by JAC has recently taken on expanding its lineup in the Ukrainian market. The latest addition to the Chinese brand is the large liftback JAC J7. It appeared quite recently and got to us for a test. The model is still little known in our area and quite interesting.
In terms of size, the new JAC J7 is positioned between the C and D classes – 4772 mm in length with a wheelbase of 2760 mm. The design of the JAC J7 turned out to be interesting and expressive – with a coupe-like roof and raised rear. The J7’s headlights are not only LED but also come with trendy dynamic turn signals.
During the test, people constantly paid attention to the car, and at the parking lot, someone seriously asked if it was a Jaguar. Of course, the JAC J7 doesn’t copy Jaguar (or any other car), but certain design features might seem familiar. For example, the rear pillars with chrome moldings are reminiscent of the Kia Optima, and there’s something Maserati-like in the grille. This isn’t surprising since JAC’s designer, Daniel Gallione, previously worked at Maserati.
The interior of the JAC J7 is trimmed with eco-leather, complemented by numerous lacquered black inserts. The steering wheel and gear lever are familiar from the JAC S4 crossover, but the digital dashboard is different – the screen is more compact. The display’s graphics color changes, and the LED light threads can not only change color but even blink to the music.
The entire central panel is occupied by a large 10.4-inch portrait touchscreen. There are no physical buttons here since all functions are controlled through the menu – including climate and seat heating. There is Android Auto with Apple CarPlay too, and below the display – two USB ports. The glove compartment is not very big, but in the armrest compartment, we managed to fit a DSLR camera.
The steering wheel is adjustable only in height. The front seats with integrated headrests are quite good – comfortable and provide excellent back support. However, rear visibility is severely limited by the small window and raised rear end, so the rearview camera is a welcome feature.
There is enough legroom in the second row, but the sloping roof slightly reduces headspace. However, only taller passengers will notice this. Ventilation vents and two more USB ports are installed at the back. The JAC J7’s trunk is huge – 540 liters in standard condition and 1650 liters with the rear seats folded down.
The top-tier Luxury package for the JAC J7 includes keyless start, 17-inch wheels, climate control, cruise control, an electric parking brake, light and rain sensors, a sunroof, and parking sensors. For its price – it’s not bad.
Under the hood is a 1.5-liter 150-horsepower turbo-four, also known from the JAC S4. Its torque is relatively small (210 Nm) but available over a wide range of 2000-4500 rpm. The liftback accelerates to 100 km/h in 9 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h.
In the city, the engine is generally sufficient, although it needs to be revved, especially if the car is loaded. If you want the J7 to be more lively, it’s best to choose the sport mode – in this case, the CVT is less sluggish and responds faster, with higher engine revs. But consumption also increases, while in normal mode you can achieve 9 l/100 km in the city.
The suspension prioritizes comfort and handles bumps quite well. At the same time, the JAC J7 doesn’t lean too much in corners. The steering isn’t exceptionally sharp or informative, but it’s fairly precise. A bit more sound insulation for the bottom would be helpful, but overall, the cabin is quiet. The liftback decelerates well, but one needs to get used to the long-travel brake pedal.
The JAC J7 is somewhat of an inexpensive alternative to the Skoda Octavia, with a spacious cabin and a large trunk. Prices in Ukraine start at 489,000 hryvnias, and the test car is priced at 529,000 hryvnias.
Technical Specifications of JAC J7:
- 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine, transverse at the front
- Volume: 1499 cm3
- Power: 150 hp at 5500 rpm
- Maximum torque: 210 Nm at 2000-4500 rpm
- Front-wheel drive
- Continuously variable transmission
- Maximum speed: 170 km/h
- Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 9.0 s
- Average fuel consumption: 7.2 l/100 km
- Length/width/height/wheelbase: 4772/1820/1492/2760 mm
- Trunk volume: 540-1650 l
- Ground clearance: 145 mm
- Turning diameter: 11.0 m
