The Jaecoo J7 has made waves since being launched locally in April 2024, with order books looking well-filled and hype around the newcomer looking strong! Are you looking to buy one of these new Jaecoo crossovers but must sell your current vehicle first? AutoTrader can get you an Instant Offer!
There are three models in the J7 line-up, and we have chosen the entry-level Vortex-spec derivative for our comparison today. How do this model's running costs compare with two key rivals, the recently refreshed Kia Seltos and Suzuki Grand Vitara? These models are all very similar from a pricing perspective and have been chosen as they compete within the same market space.
Related: Jaecoo J7 (2024) First Drive Review
The figures
Jaecoo J7 1.6T Vortex | Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi EX | Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip | |
Engine size | 4-cyl, 1.6-litre turbo petrol | 4-cyl, 1.5-litre turbodiesel | 4-cyl, 1.5-litre petrol/mild-hybrid |
Power/Torque | 145 kW/290 Nm | 85 kW/250 Nm | 76 kW/137 Nm |
Gearbox | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic | 6-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic |
Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Airbags | 7 | 6 | 6 |
Driven wheels | Front | Front | All |
Load Capacity | 412-1335-litres | 433-litres | 310-1147-litres |
Fuel capacity | 51-litres | 50-litres | 45-litres |
Claimed consumption | 7.0 L/100 km | 5.5 L/100 km | 5.6 L/100 km |
CO2 emissions | 163 g/km | 145 g/km | 131 g/km |
Service plan | 5-year/70 000km | 5-year/90 000km | 4-year/60 000km |
Price | R549 900 | R561 995 | R542 900 |
Related: Can you fit 3 car seats in the back of a 2024 Kia Seltos?
Comparing the trio
Purchase price
The models we have chosen for this comparison are competitors from a pricing and body-style perspective. Monthly instalments are calculated throughout 72 months with a 10% deposit and no balloon or residual. The interest rate is set at 12%.
Jaecoo J7 1.6T Vortex
With the instalment parameters, the J7 will work out at R9 676 monthly over 72 months.
Kia Seltos 1.5CRDi EX
The Seltos will work out at R9 888 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.5 Hybrid GLX AllGrip
The Grand Vitara will work out at R9 552 monthly with the instalment parameters over 72 months.
Fuel consumption
On paper, the Kia Seltos has the lowest fuel consumption. From our experience and real-world testing, both the Suzuki and Kia can replicate their claimed fuel economy figure with relative ease; however, the Jaecoo is heavier on fuel than its claimed figure suggests.
Service plans
All three contenders come with service plans at standard; however, the Kia's is the most impressive, spanning five years or 90 000km. It is followed closely by the Jaecoo, with a five-year/70 000km plan, while the Suzuki's four-year/60 000km plan comes in third.
Verdict
Looking at the data, we would be confident that the Kia Seltos would be the cheapest car to run over the course of five years, thanks to its frugal diesel powertrain and lengthy service plan. The Suzuki runs it incredibly close, but loses out purely based on its service plan, while the Jaecoo puts in a great showing, demonstrating that the brand means business!
