The Jaecoo J7, a new urban off-road SUV from the Chery Group, has been generating major interest in the South African market. But is it a 7-seat SUV?
Understanding the Jaecoo J7
The Jaecoo J7 is a new, mid-size Chinese SUV that offers a blend of style, space, technology, and a smidge of off-road capability. It is available in three highly-specified versions: Vortex, Glacier, and Inferno. Each model is designed to cater to different preferences and needs, or rather, budgets. (Here's how much a new model will cost you per month.)
Seating capacity and interior design
While the Jaecoo J7's interior design is stylish and modern, with a focus on technology and comfort, it does not offer seven seats. The Jaecoo J7's dimensions, including its length, width, height, and wheelbase, are those of a mid-size SUV that is roughly the size of a Kia Sportage. The boot is conveniently large at 412 litres and can be expanded to swallow 1335 litres.
Performance and off-road capability
A 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque powers the Jaecoo J7. This engine is found in other Chery products and also their sub-brand Omoda.
The top-spec Inferno variant features Jaecoo's All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS) with seven driving modes, making it suitable for various terrains.
The J7 has a 21-degree approach angle, a 29-degree departure angle, a ground clearance of 180 mm, and a claimed wading depth of 600 mm, making it suitable for gentle off-roading.
Bear in mind that there's no low-range transfer case, so you can't go on serious bundu-bashing expeditions.
Wondering about the J7's reliability? Click here.
Verdict: Does the Jaecoo J7 seat seven?
The Jaecoo J7 is not a 7-seater SUV; it seats five people max.
Read our Jaecoo J7 First Drive Review
Did you know?
Tata Motors of India, which owns Jaguar Land Rover, has a joint venture with Chery in China. They each have a 50% stake. That is why the Jaecoo J7 looks so much like a Land Rover!
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