WeeklySA_AdminSOPHISTICATED RUGGEDNESS: Two new SUV models T1 and T2 catering for a range of drivers and lifestyles go on sale in mid-November
By Ali Mphaki
Jetour SA is putting more metal to pedal with the introduction of the T-Series range in a move likely to shake things up in the highly competitive SUV segment.
Leading Jetour’s salvo into the rough and rugged 4×4 terrain are two models namely T1and T2, vehicles the manufacturer believes will change how people experience SUVs in South Africa.
With just over a year of doing business in sun-drenched South Africa, the Chery empowered brand has been rocking the local scene with their Jetour Dashing and Jetour X70 Plus models and are confident the T- Series will receive similar or more favorable response from the 4×4 narcotisized SA driving public.
September 2025 was a standout month for the Jetour brand, with over 800 units snatched from its showrooms, in the process earning the number 12 spot in national passenger car sales.
If this is not proof enough that the manufacturer has a knack of creating vehicles that resonates with the customers’ experience and lifestyles, I dont know.
Taking a closer look at the smaller T1, positioned as an Urban Lite Off-roader, it comes in four specifications, namely Edge, Aspire, Xplora, and Odyssey.
You don’t come with a knife to a gunfight, which is why the T1 measures 4 705mm in length, 1 960 mm in width, and 1 843 mm in height – a presence that can be felt.
Both the Edge and Aspire are fitted with a 1.5-litre four cylinder turbocharged engines, which produces 125kW and 249Nm transmitted to the front wheels.
As for the Xplora and Odyssey units, these are sold with a more powerful 2.0- litre four-cylinder petrol block for 180kW and 375Nm.
And unlike the Edge and Aspire which uses a front-wheel setup, the Xplora and Odyssey are both endowed with what is called XWD Intelligent 4-wheel-drive, giving both that go anywhere ability.
Coming to the T2, whilst it shares the same powertrains as the T1. it is offered in three variants, the T2 1.5T Aspire 7DCT, the T2 2.0-litre Xplora 7DCT 4WD, and T2 2.0 Odyssey 7DCT 4WD.
Slightly larger than the T1 at 4 785 mm in length including a tailgate-mounted spare wheel, it comes with a standard 540 degree camera system, rear parking sensors, tyre-presuure monitoring and auto LED headlamps.
In the highly-specced Odyssey variant, it comes along with a 15-inch infortainment system and a 9-speaker Sony sound system. The smell of leather hits your nostrils acutely when you ingress, the large comfy seats boasting red stitching gives the cabin a premium feel. In the 4WD models, drivers will find 8 drive settings, including modes for Sport, Snow, Mud, Sand, and “X-mode”.
19-inch alloy wheels; a roof rack, auto folding side mirrors, privacy glass, illuminated door sills, all conspire to give the newcomer that sophisticated ruggedness.
Whilst the taste of the pudding is in the driving, what we know so far is how the 1.5- turbocharged petrol engine used in both the Dashing and the X70 Plus have been found to be inconsistent with their throttle response. either too dull or poor,
The duo has also been found wanting when it comes to driving experience, described as jumpy by TopAuto.
A further observance is that the current Jetour offerings steering is often devoid or vague giving little feedback to the driver. It is further posited that fuel efficiency is worse than claimed by the manufacturer.
Be that as it may, what can not be denied is that the T-Series has striking looks and features Likely to work for it further is its value for money proposition, what some all a lot of car for the money, comparatively speaking.
Also tempting is the T- Series” long warranty, including a 10 year/ 1 million kilometers engine warranty, on some models.
The jury may still be out when it comes to the plethora of Chinese models debuting on SA soil, but it’s commendable that generally-speakingl have upped their game when it comes to quality.
The much-awaited Jetour Tl-Series is offered a gilt-edged opportunity to silence the critics.
Priced from R514 900 for the entry-level T1 Edge, up to R679 900 for the Odyssey model, it is most likely to win itself a legion of followers.
It would seem ain’t no stopping the Jetour.brand.
