Chery's sub-premium brand JAECOO showcases soon-to-launch 2024 J7 SUV for Malaysian Market

KUALA LUMPUR: Marking a significant entry into the Malaysian automotive market, JAECOO, a sub-premium brand under Chery, has showcased its inaugural model, the JAECOO J7. This event, following the brand's introduction to Malaysia last month, not only underscored the elegance and innovative spirit of the J7 but also provided a glimpse into the sophisticated capabilities of its larger counterpart, the JAECOO J8.

The star of the event was the JAECOO J7, a standout SUV for city and off-road driving. The J7 mixes old and new styles, with a strong grille, bright LED lights, and a simple, clean body, much like the latest Land Rover cars. It has a high waistline and a special split headlight look, along with a cool floating roof, showing off JAECOO's smart design work and the SUV's high-tech feel.

The JAECOO J7 is more than just good-looking; it's packed with features you'd want in a modern SUV. It has a high-powered Qualcomm 8155 chip, which is said to be faster than most chips in other cars. 

The JAECOO SUV is driven by a robust 1.6-litre turbocharged engine, delivering a formidable 194 horsepower and 290Nm of torque. Complementing this power is a sophisticated 7-speed Dual Clutch Wet transmission from Getrag, along with a cutting-edge intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system featuring seven distinct terrain modes. Enhancing its off-road capabilities, JAECOO has outfitted the SUV with a sturdy rear axle rated at 3,000Nm, ensuring it's well-equipped for any adventure duties.

The J7 also comes with a big 14.8-inch screen for entertainment and a SONY sound system. Plus, it has fast 50W wireless charging and many smart features that make driving more fun and comfortable. We didn't get to drive it, but JAECOO says the J7 is great at keeping the ride smooth and quiet. This quietness comes from special technology like sound-blocking windshields and special carpeting that absorbs sound.

The J7 boasts impressive off-road performance, thanks to its 200 mm ground clearance and 600 mm wading depth, enabling it to navigate through tough landscapes and even shallow water with ease. Additionally, its advanced 520-degree multifunctional front-view camera provides enhanced visibility, covering the vehicle's blind spots, including the area underneath, for safer and more confident driving.

In terms of safety, the J7 is equipped with JAECOO's advanced ADAS 2.5 system, boasting 21 intelligent driving functions. This includes convenience and safety features like Autonomous Emergency Braking, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Prevention, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Collision Warning, and more, ensuring a high level of safety and peace of mind. The vehicle also features LED lighting throughout, including the Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and the split design of the front lights adds an aesthetically pleasing touch to its overall design.

The preview event also showcased the J8, JAECOO's luxury off-road vehicle that debuted at the Geneva International Motor Show in Doha, Qatar. JAECOO didn’t reveal much about the vehicle at the preview, but said that the J8 stands out for its exceptional off-road handling and luxury experience, featuring a cutting-edge CDC magnetic suspension system for real-time vehicle posture adjustment and optimal driving conditions. 

In select markets, the JAECOO J8 is offered in both five and seven-seater configurations, catering to varying needs. Under its hood lies a powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four petrol engine, capable of producing 249 PS and 385 Nm of torque. This engine is coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Additionally, depending on the market, buyers have the choice between front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive options, providing versatility.

Just like the J7,the J8 too prioritizes safety, adhering to the rigorous global 5-Star safety standards. Its robust body structure features a caged energy-absorbing design and is composed of 85% high-strength steel. Similarly, the J7 also boasts a substantial use of high-strength steel, at an impressive rate of 80%. Both models are equipped with an extensive 10-airbag system for enhanced protection, which notably includes a unique "far-end safety airbag" strategically placed between the driver and passenger seats for added safety.

As anticipation builds for the official Q2 Malaysian launch of the J7, JAECOO promises to reveal more details about the specifications and features of both the J7 and J8. Enthusiasts and potential buyers are encouraged to follow JAECOO's official Facebook page for the latest updates.

Just for a fun, because we’re pretty sure everyone would like to know, JAECOO represents a fusion of the German word "Jäger" and the English word "Cool," symbolizing a brand that blends off-road ruggedness with urban sophistication.

Read More: Chery opens doors to its largest 4S centre in Malaysia