Omoda | Jaecoo Malaysia previewed the hotly anticipated Jaecoo J5 around five months ago with registrations of interest following suit around a month ago. Now, it has dropped a short video teaser on Facebook so you better prepare for things to heat up in the competitive B-segment SUV sector.
It measures in at 4,380mm long, 1,860mm wide and 1,650mm tall while the wheelbase is 2,620mm. That last bit of digits is the most significant, as it makes the Jaecoo 10mm longer than the Chery Tiggo Cross and Honda HR-V while that grows to 20mm longer than the segment’s best-seller, the Proton X50.
Neighbours Thailand and Indonesia have already gotten their hands on the J5, albeit as an EV. The preview here though ensures the local spec will be powered by a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine making 147 PS and 210 Nm or torque. A CVT will send it all to the front wheels.
Sitting a rung below its J7 sibling sees some of the premium features shelved in the name of affordability. You will not find flushed pop-out door handles, the peasants will have to make do with the conventional pull-type.
It can claim to one-up its competition with multi-link rear suspension over the torsion beams the rest use. Up front it is the familiar MacPherson struts though.
The cabin is equipped with a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment piece while the driver gets an eight-inch digital instrument display. Of course, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support is standard.
Road trips in the J5 will be something entertaining with the built-in karaoke function though the company states that microphones will be sold separately.
To keep on par with the competition, the J5 is fitted with Level 2.5 suite of safety features, comprising autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control as well as more.
The standard cargo capacity in the rear is 480 litres but lowering the 60:40 split-folding rear seats will raise that to 1,180 litres. Speaking of the seats, furbaby owners will appreciate the pet-friendly upholstery that is scratch-resistant and anti-bacterial.
Aside from the popular X50 and HR-V, the J5 will have a real battle on its hands with the likes of the Chery Tiggo Cross and the new Perodua Traz duking it out in that segment.
