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Jaecoo J6 (2024) First Look

 

The Jaecoo J6, a Jimny-esque all-electric off-roader, is coming to South Africa. We’ve taken it for a spin—here’s what you need to know.

All roads and skies lead to China, where Chery International invited motoring media from all over the world for a glimpse of their new models and technologies at the Shanghai Auto Show. Chery is the mother brand and has quite a few sub-brands under its umbrella: Exeed, Omoda and Jaecoo – the latter two are currently sold in the country.

For Jaecoo and Omoda specifically, the Shanghai Auto Show serves as the perfect opportunity to reveal their global intent. As two modern and technologically advanced vehicle brands, these products are focused on young-minded users across the world. Chery has a solid platform in SA and the introduction of more Chinese automakers will further solidify their standing amongst local buyers.

Just like Lexus is the luxury arm of Toyota, Jaecoo and Omoda are the luxury arms of Chery International. The brand and their technology are making serious inroads globally, thanks in part to their strategies to implement electrification on a large scale.

What’s the J6 all about?

A small SUV, the J6 isn’t available locally yet but will probably be in SA in 2025. Visually, the J6 is an attractive SUV with futuristic-like features like the vertical daytime running lights and imposing front grille that carries a large JAECOO badge. Its box shape is reminiscent of a Land Rover Defender or Suzuki Jimny, and if you're interested to know the dimensions, the J6 is 4 406mm long and has a wheelbase of 2 715mm. Jaecoo opted for the sleeker look on the J6 with the presence of flushed door handles, which contributes to the modern overall appearance.

Because China is a left-hand-drive market, SA media couldn’t drive the all-electric J6 on public roads, but Chery set up an intricate branded course in a massive parking lot to allow for the driving portion of the launch. Nothing regarding J6 derivatives is confirmed for the local market yet, but there are single and dual motor configurations. The former setup produces 135kW and 184Nm while the latter (which is essentially all-wheel-drive) produces 205kW and 279Nm.

As you’d expect from an EV, the acceleration is instant and the J6 shoots off the line. Compared to the J7, which is a bigger car, the J6 does pin you to the seat but not with the same ferocity. After all, the J6 is not meant to have characteristics of a performance car because it serves more as an affordable lifestyle option.

The lithium-ion battery allows for driving ranges of as much as 501km, but at this point it’s best to wait and see which specification will arrive in SA. Moving onto the interior, it features almost no physical buttons and knobs, instead bringing to the fore a plethora of dashboard and infotainment touchscreens. The seating feels very much like you’re in something more upper echelon.

Spec, pricing and aftersales

At this moment, there’s no specification and pricing for the J6 as that will be made available closer to its local introduction. The all-electric SUVs estimated time of arrival, according to Jaecoo representatives, is somewhere in 2025. We can only assume that the J6 won’t be on the cheap side but could perhaps rival Volvo’s EX30 in terms of pricing. 

At present, the J7 SUV is the only Jaecoo model on sale in South Africa and is available in two trim levels - Vortex and Glacier, priced from R549 900 and R599 900 respectively.

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