Jetour burst onto the South African automotive scene last year with two models, the X70 and the Dashing. SUVs that exuded style and charm and did incredibly well in the first few months, selling 300 units in short succession. Falling under the auspices of the Chery group but opting to be a standalone brand in SA, the brand has gone from strength to strength, but what consumers have been asking about is the longevity and reliability of the brand.
Related: Jetour Dashing vs Renault Duster vs Toyota Corolla Cross: The lowest running costs
The better-selling of the two models, the Dashing's reliability in South Africa is generally viewed as promising, especially considering its value-for-money proposition and comprehensive warranty. Still, there are some initial drawbacks related to the driving experience.
How does the Jetour Dashing compare to the Toyota Corolla Cross?
Drivetrain and Driving Experience
Gearbox and Throttle: A recurring issue mentioned in many reviews is the poor calibration of the throttle and 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). This can result in a jerky or hesitant pull-off, as well as an unpleasant driving experience around town.
Fuel Consumption: Real-world fuel economy is often reported to be significantly higher than the official claimed figures. AutoTrader experienced fuel consumption of around 9.5 to 10.4 L/100km, compared to the claimed 7.8 L/100km.
Engine Performance: While adequate for cruising, the 1.5-litre turbocharged engine is sometimes described as feeling a little lethargic when accelerating or merging into traffic.
Peace of Mind and After-sales Support
Excellent Warranty: The Dashing is backed by a very strong warranty package that provides significant peace of mind:
10-year/1-million km engine warranty for the first owner.
5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty.
5-year/60 000 km service plan.
Parts Availability and Dealer Network: Jetour, which technically falls under the Chery umbrella, has established a growing presence in South Africa.
They have opened numerous dealerships across the country.
There is a dedicated parts warehouse in Midrand, reportedly holding over R100 million worth of parts, aiming to minimise downtime for repairs. This is a crucial factor for a new brand's long-term reliability perception.
Build and Technology
Build Quality: The interior fit and finish are generally praised as suitable for the price point, featuring modern styling and numerous features that contribute to a sense of quality.
Infotainment System: The large twin screens and extensive feature list are impressive, but many reviews note that the system's user-friendliness and ergonomics are lacking. Many essential functions, such as climate control and drive modes, are buried in multi-layered on-screen menus, which can be distracting while driving.
Verdict
| Aspect | Status in South Africa | Details |
| Mechanical Drivetrain | Fair to Moderate | Throttle/DCT calibration issues reported. Long-term reliability is yet to be fully proven as the brand is new to the market. |
| Aftersales Support | Very Good | Excellent warranties and an established, growing dealer/parts network, which mitigates the risk of long waits for repairs. |
| Fuel Economy | Disappointing | Real-world consumption is higher than advertised. |
| Feature Reliability | Mixed | High feature count is great, but the usability/ergonomics of the infotainment system are a common complaint. |
The Jetour Dashing's reliability is a work in progress. While the mechanical refinement needs improvement, the extensive warranty and growing local support structure are the most reliable aspects of the purchase, offering a safety net that other newcomers may not have.
