Jetour contemplating Shark 6 rival for Oz
Chinese brand bound for Australian shores with SUV product portfolio and potential F700 plug-in uteThe News
Jetour has unveiled its F700 SUV at the Beijing motor show, with the diesel plug-in hybrid pick-up shaping as a potential rival to the BYD Shark 6 if the brand follows through with an Australian launch.
The Key Details
- Jetour F700 ute revealed at Beijing motor show
- Based on G700 SUV but swaps to diesel plug-in hybrid power
- Large dual-cab with wheelbase exceeding 3.3 metres
- Potential electric-only range tipped at around 100 kilometres
- Australian launch possible, but likely no earlier than 2028
The Finer Details
The Jetour F700 marks the Chinese brand’s first into the increasingly competitive plug-in hybrid ute segment, currently dominated in Australia by the BYD Shark 6.
Revealed at the Beijing motor show, the F700 is closely related to the upcoming facelifted G700 SUV. However, instead of the SUV’s turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, the ute is expected to adopt the same diesel-electric plug-in hybrid powertrain as the Chery KP31.
While official specifications remain under wraps, expectations are that the F700 could deliver an electric-only driving range of at least 100 kilometres, placing it firmly in contention with emerging rivals.
Dimensionally, the F700 is anything but. The G700 SUV already measures 5.2 metres long – longer than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series – and the ute extends beyond that, riding on a wheelbase of more than 3.3 metres.
Jetour has not confirmed Australian plans for the F700, but right-hand-drive markets such as Australia and Thailand are firmly on the radar. Global interest is also expected from Middle Eastern markets, where large dual-cab utes remain in high demand.
The 2028 Jetour F700 would enter a growing field of electrified workhorses, including the upcoming Chery KP31 – which is also set to feature a diesel plug-in hybrid system and will become the first of its kind globally when it launches in Australia late 2026 or early 2027.
The Road Ahead
Jetour is expected to launch in Australia with an SUV-focused line-up initially, with the F700 ute unlikely to form part of the wave.
Timing suggests an arrival around 2028 for the new Jetour ute, if the model proceeds to production as anticipated.
The F700 shown in Beijing appeared close to production intent, indicating the new pick-up truck is well advanced and a global debut could occur sooner rather than later.
Related: Chery backs diesel PHEV 4x4 wagon for Australia
Related: Chery’s Jetour Traveller is a cut-price Defender rival
Related: Jetour set for Aussie debut in 2025
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.
