Jaecoo too — Chinese invasion continues

0 0 November 07, 2024 Edit this post

Here we go again.

Yet another Chinese brand is set to launch here in early 2025 -- this time Jaecoo.

Jae who? I hear you say. Well, Jaecoo is not entirely new. It's a subset of Chery, in much the same way as Omoda is.

But while Omoda is marketed under the Chery name, Jaecoo will be positioned as a luxury, standalone brand.

At least that's the way we understand it.

Chery is China's largest exporter of cars with many sub-brands for different purposes and six design centres including an R&D center near Frankfurt in Germany.

It has also managed to lure design talent from GM, Porsche and Mazda and as a result these days its vehicles are a far cry from the cheap and cheerful econoboxes that were first sold here in 2011.

There's the main Chery brand, with sub-brands Chery Fulwin for plug-in hybrids and Chery New Energy for EVs, as well as Exeed for premium vehicles, Luxeed another electric brand in a collaboration with Huawei, Jetour that focuses on SUVs, iCar for electric SUVs, Karry for commercial vehicles, and Omoda/Jaecoo for export markets.

Both Omoda and Jaecoo are export only brands and only marketed outside China, with Exeed EVs rebadged Exlantix for the Russian market.

It's complicated.

The name Jaecoo comes from the German word Jäger (hunter) and the English word cool.

The first model to be offered by the company here will be the J7, a luxury, five-seat, mid-sized SUV.

With 'cutting-edge' design and 'forward-thinking' tech, Jaecoo says J7 is poised to make a bold entrance to the Australian market.

Chief exec Lewis Lu said the new J7 perfectly embodies the brand’s “From Classic, Beyond Classic” philosophy.

As such it is the ideal model to introduce the innovative new marque.

“As Australia’s first taste of Jaecoo, the new J7 has an important role to play," he said.

"Boasting high levels of sophistication and performance – not to mention a modern yet classic design aesthetic – the J7 will appeal to customers who love the great outdoors but are not prepared to compromise on either comfort or standard specification.”

The engine produces 137kW of power and 275Nm of torque, and is teamed with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Features include a large 14.8-inch LCD touchscreen, power-adjustable front seats, an electric tailgate, 360 degree panoramic camera, wireless smartphone charging, 19-inch alloy wheels (framing red brake callipers), LED headlights, front fog lights, automatic windscreen wipers, eight airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), and several advanced safety features.

There's also a J6 and J8 waiting in the wings, with an all-new J5 set to make its debut in October at the International User Summit in Wuhu, China.

To give this some perspective, the J6 is a rebadged iCar 03, the J7 is a rebadged Chery Tansuo 06 and the J8 a rebadged Chery Tiggo 9.

First cab off the rank . . . Chery's Jaecoo J7.

The J5 is designed to set a new standard in the compact SUV class.

It combines clever technology, practicality, and comfort, making it the ideal choice for motorists who value comfort and prestige but still have an active lifestyle.

Like the larger J7, the J5 features a bold, assertive design combining modern styling cues with rugged touches.

The prominent Jaecoo grille flows seamlessly into slim headlights, giving the vehicle plenty of presence.

Generous ground clearance and subtle wheel arches underscore the J5’s adventurous personality.

At the rear, an upmarket lightbar incorporates the tail lights and ‘Jaecoo’ nameplate, while the refined rear bumper integrates neatly with the bodywork.

Suspension is independent, contributing to a smooth supple ride.

Other features include a best-in-class 13.2-inch touchscreen with integrated entertainment applications and smart navigation.

J5 is available with a 1.45 sq m panoramic sunroof, claimed to be the biggest in its class.

A standout feature is the emphasis what Jaecoo calls "human-pet travel," prioritising a healthy and comfortable experience for four-legged companions.

The interior includes specially extended seats designed with pets in mind, enhancing their comfort and safety.

Local specification for the J5 has yet to be finalised.

Pricing and further details will be revealed closer to the on-sale date in the first quarter of 2025.