Jaecoo, a brand under the Chery Automotive Group is all set to enter Malaysia in 2024.
The announcement was made by the Chinese manufacturer at the 2023 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China, which also happens to be the company’s home.
We were told that two SUV models will be introduced in Malaysia when the brand is launched, which are the Jaecoo 7 and the Jaecoo 8, which will be competing in the compact and mid-sized SUV segments.
Jaecoo 7
Measuring 4,500mm in length, 1,865mm in width, and 1,680mm in height with a wheelbase length of 2,650mm, the Jaecoo 7 will be taking on models like the Proton X50, Honda HR-V, and also the Toyota Corolla Cross.
Power will come courtesy of a 1.6-litre TGDI petrol engine that produces 186 hp and 275 Nm of torque, paired with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission. Whether the model will come with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration is yet to be confirmed.
Capable of achieving a top speed of 210 km/h, the Jaecoo 7’s fuel consumption is rated at 7.1 litres per 100 km. Meanwhile, the fuel tank capacity stands at 51-litres.
Featuring a boxy, rugged, and “British” design language, the Jaecoo 7 comes with LED lights all around, a huge imposing front grille, flush door handles, and 19-inch wheels all around.
Moving into the cabin, we have full leather upholstery, a 14.8-inch capacitive central touch screen infotainment system with Mirror Link and Bluetooth connectivity, six speakers, three USB ports, a panoramic roof, ventilated seats with memory function, as well as dual zone air conditioning among other goodies.
Where safety and driver assistance is concerned, the SUV will come with dive airbags, pre-collision warning, cruise control, an electronic parking brake, as well as 20 L2.5+ intelligent driving assistance functions.
Other convenience features include Dark Luxury interior, voice-command, a “one-touch” power window system, central locking, automatic headlights, as well as an All-scene 4WD system (if we get the 4WD version). Further complementing the whole rugged outlook is a ground clearance of 160 mm and a unibody body structure.
Jaecoo 8
In addition to the Jaecoo 7, its larger sibling, the Jaecoo 8 is also slated to make its Malaysian debut in 2024. This model will be competing against models like the Proton X70, Honda CR-V, and the Mazda CX-5.
Powered by a 2.0-litre TGDI engine producing 248 hp and 385 Nm of torque, the Jaecoo 8 comes with a 65-litre tank, and goes up to 200 km/h. Paired with the engine is a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends power exclusively to the front wheels.
Featuring a rather luxurious design, we have a striking front grille, full LED lights at front and the rear, as well as 20-inch wheels. Moving into the cabin, the model comes with a generous dose of leather upholstery, a panoramic sunroof, soft touch material, 14 speakers, and a 12.3 inch touch screen display infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth connectivity.
In terms of safety, the model is fitted with 10 airbags, a tyre pressure monitoring system, Driver Fatigue Monitoring, L2.9 ADAS systems, a voice interactive response system, an 8-way powered adjustable driver’s seat, and an electric parking brake among other goodies.
As for the dimensions, the Jaecoo 8 measures 4,815mm in length, 1,924mm in width, 1,710mm in height, and a wheelbase length of 2,800mm. Meanwhile, the ground clearance is rated at 144mm.
According to Chery, it is even looking at assembling Jaecoo models locally in Malaysia through Inokom or maybe even its own assembly plant which is in the plans if necessary.
That being said, more details on the Jaecoo brand and its models will be revealed by Chery in 2024, so watch this space for more updates.
