Jetour has formally announced that the T1 and T2 have a higher payload capacity than originally reported, addressing a major concern with the two SUVs.
The T1 and T2 are Adventure SUVs that made their local debut last October. Both cars have proven to be a big hit, as Jetour has become a top 10 best-selling brand in South Africa since their introduction.
The T-badged SUVs are popular because they are among the most affordable Adventure SUVs in the country, costing significantly less than well-known favourites like the Toyota Fortuner and Ford Everest.
However, following their launch, the SUVs were thrown into the spotlight when motorists and industry stakeholders noticed the cars had an unusually low payload capacity of 300kg to 375kg, depending on the variant.
This was according to the vehicles’ original homologation rating, which led to concerns that the T1 and T2 could easily be overburdened.
Payload capacity includes the weight of passengers, not just the cargo in the boot or load bin, meaning that five adults could potentially exceed the payload allowance of the T SUVs even without any luggage.
Tandiwe Cimela, an Executive of Elite Risk (a high-net-worth insurer and part of Old Mutual Insure), warned that an issue like this can affect an insurance claim.
She explained that crash-test safety ratings, repair costs, parts availability, and payload capacity are all factors that can influence a vehicle’s road safety, insurance risk, and the total cost of ownership.
It was noted that many new imported SUVs sold in South Africa have fairly low payload capacities, and that exceeding this limit can negatively impact the vehicle’s braking, tyres, and suspension.
Cimela cited the Jetour T2 as an example, warning that loading it with passengers and luggage could exceed its payload, and that overloading a vehicle can have ramifications for insurance claims.
“The key consideration is whether the vehicle was being operated within legal and manufacturer specifications, and whether overloading materially contributed to the accident,” she explained.
“If it can be demonstrated that excessive weight affected braking distance, vehicle stability or handling, this could influence the outcome of a claim.”
“Consumers should therefore familiarise themselves with their vehicle’s payload limits and ensure they remain within them.”
Jetour addresses payload concerns
Jetour has now responded to the concerns with the T1 and T2, stating that its local division has engaged with the company’s head office regarding the approved payload capacity for both SUVs.
“Jetour South Africa (Pty) Ltd has engaged directly with Jetour Head Office and the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) regarding the approved payload capacity applicable to the T1 and T2 models,” it said.
“Based on the approval obtained from the NRCS, Jetour South Africa confirms that the approved payload capacity applicable to the relevant Jetour T1 and T2 model range is 475kg, inclusive of the driver.”
The automaker confirmed that, insofar as the relevant vehicle falls within the model range and specifications covered by the NRCS approval, the revised payload capacity applies to both new vehicles and existing T1 and T2 vehicles already sold and in circulation.
The jump from 300kg to 475kg represents a 58% payload increase. More importantly, the T SUVs are now within the “normal” range of SUV carrying capacity, albeit still on the low end.
Jetour said that no mechanical, structural, or component changes are required for the T1 and T2 for the revised approved payload capacity to apply.
“Jetour is currently engaging with the relevant local licensing authorities regarding the increased payload capacity of existing vehicles. Customers will be kept informed of any relevant updates as the process progresses,” it stated.
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