Jetour has big plans for South Africa that include the launch of two brand-new 4×4 SUVs.
The Chinese carmaker recently showcased a number of products at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show, including a few models penciled in for a South African release later this year.
This includes the new T1 and T2, which are very different to the Jetour products already on sale here.
For those who are not aware, Jetour is a relatively new auto brand that made its local debut in September 2024.
Jetour is one of many brands under the Chery Automotive Group; however, it elected to launch independently in South Africa with an initial roster of two vehicles – the Dashing and the X70 Plus.
Both cars are urban-focused family SUVs that retail for less than R500,000, with the main distinction being that the X70 Plus is a seven-seater.
In stark contrast, the upcoming T1 and T2 are off-road SUVs with radically different styling to the Dashing and X70.
TopAuto had the chance to preview both models at the Auto Show, providing a first glimpse of what Mzansi motorists can expect.
Jetour going off the beaten track
The T-badged Adventure SUVs have rather square proportions, which is a styling cue that most 4x4s seem to be going for these days.
Naturally, the T1 and T2 have notable styling differences that help to distinguish them from one another.
The T1 on display in Shanghai featured a sleek front grille with a rectangular pattern and LED daytime running lights strips forming a bar across the centre.
On either side of the grille are rectangular headlight casings, which feature an interesting design with four sets of dual LEDs arranged in a plus shape with two on top and two on the sides.
A small Jetour (JT) badge can then be seen on top of the hood, while a large black bumper protrudes from below.
In contrast, the T2’s grille boldly displays the word “Jetour” with each letter placed on an individual block that extends beyond a hexagonal rid.
The headlights use a similar plus shape for the LEDs, though the T2’s are comprise of larger singular frames instead of the dual pattern seen on the T1.
The T2 also has large front bumper, but this version has auxiliary vertical light strips and two tow hook mounts.
Both cars have built-in side steps, alloy wheels, and black wheel arches.
As you may have assumed, the T1 is the smaller of the two SUVs, which is more obvious at the back than at the front.
While the T2 has full-sized tinted rear windows, the T1 only has two small tinted portals that look into the boot.
As for the interior, the two Jetour models follow a very similar aesthetic, with a large floating infotainment screen and a digital driver display integrated into the dashboard.
The dash features an unusual pattern on the front passenger side, and the cabin is predominantly decked out in soft fabrics and artificial leather.
One curious design aspect is the centre console, which has a hand-hold on either side of the dual wireless charging pad.
The SUVs also have an aviator-style gear shift with a crystal-like finish, and a central dial for selecting driving modes.
There’s also a pair of cupholders located near a sizeable armrest cushion.
Jetour has yet to officially disclose the powertrains and spec sheet for either car.
However, the T2 is already on sale in other countries, which should give an indication of what we can expect.
Overseas, the SUV is equipped with either a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The smaller unit produces 135kW and 290Nm and is only available in front-wheel-drive.
The more potent option, meanwhile, generates 187kW and 390Nm and can be paired with the carmaker’s intelligent “X Wheel Drive” system.
This version also has a central and rear diff lock, and seven driving and terrain modes comprising Economy, Normal, Sport, Snow, Mud, Rock, and X Smart.
It also includes features such as hill descent control and a “Creeping Mode” – essentially off-road cruise control.
Unfortunately, the T1 has yet to officially go on sale, which means we’ll have to wait a bit longer to learn concrete details about its drivetrain.
In any case, it should be fairly similar to its big brother, with at least two options for a front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive derivative.
Jetour T1
Jetour T2
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