In the current automotive landscape, a lot can change in just a few months. When the Jaecoo J5 first arrived on local shores, the brand and its products were still relatively new to South African buyers. Since then, an influx of new Chinese brands and models has made the market even more competitive. So, has the J5 lost some of the appeal that made it stand out in the first place?
I've spent time with the Jaecoo J5 before, and my sentiments at that time were that it offered an impressive blend of comfort, practicality, technology and value, making it a compelling option in the increasingly crowded compact SUV segment.
Since then, Jaecoo has added a hybrid option to the J5 lineup. On paper, this seems to be the one to buy, given the pinch consumers are dealing with when it comes to fuel prices.
Still, the standard run-of-the-mill J5 deserves another look.
The petrol-powered J5 remains a well-rounded package. Its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine produces 115kW and 230Nm, which is more than adequate for daily driving. It isn't particularly quick off the line, but the CVT keeps things smooth and predictable, making it easy to live with in town.
That ease of use is one of the J5's biggest strengths. The ride is comfortable without feeling overly soft, while the steering is light enough for tight urban spaces but remains composed at higher speeds. On longer journeys, it settles into a relaxed cruiser, although overtaking requires a little planning.
Inside, the J5 continues to impress. The cabin feels more upmarket than its price suggests, with a generous equipment list and plenty of space for a family. The rear seats offer decent legroom and the 480-litre boot is practical enough for everyday shopping, luggage and family duties.
The technology is also difficult to ignore. Depending on the specification, buyers get features such as a large infotainment display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, wireless charging and a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems.
There are some compromises. The infotainment system can take some getting used to, and the CVT lacks the immediate response of a conventional automatic when you ask for more performance. Fuel consumption will also depend heavily on driving conditions, so the claimed figure is unlikely to be achieved consistently in stop-start urban traffic.
But these are relatively minor complaints when you consider what the J5 offers for the money.
The arrival of the hybrid certainly makes the range more interesting, particularly for buyers who spend a lot of time in traffic and want to reduce their fuel bill. However, the conventional J5 remains a sensible choice for those who want a comfortable, spacious and well-equipped compact SUV without stretching their budget further.
After spending time with it again, my view of the J5 hasn't changed much. It isn't trying to be a performance SUV, nor does it need to. Its appeal lies in giving buyers a lot of car for their money, wrapped in a stylish package and backed by a generous ownership proposition.
The hybrid may now be the more intriguing J5, but the petrol model hasn't suddenly become irrelevant. For many buyers, it remains a convincing everyday SUV.
