Jaecoo J5 HEV 1.5pT/7HD review 

New car brands are arriving in New Zealand at a rapid pace, and Jaecoo is one of the latest names hoping to make an impression on Kiwi buyers. A sister brand to Omoda, Jaecoo is positioned as a more adventurous and premium offering, aimed at buyers who want modern technology, SUV styling and hybrid efficiency without stretching the budget.

The Jaecoo name is derived from the German word ‘Jäger’, meaning hunter, and while the marketing team may picture owners exploring the outdoors, the reality for most Kiwi buyers will be the daily commute, school runs and weekend trips. After spending time behind the wheel of the Jaecoo J5 HEV, it appears well suited to exactly those tasks.

At first glance, the J5 presents well. The proportions are tidy, the styling is modern without being overly dramatic, and the alpine green paintwork of our test vehicle was particularly attractive. It is refreshing to see manufacturers offering something different from the endless sea of white, silver and black SUVs that dominate New Zealand roads. The colour suits the J5 and gives it a more premium appearance than its price tag may suggest.

Speaking of price, value is arguably the J5 HEV's strongest selling point. Starting from $39,990 plus on road costs, it enters one of the most competitive segments in the market while offering a hybrid powertrain and a long list of equipment. For buyers looking to reduce fuel costs without making the leap to a full battery electric vehicle, the price alone will be attractive.

Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine paired with a dedicated hybrid transmission driving the front wheels. Combined outputs stand at 105kW and 215Nm. Those figures may not sound remarkable on paper, but around town the J5 feels responsive enough. The hybrid system works quietly in the background and delivers smooth acceleration in everyday driving conditions.

One of the most impressive aspects of the package is its fuel efficiency. Jaecoo claims combined fuel consumption of just 5.6L/100km, with urban consumption rated at a particularly impressive 3.8L/100km. With high fuel costs, these figures will undoubtedly be appealing.

On the road, the J5 is easy to drive; visibility is generally good, steering is light, and the controls are intuitive enough that most drivers will be comfortable within a few minutes. While it doesn't pretend to be a sports SUV, it feels composed and predictable in normal driving situations, which is exactly what most family buyers are looking for.

However, as someone who falls into the category of ‘old-school’ motorists, there were a few aspects that took some getting used to. I still prefer a physical start button and traditional handbrake operation. The J5's modern approach means many systems remain active when you stop, and on several occasions I found myself double-checking whether the vehicle was actually safe to leave. The car doesn't fully shut down until it is locked, which can take some adjustment for drivers used to a more conventional setup.

Interior comfort is generally good, although taller drivers may encounter one annoyance: despite multiple seat adjustments, I found the driver's seat didn't lower enough. At six feet tall, I would have preferred more downward adjustment to improve my driving position. This won't affect every buyer, but it is worth checking during a test drive.

Practicality is another area where the J5 performs reasonably well, although not perfectly. The cabin offers adequate storage and passenger space for a vehicle of this size. However, the boot feels like a missed opportunity. The start battery consumes space that could otherwise be used for luggage, and the load area is not as generous as the exterior dimensions might suggest.

Another limitation is towing capacity. Like many modern hybrid vehicles, the J5's towing ability is restricted. Braked and unbraked towing capacities are both rated at 750kg, with a maximum towball download of 75kg. For owners planning to tow a small trailer this may be sufficient, but anyone considering a caravan, large trailer or boat will need to look elsewhere.

One area where Jaecoo deserves credit is warranty coverage. The J5 is backed by a seven-year unlimited kilometre vehicle warranty, along with an eight-year unlimited kilometre warranty on the high-voltage battery. That level of coverage should provide reassurance for buyers considering brand that’s relatively new to New Zealand.

Overall, the Jaecoo J5 HEV makes a strong first impression. It combines attractive styling, excellent fuel economy, generous warranty coverage and a competitive purchase price in a package that will appeal to many Kiwi families. While the limited towing capacity, compromised boot space and seat adjustment may discourage some buyers, these shortcomings are unlikely to outweigh the vehicle's value-focused proposition.

For under $40,000, the J5 HEV offers a lot of vehicle for the money and demonstrates just how competitive the hybrid SUV market has become. It may not revolutionise the segment, but it is certainly a newcomer worth placing on your shortlist.