Has the JAECOO J5 enough tech and features to rival segment leaders
The compact SUV or otherwise known as the Crossover segment is very competitive right now ……. not because of having a high number or rivals …… but because of the price discounting and or rebates and the low level of loyalty buyers have to a particular brand.
Yes, Malaysian buyers in this segment are very price sensitive ….. ‘what free gifts can we get’ or ‘how much discount can you offer’ or even ‘can we get a full loan’?
Only after the above points are addressed then they will look closely at the product, features, technology and driving feel.
Here is where the JAECOO J5 takes a lead where it offers premium, Range Rover-inspired styling and segment-first features like TÜV-certified pet-friendly cabin material and a massive 1.45-square-meter panoramic moonroof with a powered sunshade to keep the mid-day heat away.
Starting at an attractive price of RM108,000, it delivers a highly competitive, feature-packed alternative in the B-segment SUV market which has the Proton X50.
This J5 is very often compared to a “baby Range Rover” for its muscular, high-end proportions and design. It is priced identically to the top-spec Proton X50 Premium (around RM108,000 but dropping to RM102,000 with dealer rebates) but offers a larger overall footprint and much more interior space.
In what is essentially a first for the Malaysian market, this J5 features TÜV-certified antibacterial, scratch-resistant, and low-VOC faux-leather upholstery. It even has a special “pet mode” climate control to keep fur-kids safe and comfortable when you run brief errands. This is now a rising selling feature as there are many single people and even families having their pets with them on drives and even simple errands.
This J5 offers the largest boot space in its class (480 litres, expandable up to 1,284 litres), alongside the widest and tallest cabin in the B-SUV segment.
Unlike many B-segment vehicles that use torsion-beam setups, this J5 features front MacPherson struts and an advanced multi-link rear suspension for better ride comfort and handling.
It also boasts acoustic double-glazed front windows for excellent NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) insulation. You can actually enjoy your music better and also notice much less traffic noise when on a drive.
Standard equipment includes a massive 13.2-inch portrait 2K infotainment screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 540-degree parking camera, and a robust Level 2+ Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite. The drivers instrument cluster features an 8.0-inch digital driver’s display.
An 8-speaker audio system is standard. The system also features in-built apps supporting karaoke functionality (via Bluetooth and two wireless microphones)
This J5 comes with a comforting 7-year or 150,000 km vehicle warranty and high safety features. It has a 540-degree HD surround-view camera (with a transparent/chassis view function) that allows for ‘safe’ very close proximity parking.
Like the rest of the current JAECOO range of vehicles, this J5 is equipped with 19 active safety features. These include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with stop-and-go, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Curve Speed Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Traffic Jam Assist. The 13.2-inch screen has all these features ready for your to switch off if you want to which some drivers prefer to do.
Driving The J5
From ignition you hear just a slight engine murmur in the well insulated cabin. Steering feel is well weighted and the engine response from standstill is very decent. As you drive around the city you will notice that bump absorption is good and it has good turning radius for our older sections of the city.
Bring the J5 on the open highway and the drive is smooth and composed. The rear seat comfort is decent for 3 average adults and with a large luggage space, taking a family of 5 on an interstate drive is easy.
The CVT gearbox swaps gears without hesitation or jerks as you build up speed and in slow moving traffic to keep its pace well.
For passengers with a decent vocal chord, using the karaoke system keeps you entertained but we preferred the provided sound system delivering our favourite tunes on our paired smartphone. When you spot another JAECOO on the road …… it will probably be a the slightly large J7 and they look almost identical. Yes, this J% is just a smidgen smaller.
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged, inline-4 petrol
Max Power: 147 PS (108 kW)
Max Torque: 210 Nm
Gearbox: CVT automatic
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
0-100 km/h: 10.2 seconds
Top Speed: 175 km/h
Fuel Consumption: Rated at 6.4 L/100 km (Malaysia Driving Cycle) / 7.5 L/100 km (WLTC)
