Jaecoo J5: Fits the bill

What is it?

The name Jaecoo is said to be derived from Jager, the German word for hunter, with a reference, presumably, to a ‘leader of the pack’ empowering owners to thrive in a ‘wild life’, as in an existential world in turmoil.

Since its debut in 2023 the Chinese brand, owned by Chery International, has expanded globally on the back of product it says is built for ‘those who seek purpose, precision and performance’. A long bow.

Behind the accelerated growth is the J5 EV, which has been a hit since landing Down Under at the end of 2025.

In May alone, 2126 units were registered making it the best-selling electric small SUV, while the entire J5 range finished seventh for overall (2172 total) monthly sales.

June was the first full month of sales for the J5 petrol model, which starts from just $25,990 driveaway.

The first 1000 customers ordering the entry J5 Track will receive three years’ free servicing.

Jaecoo J5: Fits the bill

What’s it cost?

MY26 Jaecoo J5 stands as a single model, a compact but roomy EV, at $36,990 drive away, leading a line-up of main rivals including Chery E5, Leapmotor B10, MG S5 EV, plus Hyundai Inster.

Designers have gone for the European look, to the extent of a clipped Range Rover-type profile.

Up front the Jaecoo’s signature waterfall grille leads into an elegant profile set off by accented side mirrors and retractable flush door handles.

Exterior accoutrements include LED headlights, rear spoiler, power tailgate, roof rails, plus a sunroof with electric sunshade.

The car rolls on 18-inch alloy wheels. Sadly, absent is a spare wheel.

Centre of the dashboard is taken up by a 13.2-inch touchscreen that dwarfs the 8.9-inch instrument panel.

Standard technology includes wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, AM/FM digital audio with eight speakers.

Native satellite navigation does not make an appearance.

When called upon, climate control air-con did not always respond to the touch of the screen, especially on the move.

Otherwise the system’s operation generally fell to hand with familiarity.

A five-star ANCP crash rating is backed by multi-layered active safety, including regular features such as anti-skid braking, electronic stability program, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and hill descent control.

Added to these is Advanced Driver Assist, which incorporates forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping and departure warning, adaptive cruise control, speed limit info and driver monitoring.

A super surround camera leads the way for a reversing camera and front and rear parking sensors.

Passive safety is covered by seven airbags – driver and front passenger, front side (2), side curtain (2) and front centre.

The Jaecoo J5 car and battery are covered by an eight-year warranty, with the addition of eight years roadside assistance.

Jaecoo J5: Fits the bill

What’s it go like?

Stepping inside, occupants are greeted by a light and airy atmosphere, unlike many of its ilk, who present a cave of dark colours.

The light-coloured synthetic leather (pet friendly) seat trim here covers six-way powered, heated and ventilated front seats and cargo cover.

Seat material is said to be scratch, stain and odour resistant for ease of cleaning and longer life.

The jury is out on this. Pets can be pampered by a kitbag of accessories including bowls, collars, boot mat and mesh barrier.

Seats are broad and on the firm side but provide ample support up front, while running short of knee room in the back.

Storage up front is generous, with bins cup holders and two pads for phones, one being a charger.

The boot will hold 384 litres of gear and there’s a cubby for 35 litres under the bonnet.

The power plant is straight out of the EV playbook.

An e-motor, putting out 155kW and 288Nm, is driven by a 58.9kWh battery pack, sending the results to the front wheels.

Energy consumption is a claimed 15.1 kWh/100km for a range of 402km.

The test vehicle came up on target with 15.1 kWh in a week of mixed driving.

The maker claims 30 to 80 per cent DC battery recharge in 28 minutes.

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is a capability. Put the kettle on.

The performance is in step with the average all-electric set-up — silent, swift acceleration.

However, there’s something missing between steering wheel and road – too light by half.

Eco, Normal, Sport drive modes do little to amend this.

Pulling up had its vagaries too, with coming to a halt inconsistent.

The ride in the test vehicle left a bit to be desired over uneven road surfaces, which let loose some rattles in the back of the cargo area.

Chery Tiggo 9: Seven seats for nine

Charging the test car was straightforward enough, the battery being topped up from 67 to 98 per cent on a public fast charger with time for a flat white, fruit muffin and a few laughs with friends.

Cost was a tad over $16.

Closing down was not so clever, a rather flimsy powered open-and-shut flap on the test car did not fit flush to the body and protested at human intervention, letting out a warning until self-shut (sort of).

Jaecoo J5: Fits the bill