Jaecoo a premium sub-brand under Chery has previewed its first model, the Jaecoo J7, for the Malaysian market.

Right off the bat, estimated prices have yet to be announced but following today's product preview and presentation, we now know more about the upcoming C-Segment 5-seater J7. Alongside, Jaecoo also previewed the larger (albeit in left-hand drive form) J8, which we're told is also slated for launch later this year. 

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

For those unfamiliar with Jaecoo, it’s one of three Chery brands centred around its export strategy – Jaecoo, Chery, which sells the Tiggo 8 in Malaysia, and Omoda which markets the Omoda 5 and Omoda 5 EV (slated to go on sale in March 2024).

However, Jaecoo will be marketed as a separate entity from Chery, meaning it will have its own dealer network, although the finer details of how it will operate have yet to be announced.

Coming back to the J7, it is based on the same Chery T1X platform which underpins the Omoda 5.

Power however, comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder (versus the Omoda’s 156 PS/230 Nm 1.5-litre TGDi engine) producing a stout 197 PS and 290 Nm of torque.

The engine is mated to a Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which channels power to the front wheels or all-four wheels through Jaecoo's Intelligent 4WD system with 7 terrain driving modes. Both variants were previewed, but as far as we know, the specsheet of both variants are similar save the 2WD/AWD drivetrains. 

Although it's based on the same platform, the J7 is a bit larger than the Omoda 5, this is how the two compare:

On the inside the J7 features a simplistic dashboard architecture which prominently features a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and 14.8-inch infotainment unit replete with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility.

Also read: Review: Chery Omoda 5 in Malaysia - Bang-for-buck hero does its best to exorcise ghosts of Chery's past

The infotainment system is powered by a Qualcomm 8155 chip based on a 7 nm architecture that boasts fast computing speeds and a two-second boot-up time.

Other notable highlights include a Sony sound system, a laminated acoustic windshield, a full-length panoramic sunroof, a centre armrest compartment with a chiller, (50W air-cooled) wireless charging, and a Head-Up Display (HUD).

On the safety front, the J7 offers a comprehensive array of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) which includes a total of 21 features, these include:

• Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
• Blind Spot Detection (BSD)
• Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
• Rear Cross Traffic Alert w/Braking (RCTA)
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
• Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
• Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
• Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA)
• Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
• Intelligent Evasion System (IES)

The J7 also boasts 10 airbags and an energy-absorbing cage-like body design which utilises over 80 percent high-strength steel in its construction.

According to Jaecoo, the J7 is scheduled to officially launch in Malaysia in mid-2024. Jaecoo will gradually unveil more detailed specifications of the J7 closer to the launch date, as well as more info about the J8 which is slated for introduction in the second half of 2024.

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