Author: Group1 JAECOO

The highly anticipated JAECOO J7 has officially launched in South Africa, hitting the market as the very first model from the newly established urban off-road SUV brand. Endowed with cutting-edge design and forward-thinking technologies, the J7 is poised to take the local market by storm, with the three-strong range priced from just R549 900.

Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager Chery / OMODA & JAECOO South Africa, says the new J7 perfectly embodies the brand’s “From Classic, Beyond Classic” philosophy and is as such the ideal model to introduce the innovative new marque to the country. In addition, South Africa is both the first right-hand-drive market to launch the J7 as well as the first in Africa.

“As South Africa’s first taste of JAECOO, the new J7 has an important role to play. Boasting high levels of sophistication and performance – not to mention a modern yet classic design aesthetic – the J7 will appeal to customers who love the great outdoors but are not prepared to compromise on either comfort or standard specification,” Liu said.

All three derivatives in the J7 range are powered by an efficient turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol engine producing generous peak outputs of 145 kW and 290 Nm, and mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. In the case of the base Vortex and mid-spec Glacier variants, drive is delivered to the front axle, while the range-topping Inferno features all-wheel drive, incorporating the brand’s advanced new All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS).

The inclusion of ARDIS in the Inferno derivative completely redefines the off-road driving experience, allowing effortless navigation through mud, sand and several other types of terrain. This means drivers – who furthermore benefit from a 21° approach angle, a 29° departure angle, 200 mm of ground clearance and 600 mm of wading depth – needn’t worry about encountering varied surfaces.

The proprietary ARDIS intelligent off-roading system includes as many as 7 driving modes, allowing the JAECOO J7 to adapt to a wide variety of surfaces by dynamically adjusting the vehicle’s responses in real time. So, whether navigating urban streets or muddy terrain, the system handles each driving scenario with finesse and capability.

Specification levels are extremely generous across the line-up. Belying its entry-level positioning, for example, the Vortex grade includes items such as power-adjustable front seats, an electric tailgate, a 13.2-inch touchscreen, a 360° panoramic camera system, wireless smartphone charging, 18-inch alloy wheels (framing red brake callipers), LED headlamps, front foglamps, automatic windscreen wipers, 7 airbags (including a driver’s knee airbag), front radar and several added safety features.

Meanwhile, the mid-tier Glacier model (R599 900) upgrades to 19-inch alloys and a 14.8-inch touchscreen, while also gaining items such as innovative inter-seat airbags, a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated front seats (with a memory function), a head-up display, an integrated dashcam and a raft of extra driver-assistance features. The latter includes items such as automatic emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, traffic-jam assist, lane-departure warning, intelligent high-beam control, rear cross-traffic assist and more.

Finally, the flagship all-wheel-drive Inferno (R679 900) ships with the aforementioned ARDIS system, along with extras such as a heating function for the leather-trimmed steering wheel as well as privacy glass.

Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa predicts that the J7 will spark a new urban off-roading trend among local buyers.

“The JAECOO J7 offers outdoor-loving customers something entirely new: far more toughness than a typical urban SUV but also more comfort and technology than traditional off-roaders. Add lofty levels of standard specification, a potent powertrain and highly competitive pricing, and you can see why we believe the J7 will take the local market by storm,” said Gahagan.

The J7 was launched in South Africa on 12 April 2024 at St John’s College in Johannesburg. After the day’s activities, invited guests – including brand ambassadors such as actor Senzo Radebe – attended an event hosted by MC Anele Mdoda. Thanks to an exclusive pre-launch drive of the J7, Anele was ideally positioned to play host, having been one of the very first people in South Africa to experience this exciting new vehicle from behind the wheel.

Later, JAECOO guests were treated to a music festival that included entertainment from DJ Mörda (aka Murdah Bongz), who had the crowd on its feet with his mesmerising dance moves and captivating stage presence.

Earlier, Khavhagali Vhalinavho from the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) presented a talk on environmental protection. Liu explained that this topic is a key part of JAECOO’s broader sustainability vision.

“Right from the conception of the JAECOO brand, we knew we wanted to create a more environmentally friendly off-road experience than is typical, providing the urban elite with not only a more comfortable but also a greener travel adventure. The protection of the great outdoors is important to our customers, so it’s important to us. That’s why we’ve chosen to partner with IUCN,” concludes Liu.

Pricing

JAECOO J7 1.6T Vortex FWD 7DCT – R549 900

JAECOO J7 1.6T Glacier FWD 7DCT – R599 900

JAECOO J7 1.6T Inferno AWD 7DCT – R679 900

All 3 versions of the JAECOO J7 come standard with a 5-year/70 000 km service plan and a 5-year/150 000 km mechanical warranty. An additional industry-leading engine warranty spanning 10 years or 1 million kilometres is also included in the purchase price.

Gauteng’s Lion & Safari Park played host to the first-drive impression of JAECOO’s new high-end off-road SUV, the J7, ahead of its official market launch in South Africa. The event was attended by media personalities such as Mohale Motaung and former Mrs SA and Survivor SA contestant, Nicole Capper.

Equipped with the advanced new All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS) and boasting as many as seven driving modes, the top-spec Inferno derivative performed admirably during the day’s off-road safari drive. The 200 mm ground clearance, 21° approach angle, 29° departure angle and 600 mm wading depth enabled drivers to easily traverse the varied terrain.

Guests also had the opportunity to sample the front-wheel-drive Vortex and Glacier derivatives, which showed their mettle during the on-road part of the test, each delivering a smooth driving experience.

All J7 derivatives come equipped with a high-performance 1.6TGDI engine, producing a maximum power of 145 kW and peak torque of 290 Nm, figures that are comparable to luxury brands’ 2.0T models. As standard, every derivative is fitted with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, which boasts a transmission efficiency of up to 98% and shift times of just 0.2 seconds.

The BOSCH IPB Intelligent Brake-by-Wire system furthermore gave guests the chance to experience the fastest response time in its class (under 0.1 seconds).

JAECOO’s National Brand and Marketing Manager, Shannon Gahagan implored guests to not overlook the J7’s market-leading safety protection system and intelligent cockpit. “This car can withstand nearly 8 tonnes of pressure without deformation, not only ensuring superior overall safety but also enhancing driving performance.”

Constructed according to global 5-star safety standards, the vehicle’s body comprises over 80% high-strength steel, with a torsional rigidity of 23 000 Nm/deg.

Guests were also able to interact with the J7’s generously specified intelligent cockpit, comprising a 14.8-inch sky screen, a 540° panoramic camera and a 2.4-inch head-up display.

“These high-tech features not only enhance the intelligent driving experience, but they also allow drivers to easily anticipate the complex road conditions surrounding the vehicle at any time,” explained Gahagan.

Consumers interested in the J7 in South Africa are able to sign up on the brands’ website for exclusive updates before the official launch at the contact us page and will be invited to experience the newcomer’s charm firsthand at JAECOO dealerships across the country. With more than 32 showrooms nationwide, JAECOO’s commitment to quality and service promises to meet the diverse off-road needs of South African consumers.

JAECOO is ready to make its debut and has kick-started its launch season with the first batch of J7 commercial vehicles having already arrived in South Africa.

Recently, OMODA & JAECOO hosted an investment conference for dealers and investors in Kwa-Zulu Natal where the brand presented the exciting JAECOO products and its offering to South African automotive dealers. Brand OMODA & JAECOO also shared the design and engineering philosophy of the JAECOO and gave dealers and investors a glimpse into the future of this brand.

“We were overwhelmed by the interest in OMODA and JAECOO, the two brands under Brand O&J. Both brands will be sold from one combined premises, but will each offer a completely unique value proposition, design philosophy and application,” says Tony Liu, Deputy General Manager of OMODA & JAECOO South Africa.

JAECOO will join OMODA in a series of world-class showrooms across South Africa.

At present, there are 32 showrooms across the country that offers best-in-class sales, service, support and maintenance services. The stores, which are listed at the end of this release, include 14 flagship stores, such as the imposing OMODA & JAECOO Bryanston store and the OMODA & JAECOO showroom in Cape Town.

The current expansion plan will add 6 dealers in the coming weeks for a network of 40 dealers at the time of launch.

“There are a number of prime locations available to new investors and dealers looking to expand their offering to include OMODA and JAECOO. Some of these locations are earmarked for flagship stores, which means that they will also include a range of additional services, such as scratch and dent repair and vehicle detailing,” says Liu.

“Any dealer or prospective investor is welcome to contact us to learn more about the brand and our future range of products.”

JAECOO will officially launch in April and the vehicle can already be seen by the public in Cape Town at the Table Bay Mall from the 26th of February until the 4th of March. This will be the first time that the JAECOO J7 will be displayed to the public.

The J7 was first shown at last year’s Shanghai Auto Show in China where it wowed visitors from around the world, including South Africa.

The vehicle is designed and built for customers who like the great outdoors, but do not want to compromise on comfort and specifications. This is perfectly encapsulated in the brand theme: “From Classic, Beyond Classic”.

The J7 is fitted with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that delivers 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque to all four wheels. Power is transferred to the AWD system through a modern 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with self-shifting capabilities. The 7DCT wet dual-clutch transmission, once honoured as one of the “Top Ten Transmissions Globally,” boasts a transmission efficiency of up to 98%, exceeding the average level of its class. With a shift response time of 0.2s, the J7 achieves smooth and seamless control across all speed ranges.

As has become the norm with the OMODA C5 and C5 GT, the JAECOO J7 offers a comprehensive range of luxuries and standard features. This includes adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, a fully digital cockpit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and a new intelligent camera array that not only shows the vehicle’s surroundings but uses artificial intelligence to remove the vehicle from the picture and show the ground beneath the vehicle – all based on an 8155 microchip.

The South African JAECOO roadshow is the next in a series of roadshows and customer experience events that have been held across the world.

In Malaysia, JAECOO hosted customers, dealers and investors at the famous M4TREC Off-Road circuit where customers, clients and investors could put the all-wheel drive JAECOO J7 and the flagship J8 through their paces.

The track was upgraded for this event to best showcase the JAECOO ARDIS (All Road Drive Intelligent System) which adapts its off-road, engine and safety systems to the specific road or off-road conditions.

Similar customer and investor events were held in Saudi Arabia and Mexico, with more planned in the near future.

On local soil, JAECOO South Africa will be hosting a few lucky customers and media for a first drive of the J7 in March and showcasing the capabilities of the vehicle on and off-road. Additionally, the public can experience the J7 in person through early test drives that will become available at JAECOO dealerships throughout the country.

“There is no doubt that South Africa is an important region for the Brand O&J Group if you consider the fact that we are hosting investors and clients at the same time as other major markets such as China, Mexico and Saudi Arabia.

“Our dealer partners can rest assured that they will receive the best service from our head office and that they will have a profitable and long-lasting relationship with JAECOO and OMODA,” says Liu.

Dealer network

There are currently 30 dealerships in the main metros, including Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Gqerberha, East London, Emalahleni, Polokwane, and Tshwane.

Flagship OMODA & JAECOO stores can be found in Johannesburg, including Omoda Bryanston, Omoda Sandton, Omoda Boskburg, Omoda Gordon Road, Omoda Roodepoort with two more flagships in Cape Town, and several more planned in the near future.