- New pure-electric compact-SUV from Jaecoo.
- Like the larger J7, baby Range Rover looks.
- Interior features 'pet friendly' upholstery.
Battery electric vehicles are still not firing in New Zealand (5.5% of the total market year-to-date), but that's not stopping the flow of new models. The latest is the Jaecoo J5, a new compact SUV that will be here in March at a start price of $42,990.
Jaecoo is a sister brand to Omoda, both sitting under parent company Chery. Jaecoo is pitched as having a more SUV-oriented style, so think of the J5 as a more rugged-looking alternative to the Omoda E5.
It'll be available in a single variant with a 59kWh battery and claimed range of 402km. The single electric motor drives the front wheels and makes 155kW/288Nm.
Inside, there's a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, glass roof with powered sunshade, ambient lighting and "pet-friendly" synthetic leather seats. Jaecoo says these seats are made of special silicone-based material, which is antibacterial and wear resistant.
