GLOBALLY, the SUV market never cease to amaze.
For instance count how many SUVs we boast in South Africa, and you will realise how popular is this segment and the fact Jaecoo J5 SHS was released this week.
The new hybrid derivative expands the J5 line-up, and was given a rigorous test drive at the launch that began in Jozi, entering Free State and finally winding up in the Drakensberg Mountains in the KwaZulu-Natal province.
Talk of Tri-province- this is where three provinces host a launch in a day.
Sharing the driving responsibilities with seasoned broadcaster and now motoring freelancer Naresh Maharaj, we took ownership of the new J5 and negotiated traffic in Jozi reaching the well-liked tourist destinations Golden Gate National Park and Clarens in the FS.
It is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, delivering combined outputs of 165 kW and 295 N.m of torque.
A 1.83 kWh battery enables electric propulsion at low speeds and in traffic, contributing to a fuel consumption figure of 5.3 L/100 km. Paired with a 51-litre fuel tank, the J5 SHS is theoretically capable of covering up to 980 km on a tank of fuel. Power is sent to the front wheels via a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT).
With hot coffee in tow- thanks to a chilly weather as clouds gathered- inside the J5 is MacPherson struts at the front and a multilink configuration at the rear, contributing to a composed, supple ride and responsive handling. As for brakes, it is handled by disc brakes all round, with ventilated discs fitted to the front wheels.
What also got our attention was the 18-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic moonroof and automatic LED headlights that caused procrastination to other drivers in awe of the entourage that waved through, as they hooted in admiration and cows danced on the open roads in the FS.
The interior of the J5 features black leather upholstery and six-way electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, while the front passenger seat offers four-way manual adjustment and standard multi-colour ambient lighting.
Also loved the 13.2-inch central touchscreen that manages a range of convenience and entertainment function, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth and voice-command support (we tried karaoke but dololo), that made it easier for us drivers to stay connected while on the move.
Included is the 50-watt wireless charging and a six-speaker sound system.
The cabin also features a leather-trimmed multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a power-operated sunshade, and USB and Type-C ports in the front row. An eight-inch driver display cluster presents key vehicle information clearly and efficiently, while a camera and rear parking sensors make it easier to manoeuvre the J5 in tricky situations, like negotiating roads under construction in the far flung areas of KZN.
According to Loki Zhang- Jaecoo/Omoda Country Director- they present something worth owning and for South Africans, it means you can enjoy a drive in this SUV from the City to a gravel, untarred roads, hence the drive from Jozi to Clarens and Drakensberg for the official launch at Mahai-Maloti Drakensberg Park camp site.
Disclaimer- not only a City vehicle!
“For us as Jaecoo/Omoda being a three year-old brand in SA, we’ve grown to over 70% globally and the figures keep rising as our brands become popular amongst our consumers,” he said at the gala evening.
He also boasted they have over 1300 showrooms worldwide, top three in the United Kingdom and number 1 in Australia, remarked Zang.
On safety- it has been equipped with active and passive safety features that include six airbags, comprising dual front, front side and side curtain airbags, as well as ESP, Brake Assist, traction control and ISOFIX child-seat anchorages.
The J5 SHS is equipped with the following advanced driver-assistance systems as standard:
- Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
- Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
- Lane-Keep Assist (LKA)
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Lane Departure Prevention (LDP)
- Traffic Jam Assist (TJA)
- Emergency Lane Keeping (ELK)
- Forward Vehicle Departure Reminder
- Integrated Cruise Assist (ICA)
- Secondary Collision Mitigation Multi-Collision Brake (MCB)
- Intelligent Evasion System (IES)
The J5 SHS carries over the refined styling of its ICE sibling J5 BEV (first EV) that has been unveiled in the market; but was made available to test drive from Brahman Hills after lunch en-route to the King Shaka Int’l Airport to end our adventurers’ expedition.
In Shannon Gahagan’s words, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO, iCAUR South Africa, ‘camping, adventure and Jaecoo are all intertwined’.
The J5 SHS warranty includes a five-year/150,000 km warranty, a 10-year/one-million km engine warranty, five-year/unlimited kilometre roadside assistance, and a five-year/75,000 km service plan.
It retails for R459,900.
“With the J5 range, we want to accommodate South African motorists as they begin moving towards electrified mobility,” continued Gahagan.
“The arrival of the J5 SHS gives customers an accessible route into new-energy motoring, while the broader J5 line-up ensures they are not limited to a single powertrain. Whether they prefer petrol, hybrid or fully electric, the J5 offers a compelling balance of affordability, comfort, safety and everyday practicality.”
SA’s songbird Ami Faku kept guests on their toes belting out her top selling hits- to round off the chilly evening at Mahai campsite.
Image supplied (The brand new J5 SHS line-up unveiled during media Tri-provinces tour from Jozi, FS and wrapping up in KZN at the cold Drakensberg Mountain.)
