The South African SUV market just welcomed a powerful new contender with the launch of the Jaecoo J7 SHS, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant of the J7 range. This marks the fourth model from Chinese automaker Jaecoo now available in the country, further solidifying the brand’s local presence.
Competitive Pricing for a High-Tech SUV
Priced at R689,900, the Jaecoo J7 SHS sits just R10,000 above the previous flagship Inferno AWD. Despite its hybrid powertrain and advanced tech, it remains one of the most affordable plug-in hybrids in South Africa, rivaling the likes of the BYD Sealion 6.
Unlike the standard J7 lineup powered by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine delivering 145kW and 290Nm, the SHS variant is equipped with Jaecoo’s Super Hybrid System. This system pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined 255kW and 525Nm — nearly double the output of its petrol-only siblings.
The SHS offers an electric-only driving range of 90km, making it ideal for daily urban commuting, while its combined range stretches to 1,200km, perfect for long-distance travel.
Charging options are versatile:
- AC (6.6kW): 25% to 100% in 160 minutes
- DC (40kW): 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes
Key Features at a Glance
| Category | Feature |
|---|---|
| Exterior | 19-inch alloy wheels, PHEV badges, automatic LED headlights, panoramic sunroof |
| Colour Options | Moonlight Silver, Carbon Black, Olive Grey, Khaki White |
| Boot Capacity | 500L (expandable to 1,265L with seats folded) |
| Interior | Black leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, electronic adjustment |
| Comfort & Convenience | Keyless entry, push-start, electric tailgate, ambient lighting |
| Tech & Infotainment | 10.25-inch digital driver display, 14.8-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, voice control, onboard navigation |
| Audio & Charging | 8-speaker Sony audio system, 50W wireless charging pad with cooling |
| Climate Control | Dual-zone automatic climate control, refrigerated centre armrest |
| Safety & ADAS | Adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, lane-keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, traffic jam assist, 540-degree camera, parking sensors (front and rear), 8 airbags |
Full Jaecoo J7 Lineup and Warranty
Here’s a look at the full Jaecoo J7 range in South Africa:
- J7 1.6T Vortex – R519,900 (R499,900 promotional price for June)
- J7 1.6T Glacier – R579,900
- J7 1.6T Inferno AWD – R679,900
- J7 1.5T SHS (Plug-in Hybrid) – R689,900
Each SHS unit comes with a 7-year/200,000km general warranty, plus:
- 10-year/1-million km engine warranty
- 10-year/unlimited km hybrid battery warranty (first owner)
- 10-year/200,000km electric drive warranty
- 5-year/75,000km service plan
- 7-year roadside assistance
The Jaecoo J7 SHS brings serious hybrid performance, modern tech, and luxury features at a price that undercuts many competitors. With its competitive pricing, generous equipment, and long-range capability, it’s set to make a strong impact in South Africa’s growing electrified SUV market.
Related article: Jaecoo J5 Set for South African Market Debut in Q3 with 1.5 T-GDI Engine and Hybrid Option
