Bound to be launched in Malaysia by mid-2024, the Jaecoo J7 looks like any typical SUV that you see on the road but do not call it “soft”. Hiding behind its premium-looking body lies some credible off-roading ability which was proven at the Malaysia 4WD Training and Experience Centre (M4TREC).

M4TREC is Malaysia’s leading four-wheel-drive training centre with a world-class 4WD obstacle course of varying complex and challenging terrains. It is the proving ground to assess proper off-road vehicle performance, something that not many SUV drivers will face.

To ensure a thorough assessment of the J7, M4TREC’s expert trainers set up a variety of challenging obstacles including roller ramps, articulation tests, ridge crossings, and steep slope descents. Confronted against these tests, the J7 showed peer-leading ability to get out of tough road conditions as well as impact resistance effortlessly.

Also read: Chery's Jaecoo brand to launch in Malaysia in 2024, first units of RHD J7 AWD begin testing here

"The J7's remarkable off-road capabilities have left us astounded, exemplified by its seamless navigation through the rugged and demanding terrains at M4TREC," said an M4TREC certified instructor.

Jaecoo is a sub-brand of Chery but it will have a separate distribution network from its parent brand when it is launched in Malaysia. The J7 sits on the same platform as the Omoda 5 but is powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre engine (197 PS/290 Nm) fitted with a 7-speed DCT that sends power to the front or all 4 wheels.

Also read: Jaecoo J7 1.6 TGDI previewed in Malaysia - 197 PS/290 Nm, 2WD and AWD, launching mid-2024

The 4WD variant comes with the advanced All Road Drive Intelligent System (ARDIS) that allows for 0.1 second instant 4WD intervention.  It also has the Integrated Power Brake (IPB) system which has 8 key advantages including high integration, faster braking, no performance decay, and automatic intervention.

Guided by Jaecoo’s philosophy of "From Classic, Beyond Classic," the J7 has the ambition to be an urban off-road SUV that highlights "more than cars." Through this demanding off-road test, the J7 fully demonstrates its stability and reliability on complex terrains, aligning perfectly with the mobility needs of the urban new elites.

Also read: Chery Malaysia's next new model launch - Jaecoo J7 spotted in Malaysia

Granted, most Jaecoo J7 owners are likely to remain in the concrete jungle rather than trek out in a literal one. The J7 was previewed to the media earlier this month alongside the flagship J8 which is also planned to be launched later this year.

Also read: A Chinese Range Rover? This is the Jaecoo J8, from the company that builds Range Rovers - launching in Malaysia in H2 2024, 10 airbags, adaptive suspension