THE introduction of the Jetour brand in South Africa, has shaken the industry.
Look at their latest derivatives on our roads, that speaks volume.
Talk of volume, recent Automobile SA stats indicate the brand continues to have higher margins (sales) within the SUV segment.
This was evident on our way to cover the Metro FM awards in Durban recently- testing the aggressive T2, wherein on the road, we passed more T1s & T2 than any other brand.
Despite my physique and the T2 high ground clearance 220mm, all that was forgotten- because it was seamless to hop-in and out, and dimensions standing at 4,785mm length, width 2,006mm and height 1880mm, so is the luggage compartment standing at 5,80l, hence it consumed all the luggage with ease.
Boasting rugged and square-shouldered SUV with wide departure angles, the Jetour T2 comes at a time when the ‘South African 4×4 market is ripe for disruption’.
The interior is packed with full-width digital instrument cluster, large high-resolution infotainment display, premium materials and soft-touch finishes, supportive, comfortable seating, modern Jetour safety suite, terrain mode selector, optional panoramic roof, smart cabin storage for long journeys(just like mine from Dbn to NW), inside, it leans more “modern premium” than “bare-bones off-roader,” so agreed my traveling crew.
Also be aware of Distinctive LED signature lighting and Eco-futuristic boxy silhouette.
Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine (make sure you monitor your gauge it does consume too much petrol not diesel, pegged at 180 kW and 380 Nm, it is linked to a dual-clutch seven speed auto.
It claimed top speed -170km/h
Upon filling-up at Montrose, some of the petrol attendants had mistook it for Range Rover, but were taken aback upon realising it is indeed a Jetour T2.
“Hawu enhle le moto, bafo” they exclaimed joyously, with smiles from ear to mouth, coupled with whistles that made my partner a bit shy.
Oh, the gear selection won’t take place unless you put on your safety belt, good for some but others weren’t impressed.
Talk of safety- it’s advanced with driver assists (cruise control, auto hold, rollover mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, door open warning, rear cross-traffic alert, rear collision warning), 6 airbags, rear parking sensors, 540-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring, traction/stability control, hill descent control, auto door lock/unlock.
As the saying goes, ‘Jetour T2 you owe me nothing’ from Durban to NW and back to Jozi –Maboneng! That’s touring your country, unflinchingly. Lifestyle and outdoor living…Amen!
It is priced from R569 900 to R704 900
Jetour also backs the T2 range with:
7-year / 200,000 km warranty
7-year / 75,000 km service plan
10-year / 1,000,000 km engine warranty
Verdict
Performance 1-10 (8)
Fuel 1-10 (6)
Image SLM (The rugged Jetour T2- toured mzansi unflinchingly.)
