Chinese carmakers have been growing their local market share at the rate of knots over the last few years. The introduction of the Jaecoo J5 will further ensure the upward curve.
Photo: Supplied
Speculated initially to be introduced at ‘around R450 000’, the Chery-owned Omoda and Jaecoo (O&J) sprung a surprise by launching the Jaecoo J5 at a very competitive starting price of R379 900.
The J5 is the Chery sub-brand’s second local model after the J7, which starts at R519 900.
While the J7 is positioned as a more rugged-styled SUV ready to tackle the dirt, the Jaecoo J5, according to O&J, is more of an urban solution. The two do share the same design language, starting with the familiar ‘waterfall’ front grille.
But at 174mm the J5’s ground clearance is 26mm lower than the J7, while it also does without its sibling’s black wheel arch cladding and flush extendable door handles.
Same same, yet different
The J5 rides on the same T1X platform as the J7. At 4 380mm long, it is only 120mm shorter than the J7 and its 2 620mm wheelbase is 52mm shorter than its sibling.
Like the Omoda C5, all three derivatives are powered by a 1,5ℓ turbo petrol engine that sends 115kW of power and 230Nm of torque to the front wheels via continuously variable transmission (CVT). In comparison, the J7’s 1,6ℓ blown petrol mill makes 145kW/290Nm, but weighing in at 1 604kg it’s 129kg heavier.
Hybrid powertrains will be introduced to the range next year.
Smooth drive
Out on our short launch drive through downtown Johannesburg the Jaecoo J5 felt rock solid. A few typical Chinese throttle calibration issues aside, the ride is very smooth with the CVT rather well behaved. A drive mode selector offers Eco, Normal and Sport mode.
O&J claims that the Jaecoo J5 will sip 7,5ℓ/100km/h.
The cabin is a very plush affair with very little hard plastics. With the gear selector moving to the right stalk next to the steering wheel, the centre console is very minimalistic with just three buttons and a double phone cradle underneath the 13,2” tablet-styled infotainment system.
What we really liked is the widescreen 8” digital cluster that fits nicely behind the steering wheel with no part of the latter obscuring its view. Standard across the range is 17” alloys, electric side mirrors, four-speaker sound system, reverse camera and cruise control.
Plent of creature comforts
The mid-grade Glacier gets LED headlights, panoramic sunroof and roof rails, leather seats with electrically adjustable driver’s seat, ambient lighting, six-speaker sound system, and advanced safety systems like adaptive cruise control and lane-keep assist.
In addition, the flagship inferno gets 18” alloys, power tailgate, power ventilated front seats, wireless charging, dual-zone aircon, eight-speaker sound system, 540° camera, and full safety suite.Leg and head room is abundant in the rear, with 480ℓ boot space behind it.
What’s the verdict?
O&J’s swift reaction to the local market over the last years have seen the Omoda C5 become a volume seller after a cheaper entry level model was introduced twice since its launch in 2023. They are not wasting any time with the Jaecoo J5 and have gone straight to the jugular of all its rivals with aggressive pricing for local buyers.
Offering a good price on a solid product like the Jaecoo J5 is going to rattle many cages in the same price bracket.
Vehicle specifications
Vortex 1.5T CVTR379 900
Glacier 1.5T CVTR429 900
Inferno 1.5T CVTR479 900
Pricing includes five-year/75 000km service plan, five-year/150 000km warranty and 10-year/one million kilometre warranty for first owner.
