THE seemingly unending inflow of Chinese language automobile manufacturers getting into the Australian market rolls on, as semi-recent entrant Chery splits off its Omoda nameplate as a standalone model and introduces its luxurious Jaecoo model, all whereas maintaining the Chery badge on its core ‘Tiggo’ vary.
In parallel, the Jaecoo J7 medium SUV line-up has been fleshed out with three trim ranges and drivelines – together with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – opening from $34,990 drive-away and topping out at $47,990 d/a.
Chopping Chery up into three manufacturers dangers complicated prospects however represents a rising pattern in the direction of sub-brand choices by Chinese language producers to focus on particular segments in abroad markets.
Take as an illustration BYD, which is gearing as much as launch its luxurious sub-brand Denza in Australia, more likely to provide the B5 4×4 wagon initially.
Generally known as the BYD Fangchengbao Baeo 5 in China, in export markets it wears the Denza badge. One other BYD sub-brand, Yangwang, is reportedly additionally being thought of for Australia.
Whereas Japanese and Korean producers have performed related – Hyundai and Genesis, Toyota and Lexus, Nissan and Infiniti or Honda and Acura serving as examples – the breakaway Chinese language manufacturers are typically based mostly round a nameplate moderately than a complete mannequin vary and it is a tactic used for abroad markets solely.
The spin-off Omoda model will sit above Chery’s family-focused vary by way of luxurious and efficiency and goals to focus on youthful patrons, whereas its incoming Jaecoo model will sit on the high of the tree as extra premium providing.
Making the entire model breakup extra convoluted, the present Chery Omoda 5 – the primary Omoda mannequin provided and first Chery mannequin for the reason that car-maker’s native reboot – will turn into the Chery C5 right here.
No, the primary Omoda mannequin is not going to stay an Omoda mannequin transferring ahead and can share a reputation which Citroen used for a few years earlier than it exited the Aussie market.
The Omoda line-up abroad contains fashions just like the S5, C9 and C5 GT – all rebadged Chery fashions – however it’s unknown at this level which variants Australia is more likely to obtain transferring ahead.
Luxurious model Jaecoo, then again, has confirmed that the total J7 vary – offered as a Chery Tansuo 6 in China – can have arrived in Australia by Might this yr.
The Jaecoo J7, regardless of being a luxurious mid-size SUV, is priced from a moderately unbelievable $34,990 drive-away in base-spec Core trim.
Stepping up within the vary, the two-wheel drive Monitor trim might be provided for $37,990 drive-away, the all-wheel drive Ridge might be offered for $42,990 drive-away, and the top-spec Summit PHEV will go for $47,990 drive-away.
The J7 Core, Monitor and Ridge trim grades might be powered by the identical 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, producing 137kW/275Nm, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated.
Jaecoo’s SHS (brief for Tremendous Hybrid System) Summit mannequin might be powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 105kW/215Nm coupled to an electrical motor that provides 150kW/310Nm to the equation, bringing whole outputs to 255kW/525Nm.
The hybrid system sends drive to the entrance wheels utilizing single-speed hybrid transmission, with 4 drive modes provided; electrical, sequence, parallel and power restoration.
Jaecoo quotes an electric-only driving vary of 106km (NEDC) and says the 18.3kWh battery will be DC fast-charged from 30 to 80 per cent in round 20 minutes.
All J7 fashions will obtain an eight-year/limitless kilometre guarantee, which is able to embrace 12 months of complimentary roadside help, and Jaecoo additionally provides capped value servicing for the total eight years.
In accordance with Chery Australia its Jaecoo and Omoda fashions might be offered alongside one another in devoted dealerships, separate to the core Chery vary – a minimum of in concept, given there might be some dealerships providing all three manufacturers.
A spokesperson for the model outlined plans to have between 35 and 40 websites by the point gross sales kick off in Might, however it’s unknown what number of of these might be present Chery dealerships.
