The new player is in Australia’s competitor SUV market, and it’s garnering attention for the bold mix of luxury-class and value. The Jaecoo J7 SHS is priced at rather just below $48,000 drive-away and wants to contend seriously with premium European cars while giving pack-the-features-for-a-fraction-of-the-price treatment.
A Stylish Arrival With Upscale Intentions
Jaecoo is the premium division of Chinese car maker Chery, and with the introduction of the J7 SHS to Australia, they enter the midsize SUV arena. It really tries to bring style and an all-singing, all-dancing interior together. At first sight, presumably just on looks, with sleek lines and a modern, high-tech dashboard, there emerges a conversation of J7 getting included alongside the Auris, the BMW, or Volvo in build quality, and from a somewhat perception standpoint.
Power and Performance Grab the Affordable Seat
The beauty of the J7 SHS is that it comes with a 1.6-liter turbocharged unit, fed through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission that is smooth in action and provides good fuel economy. All-wheel drive forms the standard for the SHS grade, and Jaecoo promises a cushy ride, very confident handling on city streets, and quite a bit on rough terrain.
High-End Features Without High Prices
Inside, the Jaecoo J7 SHS enjoys the luxury of a panoramic sunroof, ventilated leather seats, a huge digital display, and a top-notch audio system. Driver assist technologies that include adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, and a 360-degree camera are part of the options—often technologies reserved for the much more expensive European or Japanese brands.
Introducing a New Disruptor For Australia’s SUV Market
The J7 SHS, at $48,000 drive-away, with just about everything included as standard, evidently looks at disrupting the space in the mid-sized SUV segment. Jaecoo is betting that Australians want premium design and tech without paying any traditional premium for that badge. Its success locally will largely rest on long-term reliability and the brand’s commitment to after-sales support.