Jaecoo J7 PHEV Malaysian review – cheapest plug-in hybrid on sale with super efficient powertrain

Launched earlier this year, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV augments the surprisingly successful petrol J7, giving the car some serious efficiency credentials. For just RM10,000 more than the AWD model (RM158,800 on-the-road), you get a large C-segment SUV that can travel up to 1,200 km on a single tank of petrol and battery charge.

That’s thanks to a hybrid-specific 1.5 litre turbo four-cylinder engine making 143 PS and 215 Nm of torque, supported by a 204 PS/310 Nm electric motor and a single-speed dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT). Total system output of this Super Hybrid System (SHS) is 347 PS and 525 Nm, propelling the J7 PHEV from zero to 100 km/h in 8.5 seconds (seven tenths of a second quicker than the petrol model) and a top speed of 180 km/h.

Juicing the electric motor is a BYD-sourced 18.3 kWh Blade lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery that delivers a WLTP-rated electric range of 88 km. Fuel consumption is quoted at just 4.9 litres per 100 km, and even with the battery depleted, this figure only rises to 5.99 litres per 100 km. The comparatively large 60 litre fuel tank helps the J7 PHEV hit that aforementioned 1,200 km figure, which Jaecoo has proved in real-world eco challenges several times.

The efficiency gains are allied to minor tweaks that include new, more aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheels and door mirrors, a column-mounted gear selector and a cleaner design for the door cards and centre console. The J7’s impressive tech package, consisting of a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a massive 14.8-inch portrait infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remains untouched.

Standard kit includes full-LED lighting, power-adjustable front seats with memory, heating and ventilation functions, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic glass roof, Qi wireless charging, a 360-degree camera system, an eight-speaker Sony sound system and a powered tailgate with proximity-based hands-free opening. The car also comes with a full complement of driver assists such as Level 2 semi-autonomous driving.

All that sounds great, but do the efficiency claims stand up in the real world? And being that this is the first time we have driven the J7 as a whole, is the car itself worthy of such popularity? Watch yours truly’s review of the car in the video below.

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