A number of new SUVs have arrived from China. One hybrid I’ve just driven really appealed – the Jaecoo J7 SHS Summit SUV – a medium sized five-seat SUV, $47,990 drive-away, a plug-in hybrid with claimed 106km of pure electric range and a combined range of up to 1,200kms. With a 1.5-litre turbo petrol four- cylinder aided by a single electric motor driving the front wheels via a single speed transmission. Most of the time, the front wheels are driven via the electric motor, the petrol engine either charging the battery or assisting the drive at speeds over 80km/hour. If the battery charge is above 30 percent, the Jaecoo J7’s Super Hybrid System can run as a pure EV at speeds up to 120km/hour. It works most affectively – the 18.3kWhour battery charging on my home AC charger from 20-100 percent in 11/2 hours. Visually, the Jaecoo J7 SHS looks a station above its sticker price, nice styling, great finishes, highly equipped with synthetic leather heated and ventilated front seats, 360-degree camera, front and rear parking sensors, a power rear door and a large panoramic sunroof. Eight years/unlimited km warranty, eight years capped price servicing and eight years roadside assistance if you service with a dealer.

IMAGE CREDIT / Jaecoo Australia

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