Launched: Jaecoo J7 – CKD, 2 Variants, From RM138,800

The Jaecoo J7 officially launched earlier today featuring two variants - 2WD and AWD - that are locally assembled (CKD).

Chery Auto Malaysia sees its Jaecoo Malaysia luxury sub-brand arm mark a major milestone earlier today as it officially launched its first offering, the Jaecoo J7. The luxury all-terrain SUV is locally assembled (CKD) at the new Chery Corporate Malaysia Plant in Shah Alam established last month.

The Jaecoo J7 is available in base two-wheel-drive (2WD) and up-specced all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants, and prices start from RM138,800 and RM148,800 respectively. Said figures remain close to the initial RM150,000 and RM160,000 estimates announced when registration of interest (ROI) first opened in April this year.

The base 2WD variant is priced from RM138,800 whilst the up-specced AWD variant commands RM148,800.

Included in said prices is a 7-year or 150,000 KM warranty coverage. Additionally, for the first 300 customers, Jaecoo Malaysia is offering an early bird reward in the form of a 10-year or 1,000,000 KM engine warranty added into their purchases.

As for deliveries, Jaecoo Malaysia notes that initial units will reach customers starting from early Aug onwards.

In terms of size, the Jaecoo J7 share similar footprints with things like the Mazda CX-5 and Toyota Corolla Cross, but boasts true all-terrain capabilities and higher levels of luxe.

As a refresher, the Jaecoo J7 shares similar footprints as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Mazda CX-5, but packs all-terrain driving abilities plus higher levels of luxury, the latter executed in a similar fashion as a certain renowned British luxury SUVs marque.

Both variants share a 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol heart outputting 194 HP and 290 NM, the latter two managed by a 7-speed DCT automatic box. Specifically for the AWD variant, said powertrain and driveline boasts up to seven selectable terrain modes available as well, whilst the 2WD variant offers just three selectable drive modes.

Jaecoo Malaysia further adds that the J7 boasts a maximum towing capacity of up to 1,300 KG plus a maximum roof load capacity of 75 KG. These, by the way, come on top of the already sizeable 424-litre standard boot space it boasts on board, which is also expandable up to 1,349 litres.

A total of four paintjob options are available for the Jaecoo J7.

In terms of styling, the Jaecoo J7 sports a very sleek, minimalist look and stance.

Notable exterior styling touches include “Aurora-inspired” 19-inch alloy wheels, “waterfall” vertical grille design, striking dual-tier LED headlamps paired with a district full-width LED taillight, not forgetting “warship-inspired” door handles, “fighter jet-inspired” shift lever, and more.

Look beyond the PR fluff and it’s easy to note that the novel yet premium styling is executed with plenty of substance, especially on the tech front. Highlights for which include a massive 13.2-inch (2WD) and 14.8-inch (AWD) portrait-oriented touchscreen infotainment, 10.25-inch digital instrument panel, and a heads-up display (HUD) module, amongst many others.

Key luxe features include a massive portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen offering Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, "climatised" front seats, 64-colour cabin ambient lighting, and more.

Other key luxe features brimmed on board include a 64-colour cabin ambient lighting suite, 8-speaker Sony audio suite, “climatised” front seats, premium leather upholstery, textured aluminium trims, dual-zone climate control with rear vents, air-cooled wireless charging pad, panoramic sunroof, 360-degree surround-view camera, keyless entry and ignition plus a powered tailgate too.

Critically, like most new-wave Chinese-badged luxury alternatives, the Jaecoo J7 boasts an impressive barrage of Active/Advanced Driver Assistance (ADAS) features – 21 modules in total. It includes Adaptive Cruise Control with Traffic Jam Assist, Lane Departure Warning and Prevention, Forward Collision Warning and Mitigation and, more. 

Up to 21 ADAS features have been laced into the Jaecoo J7, offering a high-degree of semi-autonomous driving abilities from the get go.

In other words, the Jaecoo J7 isn’t just specced to sell, it’s also well-endowed to enable it with high-degree of semi-autonomous driving abilities. Additionally, all of these come on top of the added ability to tackle terrains, plus the bonus of distinct and luxurious styling to boot.

Orders are now open through authorised dealers nationwide, which includes the brand’s first 3S outlet located in Glenmarie, Shah Alam. On the subject of dealership network, Jaecoo Malaysia is poised to have  35 outlets in total established, as announced prior during the Malaysia Autoshow 2024.

Well, what do you folks reckon then? Are you keen on this Corolla Cross/CX-5-sized Sino-badged luxury off-roader and perhaps budget alternative against a Range Rover Evoque? As usual, share your thoughts in the comments below, as well as our social media pages…