Jaecoo J5 is ready to make waves

Chinese carmakers have been growing their local market share at the rate of knots over the last few years. The introduction of the Jaecoo J5 will further ensure the upward curve

- Jaco van der Merwe.

Speculated initially to be introduced at 'around R450 000', the Chery-owned Omoda and Jaecoo (O&J) sprung a surprise by launching the Jaecoo J5 at a very competitive starting price of R379 900.

The J5 is the Chery sub-brand's second local model after the J7, which starts at R519 900.

While the J7 is positioned as a more rugged-styled SUV ready to tackle the dirt, the Jaecoo J5, according to O&J, is more of an urban solution. The two do share the same design language, starting with the familiar 'waterfall' front grille.

But at 174mm the J5's ground clearance is 26mm lower than the J7, while it also does without its sibling's black wheel arch cladding and flush extendable door handles.

SAME SAME, YET DIFFERENT

The J5 rides on the same T1X platform as the J7. At 4 380mm long, it is only 120mm shorter than the J7 and its 2 620mm wheelbase is 52mm shorter than its sibling.