2 new Chinese SUVs launching in South Africa – with 2 more in the pipeline
Jetour, one of the fastest-growing SUV brands in China, will be entering the South African market with two SUVs in September, available at 40 dealerships across the country.
Jetour Auto was launched by the Chery Holding Group in 2018 in response to market trends and consumer demand for vehicles that combine innovative design, advanced technology, and affordability.
Since its inception, Jetour Auto has operated independently in the global market, with dedicated R&D, manufacturing facilities, sales, and after-sales channels. It will also operate independently in the South African market.
Over the last five years alone, Jetour has sold over 1,180,000 vehicles globally across its five product lines, partnering with over 1,200 companies in more than 60 countries and regions worldwide, achieving a number-one position in several markets.
Johnny Fang, Managing Director of Jetour in South Africa, stated that the company aims to sell 800 units monthly in the first year of operation.
The Jetour X70 Plus and Dashing models will be the first to be introduced in the local market.
He emphasised that local priorities include enhancing service quality and ensuring the availability of parts.
The company has already established a parts warehouse in Kyalami, which covers 4,000 square meters and can house up to 82,000 parts.
This will enable customers to access the required parts efficiently and reliably.
“Jetour, with over 27 years of global experience and 26,000 patents, aims to manufacture safer, more comfortable, intelligent, and eco-conscious automobiles by integrating extensive data analytics and advanced manufacturing equipment,” it said.
Fang expressed excitement about replicating Jetour’s global success in South Africa and becoming the top choice for travel vehicles among local customers.
What to expect
The Jetour Dashing showcases a contemporary design with striking angles, elegant lights, and a spacious grille. It is 4,590mm in length, 1,900mm in width, and 1,685mm in height.
Depending on the region, the Dashing is equipped with either a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine generating 115kW and 230Nm or a 1.6-litre engine producing 145kW and 290Nm.
The smaller engine is available with both six-speed manual and automatic transmissions, while the larger engine is paired with a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic transmission.
On a global scale, the SUV features advanced options such as intelligent LED lights, a panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and start, a 15.6-inch infotainment system, leather upholstery, heated and ventilated seats, 40W wireless chargers, and a comprehensive set of driver assistance systems.
The X70 Plus is targeted toward family-oriented buyers as it is available in both five and seven-seater configurations.
It is notably longer than its counterpart, measuring 4,749mm in length, equally wide at 1,900mm, and slightly taller at 1,720mm.
The X70 Plus is equipped with the same 1.5-litre and 1.6-litre powertrains as the Dashing.
Inside, it features leather trim, heated and ventilated front seats with electric adjustment, a fully digital driver’s display, a 10.25-inch media hub, digital climate control, a panoramic sunroof, seven-color ambient lighting, and a wireless charger.
Additionally, it includes automatic LED lights, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, and front collision warnings.
The T2 is a rugged option in the Jetour stable.
It has blockier proportions and measures 4,785mm in length, 2,006mm in width, and 1,870mm in height, with a ground clearance of 220mm.
It is powered by a turbocharged 1.5-litre petrol engine that produces 135kW and 290Nm, coupled with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
It offers Standard, Eco, and Sport drive modes. The T2 comes equipped with luxurious features such as Matrix LED lights, keyless entry and start, a 15.6-inch infotainment system, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, heated seats, cruise control, and 360-degree cameras., cruise control, and 360-degree cameras.
The Jetour T1, which has not been officially launched yet, was unveiled in April at the Beijing Auto Show.
It is a smaller SUV than the T2, available as a hybrid with a 1.5-liter engine and electric motor producing 450kW.
It will be adjusted for South Africa with specific features, engine control unit fine-tuning, and suspension adjustments for local roads.
Jetour confirmed that all vehicles inbound for South Africa will be similar to those in other countries except for a few unique tweaks.
Pricing and line-up details will be announced at the September launch.
Read: The cars you can afford with your salary in South Africa in 2024
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