KATHMANDU: The Jaecoo J5 Pro, a new electric SUV from the Chery Group, has arrived as an attractive option for Nepali buyers. It is priced Rs 800,000 lower than the previously introduced Jaecoo J5, making it a more affordable entry into the lineup.
I drove the SUV across different parts of the Kathmandu Valley, including uphill and downhill sections, unpaved roads, paved roads and highways. What impressed me most was its power delivery. The 155 kW electric motor produces 288 Nm of torque, providing sufficient performance for different road conditions.
The SUV comes with a front-wheel-drive system and is available for less than Rs 5 million. Its design is another major highlight. Both the exterior and interior follow a minimalist approach. This could make it an attractive option for buyers who prefer a clean design without too many unnecessary elements.
The SUV also has styling cues similar to the Range Rover, a popular name in the international market. It was widely referred to as the ‘Baby Range Rover’ after its introduction in China.
SPG Automobiles, the authorized distributor of Omoda and Jaecoo in Nepal, introduced the Jaecoo J5 Pro through the NAIMA Mobility Expo.
Battery and range
Based on our test drives across different locations in the Kathmandu Valley, the Jaecoo J5 Pro delivered a real-world driving range of around 350 kilometers on a single charge.
The SUV comes with a 50.7 kWh battery pack. According to the company, it can deliver a driving range of up to 405 kilometers on a full charge. The vehicle has a gross weight of around 2,185 kg.
Clean and technology-focused cabin
The Jaecoo J5 Pro features a clean and minimalist cabin designed for international markets. Blue stitching on the seats adds a distinctive touch to the interior. The dashboard features an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster and a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Other features include a panoramic glass roof, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 50W wireless mobile charging. The SUV also gets dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a powered tailgate and a 360-degree camera.
Extensive safety features
The new Jaecoo J5 Pro comes with six airbags. It also includes several standard safety features, such as ABS, EBD, brake assist and auto hold.
The SUV offers forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. It also gets Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The ADAS package includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
Dimensions and ground clearance
The Jaecoo J5 Pro also has dimensions suited to Nepal’s road conditions. It measures 4,380 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width and 1,650 mm in height. The SUV has a wheelbase of 2,620 mm.
It comes with stylish 18-inch dual-tone wheels. Ground clearance stands at 185 mm, according to the company.
The availability of a spare tire is another practical advantage for buyers traveling on Nepal’s roads. The SUV also offers 480 liters of boot space, which should be useful for family trips and everyday luggage.
