Hot on the heels of the Omoda launch, Chery has now released their more adventurous brand, Jaecoo. The brand name is a derivative of German Jaeger (Hunter) and Coo for Cool, and their NZ launch model, the J7 (in 2WD and AWD), encompasses both.
For the official launch, we headed off the beaten track in the AWD model. It was a rainy, muddy, slippery affair and something I will bring you up to speed with at another time. However, my first taste of the J7 came in 2WD EX form, and let’s just say, it was value packed.
When it comes to the J7’s design and aesthetics, this medium sized SUV has a lot going on. Upfront, there’s what I feel is an imposing AMG-inspired, multi-slat front grille with the JAECOO name sitting loud and proud in the centre. The headlights are stacked, with DRL’s that come with what appears to be a chequered flag design, and to help keep the powertrain cool and assist in aerodynamics, there are vents aplenty.
Measuring in at 4.5 metres in length and boasting a ground clearance of 200 mm, the J7 strikes a balance between urban agility and off-road readiness. The meticulously crafted exterior features like protective wheel arch guards and what feels like composite front wings underscore the vehicle’s lightweight, yet robust build quality.
Although there are around 5 paint options to go for, my review model came in Arctic Silver, which with its pearlescent finish changed the appearance depending on the light, underscoring the brand’s commitment to style. The rear has been given plenty of attention too, with a ‘hidden’ wiper and signature LED tail lights, showcases a meticulous approach to aesthetics.
The upmarket appearance continues inside with the Jaecoo J7 revealing a world of refined comfort and cutting-edge technology, plus a hint of utilitarianism. Leather-style seats, coupled with ample adjustment capabilities, ensure a truly personalised driving experience, while the seamless integration of wireless charging (with a battery cooler), an advanced infotainment system, drinks cooler and intuitive controls shows a brand that’s not just segment competing, but out to excel.
At the heart of the driving experience lies a sophisticated array of technology, from the intuitive touch-controlled central display to the adjustable voice recognition system. The user-friendly interface allows for seamless access to a myriad of functions, from vehicle customisation to entertainment options. The comprehensive safety features, including traffic sign recognition and a crystal clear 360-degree camera system, that prioritise driver and passenger well-being.
Now admittedly, ‘boasting’ a 1.6L turbocharged engine(137kW/275Nm) mated to a 7-speed DCT doesn’t sound that much. Particularly in what feels like quite a sizable SUV, however, it delivers a rather nice blend of power and efficiency. It’s actually rather zippy off the mark and with a fuel efficiency number that sits around 7L/100km, it takes a respectable period of time before the need to refuel.
The J7 comes with push button start, however, as previously mentioned, safety is a clearly in the brand’s sights as you can’t pull away without putting the seat belt on, it just keeps the handbrake on. So top tip ‘always wear your seat belt’.
As far as pulling away, the J7 does this quite smartly. There’s a tendency for the accelerator to be a little bit snatchy at first but you do get used to it. On the road, the Jaecoo J7 is both refined and composed, with its elevated ride height offering good all round visibility. The cabin is really quiet, just a little wind noise becoming evident at motorway speeds and a rather forgiving suspension. In fact, when I went over the plethora of Auckland potholes and speed bumps none of the terrain clunks and crashes made their way into the cabin and when I did find a smooth surface, it’s so quiet when the revs are down low that you can barely hear the engine or tyre noise.
The cabin is spacious and not just for those in the front, there’s more than ample room for 6ft+ size people in the rear. And room for luggage too. The Sony sound system is loud enough for my old ears and the tech, while there is a lot of it, it doesn’t seem to overwhelm, although the safety suite is possibly a bit too safe for my liking with authoritative ‘lane keep’ and ‘potential crash’ alerts and responses. But better safe than sorry.
Overall, the J7 excels at providing a comfortable and controlled ride. The seamless transition between drive modes, combined with adaptive safety systems, ensures a confident and engaging driving experience for occupants. And then there’s the price. The J7 EX 2WD has a launch price of $37,990+ORC!!!
