Jaecoo J5

Design & Quality

The cabin is a big surprise waiting for you, at least that is what my impression was. The moment you’re in, you feel the cabin as a few segments above the car. The design is quite modern and you get that sense of an overall appealing interior. Like, the seats are wrapped in eco-leather that doesn’t heat up too much under the sun, and the dashboard feels soft and well put together. A bigger screen and ambient lighting make it awesome with a great vibe. Especially, sitting in it for longer drives, the seats stayed comfortable, and the materials felt soft and naturally durable. The panoramic sunroof and wireless charging stood out as highlights, both quite useful too. Frankly, the cabin feels closer to a luxury SUV than something competing with cars like the Venue in its segment, another hallmark of the Chinese brand, which seems to give you a lot at a low price.

Front Seat

The driver’s seat adjusts easily, with memory settings that come in handy when swapping between drivers. The ventilation is a pure blessing during summer, and the high-up driving position gave me confidence both in traffic and on unpaved roads. The heated steering wheel with mounted controls is simple to use and keeps your focus on the road.

Electronic Parking Brake

This is one of those features you don’t think much about until you use it daily. Quite necessary, and it goes without saying, useful. The auto-hold makes crawling in traffic or stopping on slopes effortless.

Rear Seat

The rear bench is roomy enough for three, and on shorter trips, you hardly complain about comfort. The vents at the back are strong, keeping the cabin cool faster and quickly. I liked that the seats fold flat, which gives flexibility for carrying larger items. Families will also appreciate the USB ports and armrest with cupholders.

AC Vents

The dual-zone climate control worked very well to cool the cabin. Something most buyers are concerned about, and want a reliable cooling and powerful system, and you get. Voice control for AC adjustments is a small thing, but it’s surprisingly handy while driving.

Storage Options

Practicality is not compromised, and is visible through the plenty of storage spaces all around. The console is deep enough for essentials, the door bins take large bottles, and the boot can handle weekend luggage without issue.

Armrest

Both front and rear armrests are cushioned well, they are a great deal helpful for relaxing in intermittent breaks. The front one slides, so you can use it as a mini desk for quick stops.

Charging Options

Plenty of ways to charge, starting with USB-A, USB-C, and a 12V socket. On higher trims, the wireless charging pad is a nice touch.

Boot Space

The J5 is a compact SUV, and as anyone would expect, the boot isn’t the most exciting aspect of the car. But the 471 litres isn’t bad either for all the particular purposes for individuals or families that would use, will find it sufficient. There is a standard 60:40 split seat as well for use whenever necessary. Tie-downs and a retractable are offered standard these days to secure cargo, ideal during full load or shopping times, so you don’t worry about mess-up of luggage.

• 6 airbags

• Anti-lock Braking System with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
• Electronic Stability Control, Hill Hold Control, Hill Brake Assist, Traction Control System, Hill Descent System
• Blind Spot Detection
• Auto Park
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• ISOFIX
• Central locking

From the exterior, the Jaecoo J5 immediately grabs attention. It appears to come across as quite sizable and modern in design, comparable to a premium SUV, at least a segment above. Out on the road, get that imposing road presence that catches glances.

Thanks to its sleek body language, it feels modern and a bit futuristic. It’s compact in size, but once you see the proportions, it gives off a roomy vibe. What is also notable is that the 200 mm ground clearance really helps when dealing with uneven surfaces, yes, we do face them occasionally. The exterior also has elements like sharper LED lights and a new grille, making it look more premium than one expects in this price range.

Front

Up front, the grille with its chrome strips really gives a unique character. The LED headlights look stylish and bright, and the daytime running lights do the job of providing a confident appearance in traffic. I liked the little touches, like the curved hood that looks rugged without being over the top, something the Chinese always seem to do better. Even the fog lamps serve the purpose, especially when driving in dusty weather. There’s a simple Jaecoo badge in the middle, and the bumper has a skid plate that makes you feel more comfortable about tackling small off-road bits. The sensor system mixes in well, and the insulation under the hood helps keep things quiet inside. Overall, the front feels sharp and upmarket.

Side

From the side, the J5 has this beautiful flow to its design. The 18-inch alloys fill out the arches a lot better, and the chrome window trim shines with something premium. I found the side steps handy, especially for kids or older passengers; getting on is a lot easier. The wheelbase seems to be accurate for stability on highways, which I could feel during longer stretches. Roof rails are practical for trips, and those flush door handles are a superb touch. Then comes the nicer cladding through the wheel arches and side skirts enhances the look and also gives a tougher stance.

Alloy Wheels

The 18-inch alloys stand out on their own, and they certainly have that sportiness, along with a good tire profile to balance between comfort and grip. This you can experience while driving over sandy patches, as you notice their grip, and the tread pattern seems built for mixed use. Importantly, they are not bulky or heavy, and so keep the fuel economy in check and sturdy enough to give confidence.

Rear

At the back, the LED taillights are lean and edgy, which makes it look a lot wider than it actually is. The powered tailgate was quite convenient while loading shopping bags. The chrome strip across the tailgate gives some shine, while the spoiler and diffuser are for that sporty touch. The dual exhaust tips are more for looks, but they do add to the overall appeal.

Colours

The J5 is available in the usual White, Black, Grey, Red, Blue and Green. Personally, I found White and Grey to be the most practical because they hide dust well and always look clean enough.

City Performance

In the city, the Jaecoo J5 feels like it is conceived for everyday use in mind, as it feels so practical.  Its compact size is a huge advantage, which makes it easy to steer through traffic and slip into tight parking spots without thinking twice. The 1.6L turbo engine, producing 147 hp and 230 Nm, delivers more than enough for quick merges, overtakes, or circling through roundabouts. Even with a full cabin of passengers, the J5 doesn’t feel underpowered, something I really liked. The 7-speed dual-clutch transmission is smooth, with responsive shifts and its ability to handle stop-and-go traffic seamlessly, and mind you, not every gearbox always does it perfectly. Fuel efficiency of around 14 km/l is another strong advantage in city conditions, if you choose to use it as a daily commuter. The stronger and stable brakes ease city driving further, while the slightly firm suspension ensures stability without compromising comfort.

Highway Performance

Taking the J5 onto the highway wasn’t a problem, and it does a great job, too. Cruising at speed is relaxed, with the engine doing its job quietly in the background. You’ll notice the J5 never feels strained, even on longer journeys. Overtaking is not a problem, but keep in mind the car’s size, though with a fully loaded car on steep inclines, you do notice a slight pause. Switching to Sport mode helps unlock sharper responses, making it feel more confident. What impressed me most was the stability. The J5 feels a lot stable, and high winds don’t throw it around, which is something not every compact crossover can claim. Cabin, for the most part, is quite well thought out, keeping wind and tire noise low, which makes family trips more enjoyable. Paddle shifters add a touch of ease, letting you take control when you want to. Meanwhile, cruise control does its job well, taking the fatigue out of long-distance driving.

Ride and Handling

Ride quality is where the J5 feels mature beyond its segment; most buyers in KSA will like it.  The suspension takes care of most imperfections, giving you a calm and comfortable experience. On a smoother surface, it feels in control, while on rougher patches, it doesn’t bounce a lot. It’s the kind of balance you would like after a few hours on the road. Its lighter steering was easy to handle, which makes manoeuvres easy, but it firms up enough at speed to feel secure. Through corners, the J5 doesn’t roll around excessively, something family members will love. Remember, this SUV isn’t the typical sporty, but it feels composed and confident, which is exactly what most buyers want and prefer. For those moments when you leave paved roads, the ARDIS system kicks in. It’s no off-roader, but for sandy stretches or light trails, it feels more than capable. The 200 mm ground is ideal over speed breakers or uneven ground.

• 13.2-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto

• 8-inch digital instrument cluster

• Eco-leather seats with ventilation

• Dual-zone AC
• 6-speaker Sony audio system

• Keyless entry
• Cruise control
• 360-degree camera (GF Plus)
• 3 driving modes (Eco, Normal, Sport)
• Ambient lighting
• Panoramic sunroof

• Paddle shift
• Power tailgate (GF Plus)

Jaecoo keeps things simple in KSA by offering just one variant, nothing to confuse about in choosing the right variants. The 1.6L Turbo Automatic starts at SAR 91,425. It’s fully loaded, which saves buyers the confusion of picking the right trims. There is AWD, the ARDIS system, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control with a PM2.5 filter, and a premium-feeling cabin. Considering the package, the price is just fine, compared to its rivals, so overall, a great package by this new brand.

To say that Jaecoo J5 has impressed us is not an understatement, because there is a lot to this SUV that perhaps discounts it as a new brand from China. The Compact SUV segment is booming in KSA right now, and thus, every brand is focused on it. The J5 comes across as a well-rounded crossover that ticks all the right boxes.

When it comes to appearance, it looks sharp, drives comfortably, and feels premium without crossing into luxury pricing. In the city, it’s compact and easy to handle, while on highways, it cruises with confidence and comfort. The ride successfully strikes a balance between firmness and smoothness, and the ARDIS system with 200 mm ground clearance makes it capable for light off-road use. When it comes to everyday practicality, there is 471 litres of boot space, and features like wireless charging and a panoramic sunroof.

Last but certainly not least is the price starting at SAR 91,425, which underprices rivals like the Hyundai Venue and Kia Sonet while offering more presence and features. As Jaecoo’s entry model, the J5 is a smart, compelling option for KSA buyers.

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