We like
Handsomely styled and well finished in and out; extensive standard feature list; long warranty; high value pricing; spacious cabin front and rear; large cargo area

Room for improvement
Appalling engine and transmission calibration; some safety features and ergonomics need a rethink; convoluted touchscreen menu system; no towing capacity

Overview

 

LAUNCHED into the Australian market in June, the Jaecoo J8 arrives as an upper mid-sized rival to the likes of the Hyundai Santa Fe and Mazda CX-60.

 

Priced from $49,990 driveaway, the generously equipped Jaecoo J8 joins the J7 in local showrooms with what the Chinese importer says are “features and technologies typically reserved for premium vehicles”.

 

Characterised by the brand’s signature waterfall grille, projector style LED headlights, and signature rear light bar, the J8 rides on 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels (with matching spare wheel) and draws power from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine delivering 183kW/385Nm.

 

Front- and all-wheel drive configurations are available, both paired with an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Jaecoo lists fuel consumption averages at 8.3 litres per 100km in two-wheel drive form and 8.6L/100km when optioning all-wheel drive.

 

Inside, the cabin of the Jaecoo J8 is upholstered in synthetic leather, its dashboard dominated by dual 12.3-inch instrumentation and infotainment displays.

 

Infotainment highlights include a 14-speaker surround sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, proprietary satellite navigation, voice control, 360-degree camera technology, and selectable LED ambient cabin lighting.

 

Entry-level Track variants (as tested, from $49,990 d/a) further add heated and ventilated front seating with massage function, a powered tailgate, and second-row air-conditioning controls.

 

Stepping up to the all-wheel drive Ridge (from $54,990 d/a), we find adaptive damping, automatic parking function, heated and ventilated second-row seats, LED ambient cabin lighting, an in-built fragrance dispenser, rear privacy glass, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, and suede headlining in black.

 

Paint colour choices including Arctic White, Carbon Black, Iridium Silver, and Ocean Blue.

 

Safety equipment highlights include adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, driver monitoring, emergency lane keeping, lane departure prevention, tyre pressure monitoring and eight airbags with the Ridge variant adding second row side airbags to the list for a total of 10.

 

As is the case with the J7, the Jaecoo J8 is warranted for eight years and unlimited kilometres, which includes up to eight years roadside assistance when the vehicle is maintained through the Jaecoo service network.

 

Driving Impressions

 

Entering the J8 Track and it’s impressive to note a level of fit and finish that echoes that of the exterior. Here is a well-finished cabin with quality materials that appear to offer a premium experience.

 

Accommodation is spacious, and amenity well considered – if only the ergonomics were a touch improved.

 

I found the ideal seating position hard to acquire, and the relationship with the primary control (pedals and steering wheel) a compromise, no matter how many times I fiddled and fussed with the adjustment offered.

 

The driver’s seat is very high and the steering wheel reach too short. Let’s hope these criticisms are taken on-board and actioned – soon.

 

The front and rear doors open wide to allow ease of access to all, while the ventilation outlets, charging ports, drink holders and knick knack stowage is plentiful. We loved the Skoda-style winged head restraints and the provision of both ISOFIX and top-tether child-seat anchorages.

 

Further back, a voluminous cargo area offers up to 738 litres (VDA) of space in five-seat mode and 2021 litres all told. Despite being a large segment SUV, the model does not offer a braked towing rating.

 

Which is probably a good thing….

 

With just 385Nm at its disposal the sizeable SUV wants for a little extra. Following an initial surge from standstill, the Jaecoo’s 2.0-litre engine appears to clammer for momentum, waiting for the transmission to kickdown before rapidly selecting a higher gear and starting up the rev range again.

 

Unfortunately, the use of Eco mode did not calm the J8’s binary response, and Sport mode only made it worse.

 

It’s a far-from-premium experience, and one that is accompanied by a somewhat unrefined soundtrack. Indeed, the engine is a letdown in a mechanical package that is otherwise quite well sorted, needing a strong dose of recalibration or perhaps replacement with something more appropriate.

 

Once the J8 is up and moving, momentum is reasonably smooth – provided not too much is asked from the engine. Overtaking and hill climbing are managed at an acceptable canter, the front-wheel drive action feeling calm and planted in wet and dry conditions alike.

 

We tested the Jaecoo J8 in urban and freeway conditions and saw an average fuel use figure in the mid-10-litre range throughout our week. While this is hardly surprising given the weight and engine technology at play, there are others in the segment that do far better. If fuel consumption is an important consideration for you, it might pay to look at a hybridised alternative.

 

Otherwise, the J8 is a pleasant drive. The steering is light, and perhaps a little lacking in feel, but seems suited to family duties while at the same time making parking a breeze. We found the level of grip on offer to be better than expected, and the ride comfort generally good, without being unsettled by varied inputs and larger bumps.

 

Of course, there is always the question of the calibration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems in any newcomer, particularly those made in China which tend to be a little hit and miss.

 

In the case of the J8, we found several of the ADAS technologies a touch uptight for our liking, the lane departure system particularly aggressive in deciding where it feels the lane should be. With a constant tugging at the ‘wheel it’s a system that’s best switched off, which kind of defeats the purpose, really.

 

Otherwise, the majority of the systems are on par with key segment rivals, and like those will improve over time – or at least that’s what we’re told.

 

If Jaecoo can indeed tweak the ADAS nannies and its driveline calibration to better suit the habits of Aussie drivers, it might just have a winner on its hands. But as it stands, we think we’d be shopping elsewhere.