Jaecoo J7 now available with an NEV drivetrain
The Jaecoo J7 was launched in South Africa in 2024, quickly increasing sales. The J7 secretly shared its underpinnings with the Range Rover Evoque, and it was plain to see once you got behind the wheel. Jaecoo is aiming for ever-higher sales volumes and has now decided to roll out its NEV strategy for South Africa.
Related: Jaecoo J7 (2024) First Drive Review
The first vehicle to arrive is the new J7 SHS or Super Hybrid System, a plug-in hybrid version of the popular J7 range. The Omoda Jaecoo brand launched both the J7 and the new Omoda C9 at a joint launch in Johannesburg, where media members could take a short drive and thoroughly test the vehicle on designated courses at Gerotech.
Jaecoo J7 1.6T Glacier (2024) Review
The J7
The Jaecoo J7 SHS joins the three current models that the brand has on sale in South Africa. The J7 has proven very popular with consumers looking for a stylish family crossover SUV that doesn't break the bank. The new SHS derivative is just the start of many NEV vehicles joining the Jaecoo ranks in the coming months. Consumers can look forward to the usual refinements, including interior ambient lighting and 19-inch alloy wheels, an eight-speaker Sony sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full leather interior.
Plug in tech
Powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor. The J7 SHS delivers confident and responsive performance with its electrified drivetrain, sending power smoothly to the wheels via a 3-gear Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). But its standout feature is the impressive 90 km all-electric range, making it possible to complete daily commutes without fuel. When connected to a 40 kW DC charger, the 18.3 kWh Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery can be recharged from 30–80% in just 20 minutes, helping motorists stay topped up and keep running costs low. The combined range is equally impressive, with a possible 1 200 km on a single fuel tank. The J7 SHS consumes less than 5.0 L/100 km and get as low as 1.5 L/100km.
Safety Tech
More than 15 driver assistance features are fitted as standard:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB): This system automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent with a pedestrian, cyclist, or vehicle.
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC): ACC maintains a pre-set speed and distance from the vehicle ahead, automatically adjusting the vehicle's speed as needed.
- Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): LKA helps keep the vehicle in its lane, providing subtle steering adjustments if the car drifts.
- Blind Spot Detection (BSD): BSD alerts the driver to vehicles in the blind spot, helping to prevent collisions during lane changes.
- Rear Cross-Traffic Assist with Braking (RCTB): RCTB assists when reversing out of a parking space, alerting the driver to approaching vehicles and automatically applying the brakes if necessary.
- Front Collision Warning (FCW): FCW alerts the driver to potential collisions with vehicles or pedestrians ahead, giving them time to react.
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW): LDW alerts the driver if they are drifting out of their lane without using a turn signal.
- Traffic Sign Recognition (TSR): TSR reads traffic signs and displays them on the dashboard, providing real-time speed limit updates.
- Traffic Jam Assist (TJA): TJA helps the vehicle navigate in heavy traffic by automatically adjusting its speed and following the vehicle ahead.
- Driver Monitoring System (DMS): The DMS monitors the driver for signs of fatigue or distraction and provides alerts if necessary.
Model and Pricing
| Jaecoo J7 Vortex | R 519 900 |
| Jaecoo J7 Glacier | R 579 900 |
| Jaecoo J7 Inferno | R 679 900 |
| Jaecoo J7 SHS (PHEV) | R 689 900 |
Omoda offers a 7-year / 200 000 km warranty and a 7-year / 100 000 km service plan, which is standard. They also include a 10-year / 1-million km engine warranty for the first owner and an industry-leading 10-year / 200 000 km warranty on the electric drive unit.
Verdict
Although our drive between Muldersdrift and Gerotek was relatively short, the J7 proved to be a frugal vehicle. Even with some spirited driving, the consumption figures raised some eyebrows, returning just 4.3 L/100km. The J7 was already a great vehicle at a keen price, but this new derivative raised the bar further. We are looking forward to getting this vehicle on test for a proper economy run.
