to establish itself as one of the global players in the automotive market.
Jaecoo J7 Specs and Price
The new model offers a compelling blend of performance, technology, and affordability. They are becoming one of the strong competitors in the compact SUV segment.
Design and Features
The Jaecoo J7 boasts a sleek and modern design. It features a prominent front grille, floating roofline, and it has standard 19-inch alloy wheels.
Its spacious interior is equipped with a 14.8-inch central touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, and a head-up display.
The standard amenities also include:
- Heated and ventilated seats
- Cool box (under the central armrest)
- Multi-colour interior lighting
- 50W wireless mobile phone charging
- Eight-speaker Sony audio system
- Panoramic sunroof
Performance and Powertrains
The 2025 J7 SUV is available in two configurations:
- Petrol Variant: Equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine delivering 147 horsepower and 275 newton-meters (Nm) of torque. This variant offers front-wheel drive and four-wheel drive options.
- Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) Variant: Combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an 18.3kWh battery, producing a total of 204 horsepower and 310 Nm of torque. The PHEV variant offers an all-electric range of 56 miles and a combined range of 745 miles, with a combined fuel economy of 403 mpg.
Off-Road Capabilities
The Jaecoo J7 is designed to handle various terrains, featuring a 600mm wading depth and an off-road departure angle of 29 degrees.
The four-wheel-drive version is equipped with a Bosch-developed 'Integrated Power Brake' system that simulates a differential lock to enhance the off-road performance.
UK Pricing and Availability
With the petrol variant starting around £29,435, the Jaecoo J7 is competitively priced. The four-wheel-drive petrol variant is expected to be £32,850 and £35,065 for the PHEV model.
As a consequence of the J7 price tag, and its 7-year warranty package, many will see it as strong competition for other similar priced vehicles, especially:
- BMW X1
- Citroen C5 Aircross
- Hyundai Tucson
- Kia Sportage
- Range Rover PHEV
- Skoda Karoq
- VW Tiguan
Pro Tip: J7 deliveries in the United Kingdom are expected to begin from January 2025 and they are accepting orders.
What is the NCAP Rating of the Jaecoo J7?
As of November 2024, the Jaecoo J7 has not undergone official testing by major NCAP organizations such as Euro NCAP or ASEAN NCAP.
However, the vehicle is constructed to meet 5-star global safety standards, indicating a strong emphasis on safety features and design.
In the UK, the Jaecoo J7 is marketed with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating, aligning it with the vehicle's global safety standards.
Here's the thing:
It is important to note that safety ratings can vary between different NCAP organizations. In part, this is due to varying testing protocols and criteria.
Thus, even though the Jaecoo J7 is designed to meet high safety standards, prospective buyers should consult the specific NCAP ratings relevant to their region for the most accurate information.
In Summary
The Jaecoo J7 marks a significant entry into the automotive market across the United Kingdom. It offers a well-rounded package of design, performance, and technology at a very competitive price point.
Its blend of features and capabilities makes it a noteworthy option for consumers seeking a versatile compact SUV.
Editor's Bio: We're self-confessed car fanatics who enjoy writing top car blogs about the automotive industry - especially here in the United Kingdom.