First unveiled at the 2023 Shanghai International Auto Show as the J9, Chery-owned Jaecoo has finally given South African motorists a glimpse of its long-awaited J8. The preview comes after the brand announced Malaysian pricing for its premium SUV, sparking anticipation for its local arrival before the end of the year.
Positioning in the Line-Up
The J8 will be Jaecoo’s second model in South Africa after the J7 and is expected to slot just below sister brand Omoda’s C9 in the hierarchy. Built on the same platform as Chery’s Tiggo 9 which is also headed for South Africa soon the J8 brings a unique Jaecoo identity with a restyled grille, distinctive headlights, and an updated front bumper.
Dimensionally, the J8 measures 4 820 mm in length, 1 930 mm in width, and 1 710 mm in height, with a generous 2 820 mm wheelbase. It will offer seating configurations for four, six, or seven occupants, although earlier indications suggest the South African version might feature six seats, with luxurious captain’s chairs in the second row.
Engine and Hybrid Options
Under the bonnet, the J8 shares the familiar 2.0 T-GDI petrol engine with the Tiggo 8 Pro Max and Omoda C9. In Australia, it delivers 183 kW and 385 Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and available in both front- and all-wheel-drive.
However, whispers in the industry hint that South Africa could see the J8 debut solely as a Super Hybrid Series (SHS) model. This setup combines the petrol engine with a 34.4-kWh battery and three electric motors, producing an impressive 395 kW and 650 Nm. It offers a claimed 180 km of all-electric range, a 0–100 km/h sprint in 5.4 seconds, and a total driving range of up to 1 400 km.
Luxury and Technology
Inside, the J8 promises a high-end cabin loaded with features, depending on trim level. Expect:
- Dual 12.3-inch digital displays
- A 12-speaker Sony premium sound system
- Panoramic sunroof
- Electric, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats
- Heated and ventilated second-row seats
- Ambient lighting and fragrance dispenser
- Six USB ports and dual wireless phone chargers
- Hands-free electric tailgate and dash-cam
Safety and Driver Assistance
The J8’s safety suite will be extensive, including:
- 10 airbags
- 540-degree camera system
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Autonomous Emergency Braking
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Keep Assist and Departure Warning
- Rear Cross Traffic Alert
- Reverse Automatic Braking
- Auto Park Assist
Practicality and Off-Road Capability
Boot space ranges from 200 litres with all seats up, to 738 litres with the third row folded, and up to 2 021 litres with the second row down. All-wheel-drive variants add extra driving modes Mud, Sand, and Off-Road on top of the standard Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. Active torque vectoring, adaptive dampers, and 20-inch alloy wheels complete the package.
In Malaysia, the J8 is priced between RM 178 800 and RM 198 800 (roughly R754 000 to R838 000 before taxes), while in Australia, prices start at AU$49 990 (about R577 000). South African pricing remains under wraps, but official details are expected closer to its launch.
Key Features at a Glance
| Feature Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 4,820 mm (L) x 1,930 mm (W) x 1,710 mm (H); Wheelbase 2,820 mm |
| Seating | 4, 6 (captain’s chairs in 2nd row), or 7 seats |
| Engine Options | 2.0 T-GDI petrol (183 kW / 385 Nm) or Super Hybrid Series (395 kW / 650 Nm combined) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic; Front-wheel drive standard; AWD optional |
| Electric Range (Hybrid) | 180 km all-electric range; Total range 1,400 km |
| Performance (Hybrid) | 0-100 km/h in 5.4 seconds |
| Infotainment | Dual 12.3-inch displays; 12-speaker Sony sound system |
| Comfort Features | Panoramic sunroof; heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats; heated, ventilated second row seats; ambient lighting; fragrance dispenser |
| Connectivity | 6 USB ports; 2 wireless smartphone chargers |
| Safety Systems | 10 airbags; 540-degree cameras; Adaptive Cruise Control; Autonomous Emergency Braking; Blind Spot Monitoring; Lane Keep Assist; Rear Cross Traffic Alert; Auto Park Assist |
| Driving Modes | Eco, Normal, Sport; AWD versions add Mud, Sand, Off-Road |
| Wheels & Suspension | Up to 20-inch alloy wheels; adaptive dampers; active torque vectoring (AWD only) |
| Cargo Space | 200 L (all seats up); 738 L (third row folded); 2,021 L (2nd & 3rd rows folded) |
Related article: Omoda and Jaecoo Take South Africa by Storm: A Rising Automotive Powerhouse
