Compact 2024 Jaecoo J5 SUV revealed

Chery’s premium sub-brand, Jaecoo, has revealed its new J5 compact SUV in China ahead of an expected Australian launch sometime next year.

If given the go-ahead for our market, the 2024 Jaecoo J5 will slot into the range below the mid-sized J7 that’ll be available from launch and rival models like the Honda HR-V, Hyundai Kona and Toyota Corolla Cross.

Power comes courtesy of the same 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine as the J7 (136kW/275Nm), sent to either the front or all four wheels by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Style-wise, the J5 bears more than a passing resemblance to a Range Rover, albeit one bought from a budget sales channel, with the clamshell bonnet, beltline and rear three-quarters in particular doing little to disguise the source of inspiration.

It even borrows the Rangie’s full height doors, designed to prevent mud rubbing onto your pants in poor conditions, but it does at least get its own grille; a particularly abrupt rectangular waterfall affair with the Jaecoo badge in the middle.

The interior is ruled by a 13.2-inch portrait infotainment screen and finished in two-tone faux leather décor.

Other equipment highlights include a leather-clad steering wheel, power-adjustable front seats, panoramic glass roof with electric sunblind and a Sony sound system.

Boot space is rated at a handy 480 litres behind the second row, a figure that expands out to 1180-litres when the seats are folded flat.

Those looking to head into areas less paved will appreciate the six drive modes on offer, which include Snow, Mud, and Off-road options, while those who prefer to keep things on stable ground will welcome the 19 advanced ADAS systems and 540-degree camera.

There’s no word yet on when the Jaecoo 5 will arrive in Australia and no suggestion of prices, but it may well slot in not too far north of the Chery Tiggo 4, which will be the second-cheapest car on sale in Australia when it launches in the coming months.

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