The Jaecoo J7 has undergone off-road testing at the Malaysia 4WD Training and Experience Centre (M4TREC), according to Jaecoo Malaysia. The premium SUV was previewed at the beginning of this month, with two variants shown; a front-wheel-drive version, and another with all-wheel-drive, both featuring a 197 PS/290 Nm 1.6 litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Testing of the Jaecoo J7’s off-road capabilities at M4TREC consisted of roller ramps, articulation tests, ridge crossings and steep descents, among others. The test of the SUV’s ability to cope with rough road conditions also included impact resistance, which the J7 “effortlessly conquered”, according to the company.
Jaecoo also touts “superb chassis tuning
delivering exceptional results” in the moose test that was conducted at 80
km/h. “The J7’s remarkable off-road capabilities have left us astounded,
exemplified by its seamless navigation through the rugged and demanding
terrains at M4TREC,” Jaecoo Malaysia quoted an M4TREC certified instructor as
saying.
Measuring 4,500 mm long, 1,865 mm wide,
1,680 mm tall with a wheelbase of 2,672 mm, the Jaecoo J7 is approximately the
size of a Toyota Corolla Cross, while being smaller than the Mazda CX-5. In
terms of off-road specific stats, the J7 has ground clearance of 200 mm, wading
depth of 600 mm, with approach and departure angles of 21 degrees and 29
degrees respectively. Safety kit in the J7 is said to consist of 21 intelligent
driving functions, and among them are automatic emergency braking (AEB), front
collision warning, lane departure warning, lane departure prevention, emergency
lane keeping, intelligent evasion system, curve speed assistance, lead car
departure notification, an around-view monitor, door opening warning and park
assist.
Also on are rear collision warning, rear
cross traffic alert, rear cross traffic braking, blind spot monitoring, lane
change assist, auto high beam and adaptive cruise control with traffic jam
assist. The Jaecoo J7 has been earmarked for market launch in Malaysia sometime
in the second quarter of this year, the company has stated previously.
The Jaecoo brand comes from under the
Chery umbrella – like Omoda – that the manufacturer has set up specifically for
overseas markets outside of its native China.
