The Jaecoo J5 is now open for booking in Malaysia at an estimated RM120k. It’s set to be the new entry-level Jaecoo, sitting below the popular C-segment J7.
While Thailand and Indonesia get it as an EV, Malaysia’s car will have a 147 PS/210 Nm 1.5 litre SQRE4T15C turbo petrol engine, a CVT, front-wheel drive, a 10.2-second 0-100 km/h time, a 175 km/h top speed and a 1,439 kg kerb weight. Fuel consumption is a claimed 7.5 litres per 100 km (13.3 km per litre) and range is a claimed 680 km on a full 51-litre tank.
Measuring 4,380 mm long, 1,860 mm wide and 1,650 mm tall with a 2,620 mm wheelbase, the J5 is over 10 mm longer between the axles than the Honda HR-V and Chery Tiggo Cross, and 20 mm more than the wheelbase of the Proton X50. Comparing the J5 with its larger sibling, the J7 is 4,500 mm long, 1,865 mm wide and 1,680 mm tall with a 2,672 mm wheelbase.
The J5 has LED projector headlamps, 235/55R18 Chaoyang Aggressor tyres and conventional door handles as opposed to the J7’s flush pop-out units. It’s also got rare-for-the-segment multi-link rear suspension, although there are still par-for-the-course MacPherson struts up front. Together with double-glazed front windows, Eco/Normal/Sport modes and a 23,500-m/deg body rigidity, this thing should be a good long-distance fellow.
Inside, the Jaecoo J5 gets a panoramic glass roof, 50W wireless phone charging, an eight-inch widescreen instrument panel, a 13.2-inch 2K touch-screen, Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, a 540 camera and a built-in karaoke function that includes a mixer (microphones sold separately, Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia says).
Interestingly, the company is marketing the J5 as a pet-friendly vehicle (TUV-certified, no less) – besides anti-bacterial and scratch-resistant seat upholstery, there could be accessories like pet nets, pet mats and carriers to make your furry friend feel right at home.
There’s also Level 2+ ADAS – besides the usual stuff, it’s got Curve Speed Assistance, so the vehicle should slow down automatically on curves when you’ve got ACC engaged. The boot can swallow 480 litres; fold down the back seats for 1,180 litres.
Not long now, we’re sure. The J5’s competitors include the RM76k-81k Perodua Traz, the RM89k-100k Chery Tiggo Cross, the RM86k-109k Proton X50, the RM117k Chery O5 and the RM116k-144k Honda HR-V. Share your thoughts with us!
Jaecoo J5 at Malaysian showroom
Jaecoo J5 previewed in Malaysia
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Will sell well if around 90k