Jaecoo launches new 1,200km hybrid SUV in South Africa – Pricing and features

The new Jaecoo J7 SHS has been launched in South Africa, taking the Chinese automaker’s total local vehicle lineup to four models.

The new SHS plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of the J7 SUV comes in at R689,900 – only R10,000 more than the previous range-topping Inferno AWD model.

This also makes it one of the most affordable PHEVs in the country alongside the BYD Sealion 6, which launched earlier this year,

Powertrain

The existing J7 roster is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

This provides a total of 145kW and 290Nm, which is either sent to the front wheels or all four wheels, depending on the model.

The new hybrid, on the other hand, drops the 1.6-litre and AWD in favour of Jaecoo’s Super Hybrid System (SHS), which comprises a 1.5-litre petrol engine and an electric motor.

This produces significantly more power than its counterparts, with the SHS configuration delivering a potent 255kW and 525Nm.

The Jaecoo also offers an electric-only range of 90km and an impressive combined range of 1,200km.

Its 18.3kWh battery can then be recharged from 25-100% in 160 minutes using an AC 6.6kW charging station or from 30-80% in just 20 minutes using a faster DC 40kW charging station.

Features

As the flagship of the J7 series, the new SHS is generously equipped.

It comes with model-specific 19-inch alloy wheels and PHEV badges, as well as automatic LED headlights, LED taillights, and a panoramic sunroof.

Customers have a choice of four colours, consisting of Moonlight Silver, Carbon Black, Olive Grey, and Khaki White.

On a practical note, it offers a 500-litre boot that expands to 1,265 litres with the rear seats folded down.

The interior is decked out in black leather upholstery, and the front seats are electronically adjustable with heating and ventilation functions.

The SUV also comes with keyless entry and start, an electric tailgate, dual-zone climate control, a centre armrest with a refrigerated storage compartment, ambient lighting, an eight-speaker Sony stereo, and a 50W wireless charging pad with a ventilation vent.

The dashboard then features a 10.25-inch digital driver display and a 14.8-inch infotainment screen with voice commands, onboard navigation, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Additionally, the Jaecoo is fitted with driver assistance functions such as adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian and bicycle recognition, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

It also has a 540-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, and eight airbags.

Pricing

The South African pricing for the new Jaecoo J7 lineup is as follows:

• Jaecoo J7 1.6T Vortex – R519,900
• Jaecoo J7 1.6T Glacier – R579,900
• Jaecoo J7 1.6T Inferno AWD – R679,900
• Jaecoo J7 1.5T SHS – R689,900 (New)

Jaecoo is also currently offering a promotional discount on the entry-level Vortex, reducing its price tag to R499,900 for the rest of June.

The new Jaecoo J7 SHS is sold with a 7-year/200,000km warranty, a 10-year/200,000km electric drive component warranty, a 10-year/1-million kilometre engine warranty, and a 10-year/unlimited-kilometre hybrid battery warranty for the first owner, which defaults to a 10-year/200,000km warranty for subsequent owners.

It also comes with a 5-year/75,000km service plan and a 7-year roadside assistance plan.

Jaecoo J7 SHS