JAC J7 is a front-wheel-drive D-class liftback, which is slightly larger than the bestseller from Mlada Boleslav (A8 generation): it reaches 4,775 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,492 mm in height. The trunk volume is 540 liters (but here it loses to Octavia A8, which has 578 liters).
The chassis of the JAC J7 features McPherson struts at the front and a multi-link setup at the rear, with disc brakes all around. The declared ground clearance at full load is 145 mm, and the wheels are 17 inches. The car's design is not without reason hard to call "Chinese": it was developed by Italian Daniel Gaglione, who previously worked at Alfa Romeo and has been working at the European design center of JAC for 10 years.
Under the hood of the JAC J7 is a 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 136 hp and 200 Nm. No other engines are available. However, there are two transmissions to choose from: a 6-speed manual or a CVT. Additionally, the car has two trim levels (Comfort and Luxury), and even in the base version it is well equipped.
So, "at the start," the car features: full LED lighting, air conditioning, heated mirrors and front seats, a digital instrument cluster, multimedia with a large display, a rear-view camera, cruise control, and a set of active safety systems (including hill-start assist and hill-descent control). Such a car comes with a manual transmission, and its price is 517,000 UAH (with a promotional offer from 489,000 UAH).
In the more expensive version, the list also adds: a panoramic sunroof, light and rain sensors, additional interior lighting, a leather steering wheel and leatherette seat upholstery, parking sensors, an improved audio system, and push-button engine start. Instead of air conditioning, there is already climate control, and the buyer can count not on a "manual" but on a CVT. The price of JAC J7 Luxury is 560,625 UAH.
Also, for an additional 11,500 UAH, both trim levels can be ordered with a two-tone body finish (black roof).
The new model is already available at the brand's dealerships.
Autoportal comment
Indeed, the JAC J7 could be a good offer on the market. It is a worthy rival to the Skoda Octavia. Of course, on Skoda's side are the brand and years of proven quality, but JAC has something to say: larger dimensions, richer equipment, and no less striking design. As for subsequent resale, it is possible that in a few years this car will also hold its value well on the secondary market. After all, these are no longer the "Chinese cars" we knew before.
