Jaecoo expands J5 range in South Africa with hybrid and electric models

Chinese carmaker Jaecoo will expand its South African J5 compact SUV line-up in August with the addition of hybrid and fully electric derivatives, as the brand strengthens its presence in the country’s growing electrified vehicle market.

The new J5 SHS hybrid and J5 BEV electric models will join the existing petrol-powered range, giving buyers a choice of internal combustion, hybrid and battery-electric powertrains.

The J5 SHS combines a 1.5l turbocharged petrol engine with Jaecoo’s dedicated hybrid transmission system, producing outputs of 165kW and 295Nm. Drive is sent to the front wheels.

Jaecoo claims fuel consumption of 5.3l 100km, translating to a theoretical driving range of more than 900km on a tank of fuel. A 1.83kWh battery enables electric-only operation at low speeds and in stop-start traffic before the petrol engine takes over when required.

Join Ignition TV presenter Juliet McGuire as she gets behind the wheel of the new Changan Hunter 2.0l diesel double-cab. Priced from R449,900, this China-built bakkie offers good value for money and aims to steal sales from established rivals such as the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger and VW Amarok.

The hybrid model will be offered with a lengthy standard equipment list that includes black leather upholstery, a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen, power-adjustable driver’s seat, a panoramic moonroof, power-operated tailgate, dual-zone climate control and a six-speaker audio system.

Driver assistance features such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking will also be standard.

Arriving alongside the hybrid model, the J5 BEV will become Jaecoo’s first fully electric vehicle in South Africa. Power comes from a 58.9kWh lithium iron phosphate battery pack feeding a front-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor that develops 155kW and 288Nm.

Story audio is generated using AI BYD Auto South Africa has introduced the new Atto 2 DM-i as the country’s cheapest plug-in hybrid car. The front-wheel drive compact SUV brings the Chinese manufacturer’s hybrid technology to one of the most competitive segments. Designed for urban commuters and families seeking lower running costs without fully transitioning to battery-electric vehicles, the car combines BYD’s DM-i Super Hybrid system with its Blade Battery technology. The powertrain pairs a 1.5l petrol engine with an electric motor, offering a claimed driving range of up to 930km, a pure electric range of 40km and an average fuel consumption of 5.1l/100km. The petrol engine delivers outputs of 72kW and 122Nm, with the electric motor mustering 145kW and 300Nm. BYD claims a 9.1 second 0-100km sprint and a 180km/h top speed for the Atto 2 DM-i. At 4,330mm in length, the Atto 2 competes against rivals such as the Toyota Corolla Cross, Chery Tiggo Cross, Jaecoo J5 and Volkswagen Taigo. Inside, the Atto 2 DM-i features a rotating touchscreen infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, keyless entry and start, and a suite of driver assistance and safety systems. Two derivatives are available locally: the R449,900 Comfort and the range-topping R489,900 Dynamic. Both models include panoramic sunroofs, wireless connectivity and advanced safety features. The Dynamic version adds premium synthetic leather upholstery, a 50W wireless charging pad, adaptive cruise control, a 360° camera system, front parking sensors, electric driver seat adjustment and rain-sensing wipers, among other features. Steve Chang, MD of BYD Auto South Africa, said: “The introduction of the Atto 2 DM-i is another significant step in BYD’s mission to accelerate the transition towards smarter and more sustainable mobility in South Africa.”

The company says the battery can be charged from 30% to 80% in 28 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger, with a maximum charging rate of 130kW. Driving range and energy consumption figures will be announced closer to launch.

Like the hybrid variant, the electric J5 will feature a high level of standard features, although it upgrades the audio system to an eight-speaker setup. A comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies will also be included.

Pricing and full local specifications will be announced closer to the August launch.