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.

JAECOO, the newly established urban off-road SUV marque and second brand from OMODA&JAECOO, is launching its first model, the highly sophisticated J7 in South Africa in early 2024. Endowed with fearless, farseeing elegance and conceived for urban elites with exquisite taste and extraordinary style, JAECOO perfectly embodies the slogan “From Classic, Beyond Classic”.

Committed to crafting urban SUVs, JAECOO persistently centres its approach around the user. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and novel ecological experiences, the brand continually reshapes the relationship between people and vehicles. It brings innovative products and services to the modern urban elite, building on the foundation of the classic SUV’s reliable qualities. In particular, JAECOO relentlessly pursues breakthroughs, especially in terms of dynamic performance and technological innovation, transcending the classics and delivering a sense of the future and technology to a broader consumer base.

JAECOO made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2023 in China as recently as April, when it was announced as an independent brand with a focus on urban off-road SUVs and a fitting brand slogan of “From Classic, Beyond Classic”.

“At JAECOO, we are tirelessly dedicated to making breakthroughs in the automotive space and the upcoming J7 will be South Africa’s first taste of the future of intelligent mobility when it arrives early next year,” said Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA&JAECOO.

“Tougher than typical urban SUVs but more comfortable than traditional off-roaders, the J7 is poised to start a new urban off-roading trend among local buyers. Add a raft of remarkable safety features, forward-thinking technologies and chic design – all courtesy of master design teams assembled from countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany – and you’ll find the J7 is like no other,” explains Gahagan.

The JAECOO J7’s standard powertrain provides ample power and torque to conquer a variety of surfaces. Just as the refined J7’s on-road credentials speak for themselves, so too do the newcomer’s off-road capabilities. Endowed with JAECOO’s proprietary ARDIS intelligent off-roading system, the multi-talented SUV boasts as many as 7 drive modes, allowing it to adapt to a wide variety of terrains.

The J7’s distinctive exterior styling is a mix of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge design, including a matrix-style grille, slim LED headlights and elegant flush door handles. Thanks to the J7’s master design, the sleekly styled urban off-road SUV is equipped with a minimalistic yet luxurious interior, including a vast 24.6-inch screen.

“While our product rollout in South Africa will commence with the eagerly anticipated J7 early in 2024, there’s plenty more to come from the brand. Later next year, for instance, JAECOO will also launch the new, larger J8 – which was revealed in Qatar as recently as October – packed full of more segment-redefining features, from an ultra-smart curved infotainment screen to row-specific climate control,” said Gahagan

In the interim, South Africans can look forward to meeting the J7, which is poised to challenge local consumers’ traditional perceptions of off-roading. Furthermore, the J7 PHEV is set to be introduced in Q3 2024, before the flagship J8 arrives in Q4 2024. More details, including local specifications and pricing, will be released closer to the respective models’ launches in 2024.

With a peak power of 197 horsepower, a 1.6TGDI engine, acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in the 8-second range, over 80% high-strength steel composition, an intelligent driving assistance system, and an impeccable adaptation to seven driving scenarios – such unparalleled performance surpasses most urban SUVs. This comes from JAECOO’s premier model, the JAECOO 7. Currently, this car has embarked on its global launch journey, aiming to penetrate the Eastern European market in September.

Undeniable Off-Roading Capabilities

The JAECOO 7 is positioned within the family lineup as an off-roading-capable urban SUV. However, be it in terms of exterior design or performance specifications, the JAECOO 7 boasts capabilities that transcend its class. One can distinctly perceive JAECOO’s ethos of “From Classic, Beyond Classic” in this vehicle.

To cater to urban elites who crave distinctiveness and style in their vehicles, the JAECOO 7, while continuing with classic aesthetics, adopts a cutting-edge design language that encapsulates modern off-roading chic. Its robust and square-edged overall style is adorned with a matrix-style grille and sharp LED headlights, portraying raw power almost flawlessly. The generous use of straight lines on the side accentuates strength and adds layers to the visual depth. Hidden handles, off-road rims, and other detail elements further enhance its tough and rugged ambience.

Beyond its striking appearance, JAECOO 7 also shines in its power and off-roading performance. It sports a 1.6TGDI engine, boasting a peak power of 197 horsepower and a maximum torque of 290 Newton-meters. The drivetrain pairs with a 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission, offering both two-wheel and all-wheel drive options. Its acceleration performance stands impressively in the 8-second range. Furthermore, JAECOO 7’s approach angle is 21°, the departure angle is 29°, the minimum ground clearance is 200mm, and it can traverse waters up to a staggering depth of 600mm! Such formidable specs ensure that the JAECOO 7 possesses commendable breakout and crossing abilities, unquestionably satisfying users’ desires to explore and embrace nature.

The “Honor Student” of Intelligent Off-Roading

The wave of intelligence is unstoppable. As an emerging off-road brand, JAECOO has a visionary layout in the realm of intelligence. Drawing from the Group’s two-decade-long vehicle manufacturing foundation, JAECOO has redefined off-roading, and the JAECOO 7 represents a profound exploration into the future of intelligent mobility.

Equipped with a rare-in-its-class 14.8-inch sky screen, a 10.25-inch all-LCD dashboard, and a three-spoke flat-bottom multi-function steering wheel, the tech ambiance in the intelligent cockpit of the JAECOO 7 is palpable. Powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, interactions become even more agile. Additions like the SONY speakers, 540° panoramic imaging, and W-HUD heads-up display culminate in a perfect blend of technology and luxury, offering users a comprehensive upgrade from intelligent enjoyment to intelligent driving. The intelligent driving assistance system, coupled with the proprietary ARDIS all-road intelligent off-roading system, flawlessly adapts to seven intelligent all-wheel-drive modes including urban, desert, mountainous, water-crossing, muddy, and others, presenting an intelligent driving experience with unmatched lane-changing capabilities and optimal travel efficiency.

Beauty, performance, intelligence… The multifaceted prowess of JAECOO 7 makes it tougher than urban SUVs and more comfortable than traditional off-roaders, establishing it as the “honor student” in the realm of intelligent off-roading. Its advances in intelligent technology and safety not only manifest JAECOO’s strengths and determination in the tech arena but also pave new possibilities and directions for the future mobility ecosystem.

JAECOO has officially announced their entry into South Africa, making it one of the very first countries in the world to welcome the newly established urban off-road SUV brand.

JAECOO made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2023 in China as recently as April, when it was announced as an independent brand with a focus on urban off-road SUVs and a fitting brand slogan of “From Classic, Beyond Classic”.

JAECOO made its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2023 in China as recently as April, when it was announced as an independent brand with a focus on urban off-road SUVs and a fitting brand slogan of “From Classic, Beyond Classic”.

The brand’s no-compromises driving solution is called All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS), which offers seven unique driving modes, each optimising the vehicle’s dynamics, power delivery and other aspects for specific driving scenarios. Each mode delivers a unique experience that brings out the best in the SUV for that chosen condition.

Technical advancements such as these were brought to life by JAECOO’s team of highly skilled specialists, such as chief engineer Peter John Matkin, who brought vast experience from his time at a leading British brand. It’s a similar case in the design department, where individuals such as chief designer Chris Rhoades applied extensive styling knowledge from years at top European manufacturers.

JAECOO will launch with the J7 in early 2024. Positioned as a mid-sized SUV, the J7 boasts as many as seven drive modes and comfortably seats five adults in a luxurious cabin that also features a 14.8-inch vertically positioned touchscreen.

The J7 and other upcoming JAECOO products will be sold through and supported by a dedicated network of OMODA&JAECOO dealerships, with 30 already established across South Africa.

“Earlier this year, South Africa was the first country on the African continent to offer the OMODA brand and our nation is now among the first in the world to welcome JAECOO. We have big plans for JAECOO, including the expansion of our dealer network to approximately 50 by the end of 2024,” said Tony Liu, Executive Deputy General Manager for OMODA&JAECOO.

“At JAECOO, we’re setting new standards for sports utility vehicles, crafting models that can excel both as luxury on-road SUVs and as capable off-roaders. Our elegant SUVs are as comfortable transporting you to your desk in the city as they are taking you to the dunes in the desert,” added Liu. “They will thus appeal to a strong, fearless person in work who is equally adventurous at leisure.”

To lead this new urban off-road SUV space, JAECOO offers two-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive performance, innovative designs, remarkable safety features and forward-thinking intelligent technologies.

The JAECOO name is inspired by a fusion of the German word “jäger” (meaning “hunter”) and the English term “cool”, capturing two elements central to the brand’s philosophy: outdoor adventure and urbanism.

More details and local specifications will be released closer to the J7’s launch next year.