Incoming Chinese brand Jaecoo has announced it’ll offer accessories from popular supplier Thule in its showrooms, giving buyers greater choice to kit out their cars from the start of ownership.
Sweden-based Thule is best known for its roof racks, bike carriers and roof pods, all of which will be available to Jaecoo owners to customise their J7 SUVs.
While Jaecoo and Thule have only released a single image of the J7 fitted with roof racks (above), CarExpert spotted a roof pod-equipped SUV in Redcliffe earlier this year (below).
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“The association with Thule is a fantastic way for us to add an extra layer to our vehicles and offer convenience at our dealerships,” said Jaecoo CEO Lewis Lu in a media statement.
“Enabling Jaecoo drivers to live their Wild Life is at the core of what we want to do as a brand.
“Whether you want to head off mountain biking on the weekends, need a secure transportation option for your surfboard or skis, or simply want to get out of town, Thule’s accessories, combined with our explorer class SUV offering, make it easier than ever for our customers to explore the world around them.”
Both the petrol-only and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the Jaecoo J7 are slated to roll out to customers by the end of March.
While Australian pricing and most specifications are yet to be locked in, Jaecoo has confirmed the mid-sized J7 will be offered with either front- or all-wheel drive, powered by a turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
This produces 137kW of power and 275Nm of torque, a bit down from the Chinese market where it produces 145kW and 290Nm.
The J7 PHEV meanwhile mates a 115kW/220Nm turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine to a 150kW electric motor for its plug-in hybrid system – dubbed SHS for ‘Super Hybrid System’ – which produces 255kW and 525Nm combined.
The carmaker claims the J7 PHEV can achieve 90km of electric-only driving range on the WLTP cycle, and up to 1200km combined.
Measuring 4500mm long, 1865mm wide and 1680mm tall on a 2672mm wheelbase, the J7 is around 100mm shorter but 10mm wider than a Toyota RAV4.
While parent company Chery relaunched in Australia in 2022 with vehicles at the more affordable end of the spectrum, Jaecoo’s SUVs will be positioned at a higher price point.
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