The world has an uncanny way of coming around full circle. We live in a connected world where keeping in touch has become a lot easier than it was just two decades ago, yet there are some of us who long to live a disconnected life. Some of us reside in cities where great food and comforts are easily available, yet others long for the simple life, wishing to return to small towns or villages.
In the automotive world, design and technology have progressed tremendously over the past few years, yet some of us despise complexity. We are also seeing a rise in demand for good old boxy designs—think Land Rover Discovery, and you will get the picture.
The rise in these designs can be credited to Chinese manufacturers; of course, the British and the Americans with their Land Rovers and Jeeps started it first, but the Chinese have popularised the aesthetic once again. The Jetour T2 is one of a handful of models to have brought back the “box”—and it did not just bring it back; it revolutionised it.
What is the Jetour T2?
The Jetour brand comes from the Chery group of companies, which includes the likes of Omoda, Jaecoo, and others. Its first model in Malaysia was the Dashing, which proved popular among those who wanted something different from a Proton X70. However, it is the T2 that has brought the brand mainstream popularity with its retro-modern design.
Some call it a “baby Defender,” but the only thing it shares is its design; it is, in fact, its own car with a unique take on what a large SUV should be. At RM157,669, it stands alone in its segment. Its closest competitor is the GWM Tank 300, which costs RM250,000. Another similar model may be the iCar V23, which is an electric vehicle; while it shares a boxy design, it is a different proposition. At under RM133,000, it might tempt some buyers, but the Jetour T2 is larger, more spacious, seats five, and is more of a “do-it-all” machine.
How does it feel?
While the exterior design catches your eye first, the interior builds on that impression. Step inside and the general feel is one of modernity, high-tech features, and quality. This is where the Jetour T2 pulls away from the Tank 300. While the Tank borrows design elements from Mercedes-Benz, the T2 feels unique. The large infotainment system is befitting of the times, and the vertical air-conditioning vents look like they came off a Volvo, but they come together nicely.
The oblong steering wheel is unique as well. I can only think of Peugeot that also uses an oblong steering wheel, but the design feels odd in the Peugeot and often gets in the way of the instrument cluster. No matter how you adjust the steering wheel, you almost certainly have to crane your neck to see your speed. Not so with the T2; well done to Jetour for refining a concept that Peugeot cannot seem to get right.
The seats feel soft and supple, and both front seats are electronically adjustable. I like how you sink into them for about half an inch, after which they simply cuddle you in place. Jetour has also addressed one thing that Chinese cars often struggle with: offering proper hard buttons. You get buttons for all the air-conditioning controls, which is great because they are easily accessible.
Most other vehicle controls are located in layers of software within the infotainment system. Speaking of which, Jetour has nailed the software; it is well laid out, easy to understand, and simple to navigate. This is particularly important for those who are not tech-savvy. The rear seats are as comfortable as the front, while overall spaciousness is generous, making long-distance drives a breeze. The large panoramic roof adds a sense of occasion, while the fit, finish, and overall quality can match or perhaps even surpass that of an entry-level BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
How does it drive?
The Jetour T2 is powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged engine—the same unit that powers the Chery Tiggo 8. Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the powertrain sends 245PS and 375Nm of torque to all four wheels. Yes, this is an all-wheel-drive machine, but it is not as thirsty as you might expect.
Despite weighing 1,880kg, I saw a fuel consumption figure of 14km per litre, though to be fair, that was on the highway en route to Ipoh. In town, the figure drops drastically. A plug-in hybrid version is coming soon, which will be a welcome addition. The T2 has a massive 70-litre fuel tank, so you can travel quite a distance before needing to refuel, though when you do, it will have you thinking about your Budi 95 subsidy allocation quite quickly.
The T2 feels refined on the highway thanks to its double-glazed windows. This means the interior remains quiet even at high speeds, which is a feat considering the car has the aerodynamic efficiency of a loaf of bread. The suspension is also surprisingly good. The MacPherson struts and multi-links do a stellar job at soaking up imperfections on the road. This setup indicates that the car is road-biased with just enough off-road capability for light trails.
If I were asked to complain about one thing, it would be the turbo lag. There is a noticeable delay from the point you put your foot down to the point the engine responds, even in Sport mode. However, after two days, I learned to adjust my driving style to fit the character of the powertrain.
What about off-road capabilities?
The T2 comes with a number of driving modes, including Mud, Rock, and Sand. If you do light off-roading, the T2 works a charm. However, if you want something for hardcore off-roading, the T2 is not for you—simply because of how the vehicle is built. The T2 uses a unibody frame rather than body-on-frame construction. The latter is what you need for proper off-roading, which is why vehicles like the Toyota Hilux and Tank 300 are built that way.
A unibody frame prioritises on-road comfort, while a body-on-frame setup prioritises off-road ruggedness. If you spend most of your time on-road with the occasional gravel drive, the Jetour T2 is the SUV for you.
Should you buy one?
If you are in the market for a large, spacious SUV, you definitely should. The Jetour T2 has so much to offer at such a decent price that it is difficult to resist. Good looks are just part of the show; the Jetour T2 is much more than just a good-looking SUV. Definitely buy one, but if you want something that packs incredible efficiency as well, the plug-in hybrid variant should be worth the wait.
Specifications:
Engine: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged
Power: 245PS
Torque: 375Nm
Transmission: 7-speed DCT
Price: RM157,669
We like: Good looks, comfortable and spacious interior
We don’t like: Turbo lag takes some getting used to