THE latest Jetour X70 Plus continues to show mzansi has an appetite for SUV (standard utility vehicles).
From the onset, the exterior comes in the ‘boomerang’-shaped headlamps and vertically stacked daytime running lights, along with the red trim bordering the front end, as part of a dose of visual aggression. The red trim continues along the profile in the side sills and eventually creates a diffuser type effect along with a set of quad faux tailpipes.
A ‘four-pipe’ as boys would clap in unison, and girls envy this Chinese made coupled with a massive grille, the octagonal design and the wraparound taillamp array. It comes in 19-inch wheels as standard.
Had the pleasure to test this range-topping X70 Plus Deluxe, as I was making arrangements to bury my special Gran, in Ganalaagte, North West, recently. Robadiwa Mohurutshi!
It boast the inclusion of features namely memory function for the electrically adjustable driver’s seat, panoramic glass roof with shade net, automatic wipers, a six-speaker audio system, a steering wheel wrapped in leather and auto-dimming rear view mirror and illuminated door sills and of course, the dashboard featuring two connected 10.25-inch displays for the driver and infotainment systems.
On the safety side, it has driver and passenger front and side airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, 360-degree parking cameras, hill-hold function and auto-locking doors, two extra curtain airbags, blind-spot monitor, lane change assist, rear cross traffic alert, and door opening warning.
As we approached Ventersdorp, along with family members, I did accelerate from 0-100 km/h: 11.90 seconds, it claimed, with top speed ranging 185km/h, since its also a seven-seater.
Most prominent is the speeding warning, which plays every time you hit 120km/h.
Even with cruise control enabled, you will naturally go slightly over 120km/h when heading downhill, and you’ll dip below the speed limit when you brake for other vehicles before accelerating again, which means this system will constantly beep at you over the course of a journey.
Driving modes: it features Normal, Sport and Eco but I spent most of the time in Sport mode because Eco hampers the acceleration substantially.
With Sport mode enabled, the seven-seater throttle is very responsive with good power for overtakes, and it handles reasonably well despite its size.
You also have access to paddle shifters, which can make good use of the six-speed automatic gearbox.
The only snag: we could only fit 56 litres worth of items in the boot, so be mindful when traveling with a big family and luggage, but if you fold the seats it will be a pleasure!
The power associated with Jetour X70 stands at 115kw and torque range 230Nm.
Also enjoyed the generous amount of headroom, that also contributed to the comfort- thanks to a rake and reach adjustable steering column (considering my height).
It uses the 1.5-litre turbopetrol four-cylinder engine, though I had to confirm because anything associated with four-pipes is diesel, well I assumed…since it uses the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch transmission.
It claimed an average fuel consumption figure of 7.8 L/100 km, and to tell the truth, its convenient, considering the driving that was completed between two provinces- GP and Bokone Bophirima, in a space of days.
Along with see-saw pedal calibration, the driving experience wasn’t vague owing to its responsive electric power steering, that made our trips seamless.
Jetour is part of Chery family, that has taken the SA car market by storm!
The X70 model comes with a 10-year/million km engine warranty in addition to the 5 year/150 000 km vehicle warranty.
It retails for R484 900
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (7)
Fuel 1-10 (5)
Top image SLM (The latest Jetour X70 1.5 model- a pleasure to drive).
