Malaysia-bound Jetour SUVs now in South Africa; here’s all you need to know

KUALA LUMPUR: After Jaecoo and Omoda, the Chinese conglomerate Chery is geared up to launch its Jetour sub-brand in Malaysia. Founded in 2018, Jetour is mainly involved in producing crossovers and SUVs. The brand made its first local appearance at the Malaysia Autoshow 2024 in May.

Well, Chery's sub-brand is currently making global headlines with the recent launch of its two RHD SUVs, the Dashing and X70 Plus, in the South African market. This strategic move highlights Jetour's growing ambitions as it accelerates its global expansion. Notably, these two SUVs are also earmarked for the Malaysian market, signalling the brand's intent to strengthen its presence in Southeast Asia.

“Southeast Asia is our key market. We are eyeing Indonesia and Malaysia. The position of our brand and our cars suit the geographical features of Southeast Asia,” said Dai Lihong, Executive Vice President of Jetour Auto.

Let’s know more about the upcoming Jetour SUVs in Malaysia. 

The Dashing and X70 Plus are representatives of Jetour's family travel series and have gained wide recognition in several global markets. The Jetour Dashing is a stylish SUV aimed at younger drivers, whereas the Jetour X70 Plus is a smart and spacious SUV ideal for travel. Each model offers unique features to meet various consumer preferences.

Compared to the Chery SUVs, they offer a more premium experience with enhanced features, design elements, and technology. As Jetour aims to cater to a slightly higher-end segment, Malaysian buyers can expect a better mix, setting them apart from the more budget-friendly Chery lineup. 

Dimensions

The Jetour Dashing is a 5-seater SUV rivalling the likes of the Honda CR-V and Toyota Corolla Cross while the Jetour X70 Plus is a 7-seater D-segment SUV that has the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and the Proton X90 in its sights. The dimensions are as follows - 

Specs	Jetour Dashing	Jetour X70 Plus
Length	4,590 mm	4,724 mm
Width	1,900 mm	1,900 mm
Height	1,685 mm	1,720 mm
Wheelbase	2,720 mm	2,720 mm

Exterior

The Jetour Dashing is a modern SUV that underpins the brand’s Kunlun platform. It has a sleek design that draws inspiration from luxury models like the Lamborghini Urus and Maserati Grecale. The SUV features a chrome strip on the windows and D-pillar, as well as flush, pop-out door handles, giving it a premium look. Notably, an outside temperature display is conveniently located on the doors. 

Other key highlights include - LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights, and a powered tailgate. 

In contrast, the Jetour X70 Plus boasts a more spacious design, with a prominent hexagonal front grille paired with stylish headlights. On the sides, there are full chrome accents around the windows and 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels, while the rear features wide taillights and quad tailpipes.

Interior

Inside the Jetour Dashing lies a modern steering wheel, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 10.25-inch infotainment unit supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity. Taking comfort to the next level are features like a 50W wireless charging pad, remote engine start, automatic air-conditioning, CN95 filter, and a six-way power driver’s seat. 

The X70 Plus, on the other hand, comes equipped with a Mercedes-style widescreen display featuring a 10.25-inch centre touchscreen and a separate air conditioning display with physical dials, providing a user-friendly experience. 

Other creature comforts include - keyless entry, a 6-way power adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, a wireless smartphone charging pad, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, a 360-degree camera system, paddle shifters, push-button start, panoramic glass sunroof, and advanced driver-assistance bits.

Engine specifications

Both the upcoming Jetour SUVs come powered by the same mechanical setup in South Africa. It includes a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing a maximum power of 156 PS at 5,500 rpm and a peak torque of 230 Nm from 1,750 rpm to 4,000 rpm. The engine comes mated to a six-speed wet dual-clutch gearbox sending power to the front wheels.

Jetour is also expected to bring SUVs with the same setup to Malaysia. Following the initial rollout, the Chinese automaker is likely to add hybrid variants in the lineup, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally friendly vehicles. 

Price 

Coming to the Jetour SUVs price, Jetour Malaysia has yet to announce the pricing for both the Dashing and X70 Plus, and no estimated figures are available at this time. However, for a reference, we can look at the South African market, where the Jetour Dashing price ranges from  ZAR 439,900 (RM 106,039) to ZAR 469,900 (RM 113,271). Meanwhile, the Jetour X70 Plus price begins at ZAR 454,900 (RM 109,652) and goes up to ZAR 484,900 (RM 116,884).

So, while there is a lot of excitement about Jetour entering Malaysia, the big question is - will Jetour SUVs make an impact, or will they be just another drop in the sea of SUVs? 

Also read: Omoda C9 previewed in Malaysia ahead of December launch - Premium off-road SUV est from RM185k,adaptive suspension, 2.0T 257hp/400Nm