Latest news with #JaecooJ7SHS
IOL News
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- IOL News
Jaecoo J7 SHS Hybrid SUV launching in South Africa this June: what to expect
The Jaecoo J7 SHS plug-in hybrid is said to have a combined range of 1,200 kilometres. Jaecoo is a subsidiary of Chery, which sells the Tiggo 4, Tiggo Cross, Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8. The Jaecoo J7 SHS plug-in hybrid version of the J7 SUV is set to become the second Jaecoo nameplate to be launched locally and the first of several new and electrified models to be launched. Power As a hybrid powertrain, the J7 SHS is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with 105kW and 215Nm and a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with 150kW and 310Nm coupled to a Lithium Iron Phosphate battery providing peak outputs of 255kW and 525Nm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT). Jaecoo claims an all-electric range of 90 kilometres with the battery reaching 30-80% when connected to a 40kW DC charger in 20 minutes. Consumption The J7 SHS plug-in hybrid is said to have a combined range of 1,200 kilometres on a tank of fuel, consuming less than 5l/100km. On a recent 1 100 kilometre journey between Cape Town and Gqeberha, the J7 SHS posted an average fuel consumption of 4.88l/100 km. 'The J7 SHS represents a significant step forward for the Jaecoo brand in South Africa,' said Shannon Gahagan, national brand and marketing manager for Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa. 'It brings together performance, efficiency and premium comfort in a way that meets the evolving needs of today's drivers.'
Perth Now
23-05-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
Which Chinese car brands offer the best warranty?
There are a lot of new automotive brands arriving in Australia and they're all making big promises. But Australian consumers can be a little wary, particularly considering that buying a new car – no matter how attractive its price tag and features are – is usually the second largest investment they will make after purchasing a house. So trust and reliability are important factors when making a car-buying decision; you want to know that if anything goes wrong you'll be covered. 2025 MG S5 EV Credit: CarExpert And that's why there is a warranty war brewing, with many of the newest brands setting new aftersales benchmarks to provide consumers with the peace of mind they need. So, let's see which of the newest automotive brands in Australia offer the best ownership credentials. Of the Chinese brands MG sets the standard for aftersales ownership provisions with a 10-year, 250,000km warranty across its entire model range, including its latest hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric vehicles. Supplied Credit: CarExpert For reference, Nissan offers a generous 10-year/300,000km warranty and Mitsubishi a 10-year/200,000km warranty, but both decade-long warranties are conditional on servicing at each Japanese brands' authorised dealerships – if not the warranty is five years (or unlimited-km for Nissan and 100,000km for Mitsubishi). MG's warranty applies to all cars registered after August 1, 2024 and used for private purposes only, regardless of where they're serviced. For business operators and fleets, the warranty period is seven years or 160,000km, whichever occurs first. Also included during the warranty period is free roadside assistance. Chery and its subsidiary brand Jaecoo provide seven years of warranty coverage with unlimited kilometres for private buyers. For commercial use, the warranty duration remains the same, but the distance is capped at 150,000km, whichever comes first. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Credit: CarExpert For its range of electric vehicles (EVs) including the E5, Chery provides an eight-year/unlimited-km warranty on the high-voltage battery. It also offers free roadside assistance for the first 12 months, which is renewed annually for the duration of the warranty period if the vehicle is maintained through its authorised dealer network. Newcomer Geely matches Chery for peace of mind, with a seven-year/unlimited-km warranty on vehicles bought for private use, and it guarantees that is high-voltage batteries will maintain at least 70 per cent of their original capacity over the first eight years. 2025 Geely EX5 Credit: CarExpert For commercial use, the warranty coverage for both the vehicle and battery pack is reduced to 150,000km, without change to the time period. Geely also provides free roadside assistance for the first year of ownership, which is extended up to seven years each time the vehicle is serviced through its dealer network. BYD comes in next with a six-year warranty over 150,000km for both private and commercial customers. The high-voltage battery pack and drive unit (which includes the electric motor and power controller) are covered for eight years or 160,000km, whichever comes first, with a guarantee that the battery will retain at least 70 per cent of its charge capacity over this period of time. 2025 BYD Sealion 6 Credit: CarExpert BYD also provides free roadside assistance for the first 12 months, which is renewed annually for up to six years with each logbook service. You'll need to read the fine print for each model in the LDV range to determine the warranty coverage as they differ drastically. For its T60 ute, the diesel-powered Max version has the longest warranty period at seven years and 250,000km, with five years of free roadside assistance, but the electric eT60 is only covered for five years and 160,000km. Its battery pack, however, is guaranteed to retain a useable state of change for at least eight years. 2025 LDV T60 Max Credit: CarExpert The D90 large SUV, which uses the same fundamental mechanical underpinnings, is also covered for seven years with five years of roadside assistance, but the distance is reduced to 200,000km. The petrol-powered MIFA people mover has the same level of coverage as the D90, but the electric MIFA 9 only has a five-year/160,000km warranty while the battery pack is covered for eight years and 200,000km. The hard-working G10+ and V80 vans have the lowest warranty coverage at three years and 100,000km with free roadside assistance. 2025 LDV G10+ Credit: CarExpert Interestingly, the mid-size Deliver 7 with a more powerful version of the same engine in the G10+ has a seven-year/200,000km warranty, while the electric eDeliver 7 is only covered for five years and 160,000km, but its battery is guaranteed for a longer distance of 250,000km over the first eight years. And LDV's largest model, the Deliver 9, which is available as either a van, cab chassis or bus in short- and long-wheelbase configurations, has a three-year/160,000km warranty for remaining model year 2023 stock, while newer versions are covered for seven years and 200,000km, all with free roadside assistance. However, the electric eDeliver 9 is only covered for five years and 160,000km, and eight years for the battery pack. All vehicles in the GMW/Haval range are covered by a seven-year/unlimited-km warranty for private buyers, as well as for ABN holders, and general, national and government fleet use. However, commercial operators such as rental car, taxi and ride share operators have a limit on mileage of 150,000km. 2025 GWM Tank 300 Credit: CarExpert For its passenger vehicles, including the Haval Jolion, H6, H6 GT SUVs, the Ora city hatch and regular Cannon ute, GWM provides five years of free roadside assistance. However, for owners of the Tank 300, Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha ute, this is extended to seven years. Zeekr provides a five-year/unlimited-km warranty for its current range of vehicles – the ZeekrX and Zeekr 009 – for private buyers with free roadside assistance and connected services for the duration of the warranty period. The high-voltage battery is guaranteed to retain a useable charge capacity for at least eight years and 160,000km. 2025 ZeekrX Credit: CarExpert For commercial and fleet customers, the warranty period is reduced for three years and 120,000km. The Xpeng G6 is covered by a standard five-year warranty but it has the shortest mileage clause here, at just 120,000km, though it does not stipulate between private and commercial use. 2025 Xpeng G6 Credit: CarExpert The battery pack, drive motor and battery management system are guaranteed for eight years and 160,000km. However, buyers can choose to pre-purchase an extended warranty package from one to five years on the vehicle and an additional two years on the battery (providing up to 10 years of coverage) at an extra cost, ranging between $690 for one year on the vehicle to $2990 for five years, and $1990 for two years on the battery. One of the newest arrivals, Leapmotor, provides seven years of warranty coverage for its vehicle and eight years for its battery packs, with a total driving distance limit of 160,000km for both. 2025 Leapmotor C10 Credit: CarExpert Early arrivals (MY24) of the C10 plug-in hybrid SUV are provided with five years of free roadside assistance while newer versions from MY25 have eight years. Deepal provides a seven-year/160,000km warranty for private buyers of its S07 electric SUV, as well as the soon-to-be-released S05 compact SUV and the quirky E07 'Multitruck', along with one year of free roadside assistance. 2024 Deepal S07 Credit: CarExpert The warranty coverage is reduced to just one year and 120,000km for commercial users
NZ Autocar
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
Jaecoo J7 plug-in hybrid scores five stars in ANCAP safety tests
The plug-in hybrid Jaecoo J7 has achieved a five star result in its first ANCAP safety assessment, adding another alternative-powered option for buyers in New Zealand. The new entrant from Chery's sub-brand Jaecoo secured an overall score of 81% for Adult Occupant Protection. In the frontal offset crash test, the cabin structure remained stable with good protection provided to most critical regions, though the driver's chest and lower legs were rated as adequate. A moderate risk to occupants in an oncoming vehicle resulted in a points penalty. In the full-width frontal and side impact tests, performance was generally strong, but the side curtain airbag failed to deploy correctly during the oblique pole test, leading to penalties. Read more Jaecoo J7 SHS – First drive of the new 'Super Hybrid' Child safety also rated highly, with the J7 scoring 85% for Child Occupant Protection. Both six- and ten-year-old dummies showed good protection in testing, except for an adequate result for the ten-year-old's neck. ISOFix and top tether anchorages are standard, and most child restraints could be correctly fitted. However, the car's direct child presence detection system didn't meet ANCAP's criteria. The J7 also scored 80% for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 84% for Safety Assist. Its AEB system performed well across multiple scenarios, though the cyclist dooring warning system didn't alert early enough for full points. Lane keeping assistance and adaptive cruise control were effective, though ANCAP noted the lane support system could be refined for a smoother driving experience. The ANCAP rating currently applies only to plug-in hybrid versions available in New Zealand. Petrol variants remain unrated.
The Citizen
05-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Citizen
Omoda C7: First drive impressions of the SA-bound hybrid
During recent travels to China as part of a showcase by Omoda and Jaecoo for the Shanghai Auto Show, Car Mag were also afforded the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the South African-bound Omoda C7. Here is what Siya Mbaduli thinks of the SUV! Looking for a new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag! What are we driving? The Omoda C7 is a compact SUV produced by Chery under its export-focused Omoda brand. First unveiled globally in April 2024, it is positioned between the Omoda C5 and the upcoming Omoda C9 in terms of size. Unlike previous Omoda badged offerings, the C7 is the first original product designed specifically for Omoda, whereas earlier models were shared with Chery's main line-up. The most striking aspect of the C7 is its futuristic design, which was the prevalent theme throughout the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. At the front, a frameless X-shaped grille and slim LED daytime running lights give it a high-tech, almost concept-like appearance. The sculpted sides, featuring flush door handles and sharp creases, add a touch of premium European flair. At the rear, full-width thunderbolt LED taillamps and a subtle roof spoiler complete the cohesive design. The C7 also rides on 19-inch two-tone alloy wheels. Positioned as a sport oriented SUV, the Omoda C7 measures 4 621mm in length, 1 872mm in width, and 1 673mm in height, with a claimed wheelbase of 2 700mm. Inside, the C7 sets itself apart from more budget-friendly competitors. A 15.6-inch sliding infotainment screen dominates the dashboard, complemented by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster that provides driver information. The cabin features soft-touch materials throughout, with quilted leather seats, ambient lighting, and refined panel finishes that underline its upmarket ambitions. From the brief time spent inside, Omoda has managed to provide ample space for both rows, offering sufficient headroom and legroom even for taller passengers. What is the Omoda C7 SHS like to drive? Unable to legally drive on Chinese roads, we spent a brief period behind the wheel of the Omoda C7, which was fitted with the brand's new plug-in hybrid powertrain. This setup, also found in the recently revealed Jaecoo J7 SHS (tested by CAR), pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an 18.3kWh lithium-iron phosphate battery pack. Combined, the system delivers an impressive peak output of 255kW and 525Nm of torque. While final specifications for South Africa are yet to be confirmed, we expect the local model to feature this same powertrain. On the road, the system feels well-calibrated and impressively smooth, with EV mode being the standout, offering up to 90km of zero-emission driving. Related:Review: Jaecoo J7 SHS (PHEV) From behind the wheel, the C7 offers a composed and comfortable driving experience. The steering is light yet precise, and during a brief slalom test, the vehicle responded confidently with minimal body roll. The weight distribution also appeared well balanced, helping the C7 maintain poise through quick directional changes. The C7 is expected to launch in South Africa in six months with a full suite of advanced safety features. These include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, autonomous emergency braking, and a 360-degree camera system. Higher-spec models will also offer wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and a premium 14-speaker Sony audio system. What are the Omoda C7 SHS's Rivals? The Omoda C7's length (4 621mm) and wheelbase (2 700mm) place it in a similar size category to the popular Toyota RAV4 which is a well-established player in the sphere. Its hybrid powertrain option further cements itself as a chief rival to this newcomer and the C7 will need to compete on price to draw buyers away from the RAV4. The Toyota RAV4 Hybrid range in South Africa starts from approximately R705 600 for the 2.0 GX-R AWD model and goes up to around R841 600 for the 2.5 Hybrid VX E-Four. Another strong contender in the mid-size SUV segment is the Kia Sportage. A frequent contender in the CAR Magazine Top 12 Best Buys awards, it has become revered for good value for money and an impressively long warranty, which the Omoda C7 will need to address. The entry-level 1.6 CRDi LX Sportage kicks things off at R662 995, and the top-spec 1.6T-GDi GT Line S model costs R823 995 Keeping it within China's borders, the C7 will likely steal some of the spotlight against the now ageing Haval H6. Despite being a strong contender with a hybrid powertrain which produces a combined output of 179kW and 530Nm of torque, it has still remained a niche choice for buyers shopping for a mainstream SUV. South African pricing for the Haval H6 HEV starts at approximately R679 950. Its competitive pricing for a hybrid SUV with significant power makes it a direct rival to the Omoda C7 PHEV. What will the Omoda C7 SHS cost? Simply put; we don't know yet. The vehicle is set to arrive in South Africa, but other than the drive and the technical details shared by Omoda officials, pricing has remained under wraps. We expect that the Chinese automaker is combing the market to determine which price point will make this hybrid model most appealing to local buyers, and we'd expect it to come in anywhere from R700 000 to potentially just over R800 000. Any standard ICE-powered models would logically undercut this. Verdict A full road test and more time behind the wheel of the Omoda C7 would have been ideal to uncover finer details that may have been missed during the short drive, but what did stand out, however, is that Omoda C7 may be the most important statement of intent for the Chinese automaker. In typical modern Chinese fashion, it boasts striking looks, a premium-feeling cabin, and the arrival of the efficient hybrid powertrain should make it resonate with many buyers if priced competitively. Looking for a new or used car? Find it here with CARmag! The post Review: Omoda C7 SHS appeared first on CAR Magazine.
Perth Now
24-04-2025
- Automotive
- Perth Now
2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit review
The affordable plug-in hybrid war is in full swing, and this is the latest entrant – the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit. WATCH: Paul's international launch review of the 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS If you're wondering, SHS stands for Super Hybrid System, and in this review you'll find out whether this stylish petrol-electric SUV lives up to that ideal. With a striking price point, a sizeable battery with decent EV driving range and impressive combined driving range on offer, there's a lot to like about this plug-in hybrid (PHEV) mid-size SUV. The SHS Summit sits at the top of the Jaecoo J7 model range, with three non-hybrid petrol models slotting in below it. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert As a comparison, there are some impressive plug-in hybrid SUVs priced in a similar bracket, including the BYD Sealion 6 (from $42,990) and the GWM Haval H6 GT PHEV (from $53,990 drive-away). You'll find details about standard specifications for the entire model range listed below. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool The interior may be a little understated compared to some of the other SUVs in this segment, but there are some nice design elements and a good amount of thoughtfulness on offer here. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert The material finishes and the design, firstly, are quite fetching. There's a neat cross-hatch finish on the dash as well as some rubberised elements and softer finishes up top. This high-grade version also has ambient lighting, which flows from the front doors to the back ones as well. Even the carpet mats are pretty special looking, because they match the headlight design, and I really like them. There are some as-you'd-expect elements like a fake leather-clad steering wheel, and faux leather seat trim, but the seats are pretty comfy even if they felt a little hot on warm days. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert Thankfully there are ventilated front seats if you want to cool things down, and you've got heating for those seats as well. The front passenger seat has toggles so you can remotely adjust it if you need to allow room for someone to get in the back, like in a Kia or Hyundai. Very, very nice tech. There are nice soft elbow pads where you'd expect, and there's a centre box with cooling as a bonus. You'll also find cupholders and a wireless phone charger with a ventilation system so it'll stop your phone from overheating, but there's also a blank pad next to it. Double chargers would be great! Underneath the charging pad is a massive section for extra storage with a nice rubberised mat so things won't move around too much, and it's got some charge ports down there – 12V and USBs. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert There are large door trenches, and the door handles are chunky and conventional. But I don't like the window switches. When you wonder which way is up and which is down – if up is forwards… nope. Up is to put the window down and down is to put the window up. That got on my nerves during my time with this car. The big panoramic glass roof features an opening section, so if you do want to let the sunshine in and the air flow, you can. It adds plenty of light to the situation in the back for your rear seat riders, and it has a nice thick shade cover. There's one other thing I want to talk about before we get to the screens and tech: it's the rear-view mirror. The auto-dimming mirror has too much convex – it's kind of like a passenger mirror rather than a look-out-the-back-window mirror. And it's terrible. Like, really bad. But the side mirrors are quite large, and they do help out a lot, along with a surround-view camera system too. Now, the central touchscreen is a big unit, at 14.8 inches, and it will take some getting used to. But I do think that it is relatively good in terms of the menus and the controls on offer, and you'll learn your way around it more quickly than in some other vehicles with the screen as the primary controller. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert It has a built-in navigation system, and it's pretty quick to load with pinch-to-zoom functionally. The nav also has charging port locations, so if you want to find out where your nearest charger is, you can do that. And if you prefer to use smartphone mirroring, it has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While the fan controls disappear when you're mirroring your phone, you just need to swipe up at the bottom to get to the temp system settings. Annoyingly, the voice control didn't work that well for the ventilation. You can also adjust your seat comfort, turn on your seat heating or ventilation – all on-screen. There are also different settings for adjusting the climate system. All the stuff that you need is just a tap away. The menus are deep, so spending some time in a Jaecoo showroom mightn't be a bad idea, to learn more about the system before you drive away. I think it's easy, but I've driven lots of cars with more annoying tech. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert There are multiple screen-scrolls of safety tech adjustments you might want to get into, but there is otherwise a dropdown section to adjust things like the lane departure warning, driver monitoring camera system, and a number of other functions. There are neat things, like the fact you can customise your steering wheel buttons – the little star button can be your dash-cam shortcut, for instance. You can go through the screen or steering wheel controls to adjust your head-up display, and the HUD is pretty good. Snow mode turns it blue, which is a nice touch. The steering wheel controls are piano black – which I don't like because they can look grimy really fast – but they are backlit. On the left of the wheel there's a combination wiper, blinker and headlight stalk, while there's a column-mounted gear shifter on the right. In the back, with the driver's seat set for my driving position, at 182cm or 6'0' tall I had lots of space, including ample legroom and a decent amount of foot room, and the headroom is very good too. If you've got tall teenagers, they'll fit. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert But there's an annoying oversight in the back – there's just one directional air vent. You can adjust where the air goes, but it'll only go to one side of the cabin. Odd. There are USB-A and USB-C ports to keep rear-seat occupants charged up, and multi-pocket pockets on the seat backs. With bottle holders in the doors and soft elbow pads, it all feels pretty good. There are also ISOFIX child seat anchors and three top-tether points, plus there's a flip-down armrest with cupholders, not to mention grab handles in the back and lights on the sides, too. But the boot space could be a concern for some. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert There's notably less cargo capacity in the SHS and AWD variants, at 340 litres with the rear seats up, compared to 424L in the FWD vehicles. Fold the rear seats down, and again the FWDs have the advantage, at 1349 versus 1265 litres. Then there's the situation with the spare wheel. There isn't one in the SHS, which could be a deal-breaker for rural buyers. Every other version comes with one. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool The base versions of the Jaecoo J7 have a good powertrain, but this one is a peach. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert On my test, I managed to get 83km of EV driving done before the engine flicked on, making for an impressive 'first 100km' figure displayed at 1.2L/100km. The screen also showed an electric-motor efficiency figure of 15.2kWh per 100km (the claim is 15.9kWh/100km). I followed that up with extended testing in HEV mode, where the car showed a displayed combined figure of 4.5L/100km. Certainly impressive, and it gives you the idea that it could well live up to the claim of a combined maximum driving range of 1200km with the battery and petrol tank full. Speaking of, the J7 requires 95 RON premium unleaded, and it has the biggest fuel tank capacity of the entire range, with 60L on offer – this could well be one for those who hate going to the servo. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool The way I like to think of PHEVs like this is they're EVs when you want them to be, but hybrids when you need them to be. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert The SHS can run as a fully electric SUV, with a backup petrol engine to help you out once you deplete the battery pack. If you prefer to drive in full EV mode, there are buttons down between the seats to switch modes. You can even enable an extended EV mode to get the most out of the battery pack. So, if you want to stay in all-electric mode for as long as possible, the option is there. That said, you've also got the petrol engine on hand to support the system. I drove it as an EV to try and use all the battery range, and then as a hybrid too, and it performed really well in both instances. In hybrid mode, it uses the petrol engine to power the system, but it'll still run in EV mode occasionally, even while the petrol engine is on, working to generate power for the battery system. It's a bit of a unique setup, but it works well and feels surprisingly natural. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert You'll likely find this car easier to live with than a lot of newer plug-in hybrids, EVs, or some of the other new Chinese models. It's compelling in terms of overall driving experience: well-rounded, with decent power even in EV mode, and heaps when you're in hybrid mode and hammer it. As for the drive experience? It's good. Nothing mind-blowing, but very easy to get used to. Thankfully, the safety systems aren't too intrusive. There's speed sign recognition, and if you mute it, it stays muted. The only slightly annoying feature is the driver monitoring camera, which will bing-bong at you if you look at the screen too long. But even that's less aggressive than in some other cars in this segment. Technology integration is solid, and overall, the drive is a pretty confident one. The steering isn't super engaging, but it's responsive and trustworthy. If you're not an enthusiastic thrill-seeking driver, you'll find it handles corners just fine. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert Ride comfort is decent too. This model is a bit heavier than the standard petrol J7, and the suspension feels sharper and firmer, but it's still comfortable in mixed driving situations. The suspension stays composed without tossing you around the cabin, which is great if you prefer a firmer but still comfortable ride. There are also different drive modes: Normal, Eco, and Sport. I mostly used Normal. Sport gives you a bit more punch and quicker response, while Eco tones everything down, including the regenerative braking. Speaking of, the regen is not as strong as in some full EVs or aggressive hybrids, but it brings you down to a walking pace smoothly when you lift off the accelerator – nice and gradual. Now, onto EV range. Did I get the claimed 90km from a full charge? Not quite, but I came close. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert I didn't push it to the absolute limit or activate the emergency EV reserve – there's a warning that suggests that's not great for the battery. Still, I got 83km from a charge, which is a very usable electric-only range for most commutes. Not bad at all. When the battery runs out, the petrol engine takes over in hybrid (HEV) mode. You can switch between modes, as I said, so essentially it is able to be tailored to the situation you find yourself in. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool Wondering whether or not it's worth spending more on the top-spec SHS Summit, or save some pennies? 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 Core 2WD equipment highlights: 18-inch alloy wheels Temporary spare wheel Roof rails Power-retracting door handles Gloss black side mirrors Gloss black rear spoiler Projector LED headlights LED tail-lights Rear fog light 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto 6-speaker sound system Intelligent voice assistant Satellite navigation AM/FM/DAB+ radio Front and rear USB-A and USB-C ports Manual air-conditioning Electronic gear shifter Premium steering wheel Synthetic leather upholstery 6-way power driver's seat 4-way power front passenger seat J7 Track 2WD highlights: Rain-sensing wipers Acoustic glass windscreen Power tailgate 50W wireless charger 8-speaker Sony sound system Dual-zone climate control Colour-selectable interior ambient lighting Illuminated vanity mirrors Heated front seats Power child safety locks Boot 12V power outlet 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert J7 Ridge AWD highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels Full-sized spare wheel Red brake calipers Panoramic glass sunroof Privacy glass Puddle lights 14.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Head-up display Alloy pedals Auto-dimming rear-view mirror Heated steering wheel Perforated synthetic leather upholstery Ventilated front seats 4-way power driver's seat lumbar Driver seat and mirror position memory J7 SHS Summit adds: Unique aero-design side mirrors Dark grey roof rails 19-inch aero wheels Tyre repair kit J7 SHS-exclusive interior design Steering column-mounted gear selector *Removes heated steering wheel If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Jaecoo J7 PHEV has achieved a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating based on 2025 testing. ANCAP hasn't run the numbers on it yet, but you can likely deduce that it'll get the top score here, too. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert Aussie models cop the same level of advanced safety kit as those sold in Europe, so there's a whole shopping list of the expected safety features and tech. Standard safety features include: 7 airbags incl. front-centre Autonomous emergency braking Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Driver monitoring system Lane departure warning Emergency Lane Keeping assist Lane centring Lane change assist Rear cross-traffic alert Reversing camera Rear parking sensors Traffic Jam Assist Tyre pressure monitoring system J7 Track 2WD adds: 8 airbags incl. driver's knee Surround-view camera Front parking sensors J7 Ridge AWD and SHS Summit add: That built-in dash-cam is a massive bonus. You can set it up so that the favourite 'star' button on the steering wheel triggers it to activate, capturing the moment (and the moments leading up to the moment) to an on-board data card. There are no messy cables, either! Oddly, the entry-level Core version has seven airbags (dual front, front side, front centre and full-length curtain), while the Track and all variants above it add a driver's knee airbag (eight in total). If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool The Jaecoo J7 has a strong ownership promise from a new brand. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert There's an eight-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is among the best in the business, and it could actually be a better option for many customers than a 10-year warranty with stipulations or sky-high servicing costs. Jaecoo offers an eight-year/120,000km capped-price servicing plan, with intervals set at 12 months/15,000km per visit. The average annual service cost over that eight-year program is $421 per visit – not bad. And, if you service with Jaecoo's network of servicing locations, you'll get up to eight years of roadside assistance as well. If you're curious about how the Jaecoo J7 compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool If you're in the market for a new plug-in hybrid SUV and you like the look of this one, you really ought to get into a showroom and check it out. 2025 Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit Credit: CarExpert It's an impressively finished, comfortable and likeable SUV, with a decent price and an enticing promise when it comes to ongoing ownership costs and other aftersales considerations. Interested in buying a Jaecoo J7? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything Jaecoo J7 Heaps of gear for the cash Properly real-world efficient Easy to get along with Pedal actions can be jerky No AWD available for PHEV Smaller boot than FWD models
