The highly emotive Sandton rooftop launch of the Jetour that included the fact the company would be supporting wildlife conservation added that little extra touch to the somewhat mysterious offshoot of Chery that proudly stands on its own as a brand – and is not connected to its ‘host’ in local operation or sales.
So, it was with some interest I received the X70 Plus for a review, immediately recognising this seven-seater SUV is designed for families and adventurers and combines striking aesthetics with practical functionality.
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At first glance, the X70 Plus commands attention with its bold front grille flanked by elongated LED headlights. Its striking silhouette is accentuated by subtle chrome accents and 19-inch alloy wheels, making it equally at home in urban settings or on unpaved trails.
Step inside, and the X70 Plus welcomes you with an ambience of modern elegance. The spacious cabin boasts premium synthetic leather seats with red stitching, ambient lighting, and a panoramic sunroof that floods the interior with natural light.
Practicality meets luxury with features such an air-conditioned centre console, wireless charging pad and versatile storage compartments. The seven-seater configuration offers ample space, though the third-row seats are best suited for children.
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However, I must say I was a touch disappointed. The driver’s seat comes with full electrical adjustment a la Mercedes-Benz with the seat-shaped controls in the door panel, while the front passenger seat is fully manual! This jarring difference smacks of cheap, rather than cost-containment.
While the interior exudes a premium feel, there are areas for improvement. The infotainment system, with its dual 10,25-inch displays, offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but its user interface could benefit from more intuitive design. Additionally, the automatic climate control’s glossy finish is prone to glare, making it challenging to use in bright conditions.
The X70 Plus is packed with advanced safety features, including Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA), Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a 360-degree camera. These systems ensure peace of mind whether you’re navigating tight city streets or venturing into the wild. A robust tyre pressure monitoring system and six crash bags further enhance its safety credentials.
Under the hood, the X70 Plus houses a 1,5-litre turbo-charged petrol engine producing 11 5kW and 230 Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the engine delivers adequate power for highway cruising and urban commutes. However, its performance can be uneven at low speeds, with a throttle response that feels abrupt and unrefined.
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Fuel consumption is another area where the X70 Plus could improve, averaging between 9,0 l/100 km and 11 l/100 km in real-world conditions despite a claimed 7,8 l/100 km.
The suspension setup, while competent, communicates varying road surfaces more harshly than one might expect. Additionally, the high steering wheel position may not suit all drivers, detracting slightly from an otherwise comfortable driving experience. Nevertheless, the X70 Plus handles reasonably well for its size, with responsive steering and paddle shifters that add a sporty touch.
The X70 Plus starts at R454 900 and, on our price ladder meets the Haval H6 2.0GDIT Premium (R492 050), Mahindra XUV700 2.0T AX5 (R495 199) and Proton X90 1.5T Standard (R499 900), making it one of the most affordable seven-seaters on the market, offering significant value for money.
Jetour also backs its vehicles with a robust warranty package: a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty, a 5-year/60 000 km service plan, and a 10-year/1-million kilometre engine warranty for the first owner.
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The Jetour X70 Plus marks an impressive debut for the brand in South Africa. It’s a vehicle that stands out for its striking design, extensive feature list, and affordable pricing. While it’s not without flaws — including its infotainment system and fuel economy — these shortcomings are relatively minor in the context of its overall value proposition.
For families and adventurers seeking a spacious, stylish, and well-equipped SUV that doesn’t break the bank, the Jetour X70 Plus is a compelling option. As Jetour continues to refine its offerings and respond to customer feedback, the brand’s promise of ‘affordable luxury’ and adventure-oriented design is likely to resonate with an ever-growing audience in South Africa.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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