At a big function held at the Sunbet Arena in Pretoria, Jetour unveiled its first plug-in Hybrid range, led by the highly successful T1 and T2 series of SUVs. The event was hosted by one of the Goliath comedian brothers and attended by a large group of Jetour customers and dealers, as well as the media. To be honest, such has never worked. Jetour mixing these two different groups was not a great idea, manifested by finger food (not the best) that left many of us unsatisfied, and a lackluster bar. Media events should remain just that; media events.
Nevertheless, the cars were the stars of the show and they delivered plenty. Starting with the T1 i-DM, which has a plug-in Hybrid powertrain to the tune of 250kW of power and 530Nm of torque. Jetour says it is good for a total system range – full tank and full battery pack – of 1 200km, with the electric range being 100km on its own. These are really impressive numbers and essentially mean the T1 i-DM can theoretically do a return trip between Johannesburg and Durban using only one tank and one full charge. The car is also different inside, with some elements that cannot be found in the normal T1 cars.
As for the T2 i-DM, Jetour packed some extra punch into that. Maximum power and torque went up to 265kW and 610Nm respectively. Both the T1 and T2 i-DM units thus return what one would characterise as serious hot hatch power figures. But of course the Chinese pair do weigh much more than hot hatches, therefore performance would not be the same. Again, a 1 200km range is said to be achievable with the T2 i-DM, even as it offers slightly less electric-only range of 90km. Still, many much more expensive, top-of-the-range European plug-in Hybrids claim similar electric-only ranges.
This event also gave Jetour the opportunity to make a significant announcement. According to the company, Jetour will soon begin to assemble in CKD form – not completely manufacture from scratch – some models in Mzansi. Specifically which models, is currently not clear. However, remember that Jetour is part of the Chery group of companies, and Chery has already confirmed that it will be taking over the Nissan manufacturing Plant in Rosslyn, Tshwane. Therefore it seems Jetour might be sharing those facilities with its parent.
We do look forward to getting behind the wheels of both the T1 i-DM and T2 i-DM to experience the promised instant acceleration torque, the reported interior comfort levels, and to test for ourselves the very high claimed ranges.
Jetour T1 and T1 plug-in Hybrid Prices
T1 i-DM – R689 900
T2 i-DM – R779 900
