PETALING JAYA: OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia has officially pulled the covers off the much-anticipated Jaecoo J8 full-sized sports utility vehicle (SUV).
First previewed in March https://www.carsifu.my/news/jaecoo-j8-previewed-estimated-rm195k-2wd-5-seater-rm220k-awd-6-seater, the locally-assembled (CKD) SUV is now offered in two variants, starting with the five-seater front-wheel-drive (2WD) that's priced at RM178,800 on-the-road without insurance.
This is followed by the range-topping all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant, which costs RM198,800 and fits six persons with a 2+2+2 seating configuration.
During its preview, the J8 which was billed as capable of a "first-class off-road" experience, was estimated to cost RM195,000 (2WD) and RM220,000 (AWD).
The SUV comes in three colour options of Carbon Crystal Black, Khaki White, and Olive Grey for choice.
The AWD variant will have the same colour options, except it will come with a black roof and an AWD badge for the purpose of differentiation.
For peace of mind, the J8 comes with a seven-year or 150,000km warranty as standard.
However, early adopters before July 21 will receive a free one-year motor insurance (including windscreen and optional add-on benefits), under the Jaecoo Prime Protection programme.
Additionally, a ten-year unlimited-mileage warranty for the engine will be added on – including an exclusive off-road experience for new owners before the July 21 deadline.
Behind the "Waterfall" grille lies the 2.0-litre turbocharged engine that cranks out 245hp and 385Nm of torque and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 2WD variant provides three driving modes of Eco, Normal and Sport, while the AWD variant adds on Mud, Sand and Off-road.
For storage, the J8 2WD provides a 738-litre boot space that is expandable to 2,021 litres while the AWD variant's is smaller at 200 litres but can be increased to 738 litres.
As standard, the J8 comes with automatic LED headlights with integrated daytime runners, pop-out door handles, hands-free powered tailgate, panoramic sunroof, NFC car accessibility, automatic front and rear wipers, 20-inch wheels, as well as a tyre-pressure monitoring system.
Inside, the black leather-upholstered cabin comes with the all-important boss-seat controls, dual 12.3-inch – one for the touchscreen infotainment unit (powering the 12-speaker Sony sound system) that comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a 540-degree HD birds-eye view camera system.
Meanwhile, the other screen is the instrument cluster that's dedicated to the driver.
For safety, the J8 comes equipped six airbags along with Level 2.5 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) such as autonomous emergency braking, lane centring assist, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, and a driver attention monitoring system.
Meanwhile, the J8 AWD variant provides two extra speakers located in the driver's headrest and raises the number of airbags to 10 before adding on rear privacy glass, powered second-row captain seats, front passenger "queen seat" with extendable thigh bolster and seat ventilation.
There's also microfibre headlining, heads-up display, Nappa leather upholstery, a 256-colour ambient lighting system, a OneBox brake-by-wire system, torque-vectoring control, continuous damping control suspension system, and automatic park assist.
“Defined by four simple words of ‘Off Road First Class’, the Jaecoo J8 captures the essence and ambition of OMODA | JAECOO – delivering vehicles that redefine expectations in their segment while creating exceptional ownership journeys,” said OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia vice-president Emily Lek.
Lek added that the company is confident that the J8 would be the next popular model over the J7, which was launched exactly a year ago.
"The Jaecoo J8 will now define a new altitude of technology, performance, and adventure for the OMODA | JAECOO brand while still keeping with the ethos of attainable luxury," she added.
"We celebrate this anniversary with over 17,000 vehicles now on Malaysian roads, and we are deeply grateful for the continued support from our customers across Malaysia,” concluded Lek.
Also present at the launch were Investment, Trade and Industry (Miti) minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz, Miti Deputy Secretary General (industry) Datuk Hanafi Sakri, Chery Corporate Malaysia executive vice-president Leo Chen, Chery Corporate Malaysia vice-president Cheng Nam Weng and OMODA | JAECOO Malaysia country director Vincent Bien.
For more information, log on to www.omodajaecoo.com.my.
(From left) Bien, Cheng, Hanafi, Tengku Zafrul and Chen.
