One of many latest Chinese language manufacturers in Australia, Jaecoo is actually the upmarket arm of Chery (suppose Lexus to Toyota or Infiniti to Nissan). Its first native providing is the J7 mid-sized SUV, and it’s spectacular to say the least.
Not solely does it appear like a beast, with Vary Rover meets Escalade on a price range vibes, the inside and tech are excellent. It will get higher although. The value tag is $37,990 drive away for the Monitor front-wheel drive mid-spec we’re testing.
Now for individuals who don’t know a lot about Chinese language manufacturers, there’s a mixture of low cost and cheerful at one finish of the size, whereas on the different finish, is outstanding worth – delivered via high quality supplies and high-end tech.
The Jaecoo sits within the latter camp, with this mannequin that includes a ten.25-inch LCD instrument cluster and 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto function, alongside an 8-speaker Sony stereo.
Energy-adjustable, heated artificial leather-based entrance seats present a snug place to take a seat, and also you’ll additionally discover twin zone local weather management, ambient lighting, a wi-fi telephone charger and a powered tailgate.
Feeling genuinely luxurious, the J7 Monitor even affords the aptitude to regulate the entrance passenger seat from a devoted management panel. There are three high tether factors for automotive seats, and an honest quantity of leg and headroom within the second row.
That’s along with a USB-A and USB-C outlet for charging. If you’re planning on hauling children and their belongings round, there’s 584-litres of boot area, with the flexibility to increase that to 1,349-litres when you fold down the rear seat.
The inside is sort of minimalist in its design, whereas nonetheless that includes some elegant touches, like a tissue field recess behind the 2 cup holders. It’s small options like these that add perceived worth to this automotive.
Externally, we’re swooning over the Jaecoo J7’s design. The big waterfall grille (with 20 vertical strains, for individuals who care) and modern LED headlights, mixed with hidden door handles, simply ooze timelessness.
Supplied in Carbon Black, Arctic White, Forest Inexperienced, Ocean Blue and Lunar Silver (the latter three with an optionally available black roof), the J7 rides on 18-inch alloy wheels. Underneath the bonnet is a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivering 137kW of energy and 275Nm of torque.
That’s paired to a 7-speed twin clutch transmission, and that is the place the Jaecoo falters. Whereas experience high quality is unbelievable, this mid-sized SUV feels prefer it journeys over itself, struggling to know which gear it must be in.
It makes for a clunky driving expertise, particularly if you resolve you want some further energy. Push the accelerator and also you’ll end up ready for the lag to kick in. It’s the identical no matter whether or not you’re in Eco, Regular or Sport.
For these enjoying the numbers sport, the 2025 Jaecoo J7 Monitor (2WD) is rated to only 750kg towing capability. Gas economic system is 7.0-litres/100km (each claimed and precise), and fairly first rate for a automobile of this dimension.
Security tech has been completed nicely, with the lengthy listing of options not being too infuriating, or fuel lighting you into considering you’re a foul driver. Within the Monitor you’ll discover ahead collision warning, autonomous emergency braking and lane hold help.
Lane departure warning and prevention, adaptive cruise management, site visitors jam help, built-in cruise help, rear cross site visitors alert and braking, a door opening warning, velocity restrict info and velocity management help all function.
A driver monitoring system rounds out the package deal. Whereas it might not be excellent, for the worth, and the inclusions, it’s genuinely laborious to not no less than try the Jaecoo J7. We had been severely impressed by what it provided, even when it may do with higher energy supply.
Jaecoo is about to develop the J7 vary too, with an excellent hybrid on its approach, in addition to a J8 sibling. It’s backed by an 8-year limitless kilometre guarantee, with an similar interval of capped worth servicing and roadside help (circumstances apply).
It’s no secret that Chinese language automotive makers are right here to shake up the Australian market and whereas some ought to have by no means left the manufacturing unit and been placed on a ship, others are a welcome addition. The J7 may be very a lot within the latter camp.
You’ll find out extra on the Jaecoo web site, or by speaking to your native dealership. To get a low charge finance quote, speak to Australia’s greatest reviewed automotive finance dealer; Credit score One. To see an awesome vary of autos on the market, try OnlyCars.com.au.
Our check automobile was equipped by Audi Australia for unbiased assessment functions.
