At an impressive pace, various Chinese builders are arriving in the Portuguese market. One of the main drivers of this “rain” of new contenders in the sector in Portuguese lands is the JAP Group, which, in a short period of time, has introduced, in Portugal, no less than three brands (and one more sub-brand…) of cars based in the country that produces (and sells) the most cars in the world.
In other words, alongside Nio and Firefly, as already reported by AutoGear (find out everything here), it is also responsible for representing Omoda and Jaecoo – two manufacturers belonging to the Chery Group, the largest Chinese car exporter. And, although they are usually presented together, and the models of each share various fundamental components, as one would expect in a conglomerate of this size, the truth is that their proposals are not precisely “successors” or “direct cousins” of each other, ultimately presenting solutions, including in the area of powertrains, that differ from one another, allowing them to aspire to attract distinct clientele.
Take the case of Jaecoo, which begins its commercial activity in the territory with two SUVs, both offering a general warranty of 7 years or 150,000 km, and 8 years or 160,000 km for the “high voltage” battery. One is the Jaecoo 5 EV, whose main target will be “young and adventurous families”; it starts with an exterior design marked by modern and aerodynamic lines, perhaps not the most distinctive, but featuring elements such as a floating roof, a cascading front grille, LED exterior lighting, and 18″ alloy wheels.
With a length of 4380 mm, a width of 1860 mm, a height of 1650 mm, and a wheelbase of 2620 mm, it promises to offer generous living space for the class, along with a trunk capacity that ranges from 372-1079 liters, complemented by the front frunk under the hood, with 35 liters. Also inside, notable features include the 8.8” digital instrument panel; the 13.2” vertically mounted screen for controlling the infotainment system; Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity; and the inclusion, as standard, of seven airbags and 19 advanced driver assistance systems.
Curious are the solutions dedicated to those who do not hesitate to transport their pets with them, more or less frequently. On one hand, the seats are covered in a antibacterial material that is easy to clean, and the high-efficiency air filter of the climate control system ensures greater retention of hair. On the other hand, the “pet mode,” when selected, automatically closes the windows, activates the automatic air conditioning mode, and adopts a customized interface for the infotainment system, so that pets can enjoy greater comfort whenever left alone on board. Additionally, there is a line of exclusive accessories specifically designed for pets.
Powering the Jaecoo 5 EV is a front electric motor with 211 hp and 288 Nm, fueled by a battery with LFP (lithium iron phosphate) chemistry and a capacity of 61.9 kWh. The 0-100 km/h is achieved in 7.7 seconds, the top speed is 175 km/h, and the announced range, in the combined WLTP cycle, is 402 km. Noteworthy is the onboard charger of 11 kW, the ability to recharge from 30%-80% in 28 minutes at a fast charging station at 130 kW, and the V2L (vehicle to load) function with 3.3 kW, which allows powering external electrical devices.
Always equipped with a very comprehensive standard equipment, the Jaecoo 5 EV is offered in Portugal with two equipment levels. Starting from €33,900 in the Pure version, the Premium variant costs €36,490, adding to what is already offered by the base model, dual-zone air conditioning; synthetic leather upholstered seats with electric adjustments in the front; Full LED headlights; panoramic roof with an area of 1.45 m²; Sony sound system with 8 speakers (with 6 speakers in the Pure level); electrically operated rear gate; trunk with removable light and 12 V socket; tinted windows; induction charging for smartphones with 50 W power; and multicolor ambient lighting. Certainly unusual is the possibility to practice karaoke on board…
Moving on to the high-end Jaecoo 7 PHEV, according to the Chinese brand, it is aimed at urban families, also showcasing an appealing appearance, although not the most customized. Notable features include the fully LED front lights of the type “crystal diamond array”; the vertical hexagonal grille of the “cascade” type; the roof rails included as standard; the flush door handles; the spoiler mounted on top of the rear gate; and the 19” alloy wheels.
With a more significant size than its “younger sibling” (4500 mm in length, 1865 mm in width, 1670 mm in height, and 2672 mm in wheelbase), it naturally offers a more spacious interior, with the trunk capacity varying between 340-1265 liters. Inside, it features a reference for the central touchscreen, for controlling the infotainment system, with 14.8” and mounted vertically; for the panoramic camera; for the wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connections; and for the virtually endless standard equipment.
No less interesting is the plug-in hybrid engine that powers the Jaecoo 7 PHEV with front-wheel drive, combining a 1.5 TGDI turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine (operating on the Miller cycle, boasting a thermal efficiency of 44.5%, 143 hp, and a maximum torque of 215 Nm) and an electric motor with 204 hp and 310 Nm, for a combined output of 340 hp and 525 Nm. The battery, with a capacity of 18.3 kWh, can be fully recharged in 3 hours and 20 minutes on a 6.6 kW connection, or recover from 30-80% charge in 30 minutes at a 40 kW fast charging station.
Moving on to performance, it takes 8.5 seconds to reach 0-100 km/h, with a maximum speed limited to 180 km/h. As for fuel economy, Jaecoo promises up to 90 km of range in 100% electric mode (total range of 1100 km), and announces a combined consumption of 0.7 l/100 km with the battery fully charged, or 6.0 l/100 km when the fully electric driving mode is no longer available.
Proposed at €38,900 for the already very complete Select access equipment level, the Jaecoo 7 PHEV is offered at €41,490 at the Exclusive level, for adding to what is included in the base version the induction charging for smartphones with 50 W of power; the Sony sound system with eight speakers; the heated steering wheel and front windshield; the heated and ventilated front seats, with electric lumbar support adjustment for the driver; the panoramic roof with an area of 1.1 m2; the electrically operated tailgate; tinted windows; and the option to have a two-tone paint.
