since 1976
since 1976
By Lee Pang Seng
JAECOO is certainly gain traction in the Malaysian market with its distinctive look brought about by its vertically cascading front grille. With that, it establishes a distinct visual identity that one could easily identify with and draw attention from other SUV (sport utility vehicle) owners.
This is also helped by the introduction of ever more models to pander the growing interest and taste, including the recent launch of its fourth model here, the Jaecoo J8. Jaecoo Malaysia is looking to make its presence greater felt by moving to the higher D-segment SUV market with this latest model introduction.
A media preview was organised, which was a bit of curiosity as previews are usually arranged under the guise of ‘secrecy’ but this wasn’t the case with the Jaecoo J8. Or for that matter, most Chinese automotive brands. The previews are as good as public launches as the Jaecoo J8 event was held at the new wing of 1Utama Shopping Complex, right in front of all and sundry in the mall traffic passing by.
In fact, the media preview preceded the public review the following day and that, at least, gave the media the opportunity to gauge and review the J8 AWD (All Wheel Drive) without having to jostle with a horde of interested customers. There is also a two-wheel drive (2WD) model that has two-row seating arrangement.
On first look, the Jaecoo J8 looks dimensionally compatible for the target market at 4820mm long, 1930mm wide and 1699mm tall. It has a wheelbase of 2820mm. The interior of the J8 AWD six-seater sees three rows; front, middle and rear. The rear row with equal split seatrests is at best for kids because legroom is quite a squeeze for normal adults. Maybe, it might be comfortable for small-sized adults.
The upholstery is leather along with suede panel trimmings to complement its flagship status. As a six-seater, the luggage space is limited at 200 litres unlike the 2WD five-seater, which has more than triple the space at almost 740 litres. Lowering the third-row seatrest would provide similar luggage space as the 2WD but at the sacrifice of fewer passengers.
As the top model, the AWD features a 14-speaker Sony sound system with headrest speakers, 10 airbags, power doors and an automatic fragrance system. The driver’s seat is ventilated and Jaecoo says driver visibility and safety are enhanced with built-in digital video recorder (DVR) and auto park facilities.
The 2WD has a 12-speaker Sony system, six airbags, ambient lighting and pseudo-leather upholstery. In body colour options, the J8 2WD is available in single-tone colours of Carbon Crystal Black, Khaki White and Olive Grey. The J8 AWD comes with two-tone colours of the same hue range.
Powering the J8 is a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that delivers 183kW (249hp) and 385Nm. The transmission is an eight-speed automatic with electronic gearshifter. Jaecoo says the J8 accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in nine seconds and its top speed is 200km/h. Its average fuel consumption (WTLP – World Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure) is 8.1 L/100km or 12.3km/l.
As the Jaecoo J8 is not officially launched as of the media preview, it carries an estimated price of RM195,000 for the 2WD and RM220,000 for the AWD. If these prices apply when the model is launched, the Jaecoo J8 would come across as attractively priced against some rivals in the D-Segment SUV market such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.
