The first locally assembled (CKD) Jaecoo J7 PHEV has rolled off the Shah Alam assembly line, just in time for its February launch. Order books for the Jaecoo J7 PHEV have been opened since October last year, with an estimated sticker price of RM170,000.
“We believe the Jaecoo J7 PHEV fits in perfectly with the market’s appetite for an alternative between the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Electric Vehicle (EV) segments providing the best of both worlds with its superior Super Hybrid System fondly known as SHS. As Malaysia’s EV ecosystem continues to develop, Jaecoo is happy to offer greater peace of mind to consumers considering the transition to hybrid energy mobility.” says Jaecoo Malaysia Vice President Emily Lek.
Compared to the pure petrol variants, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV will only be offered in front-wheel drive (FWD) configuration at launch, whereas the reegular Jaecoo J7 has an all-wheel drive (AWD) configuration available.
But the main difference maker here is the ‘Super Hybrid System’ found under the hood. The PHEV system consists of a 1.5-litre turbocharged inline-four engine that works in tandem with an integrated motor located within the dedicated hybrid transmission (DHT), and a 18.3 kWh hybrid battery pack.
Altogether, a total of 347 hp (255 kW) and 525 Nm of torque is sent to the front wheels, enough for a century sprint time of 8.5 seconds – 0.7 seconds quicker than the petrol counterpart. In addition, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV can also drive either using the petrol engine or hybrid EV battery on its own, in addition to parallel and series hybrid configurations. For the former, the J7 PHEV boasts up to 90 km of electric range on paper.
When used together, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV has a total WLTP-rated range of 1,200 km with a full tank and battery. However, it’s proven to go much further than that, as demonstrated during the Jaecoo J7 PHEV’s recent long-distance challenge from Singapore and all the way to Hatyai.
READ MORE: Jaecoo J7 PHEV – How different is it from the J7 petrol?
In case you missed it, our very own Eu Jin went on a convoy drive with Jaecoo J7 PHEVs and recorded a total of 1,427.5 km with no fuel stops or recharging. Additionally, the J7 PHEV also recorded an average fuel consumption rate of 2.5L/100 km, much lower than the official 6.6L/100 km figure.
Of course, being a plug-in hybrid, the Jaecoo J7 PHEV can also be recharged externally – and uniquely with DC power of up to 40 kW, in addition to the 6.6 kW on-board AC charger.
Actual equipment list will have to wait until the launch, but we do know that the Jaecoo J7 PHEV will be getting several visual changes. On the outside, there’s the new aerodynamic 19-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Kumho tyres, as well as a pair of sleeker side mirrors. An additional flap has also been added on the right side of the vehicle to hide the CCS2 charging port.
Inside, the PHEV also gets an updated centre console, where the rotary drive mode selector has been replaced with a sleek row of buttons, and the traditional gear lever has been swapped for a more modern and ergonomic stalk behind the steering wheel. Interestingly, the PHEV also boasts a larger boot space of 500 litres compared to the petrol variants, but that comes at the expense of a spare wheel under the boot floor.
ALSO READ: Jaecoo J7 PHEV previewed in Malaysia – up to 1,300km range on a full tank, est RM170k
