By: Charles Molefe
The Jetour Dashing, a new entrant in the South African SUV market, brings a blend of style, performance, and affordability to the table. Manufactured by Jetour, a subsidiary of the Chery Group, this midsize SUV has been designed to compete head-to-head with more established players while maintaining a competitive edge with its pricing. With a price tag ranging between R439,900 and R469,900, the Dashing is a solid contender for anyone looking for a capable, stylish vehicle that doesn’t break the bank.
Exterior Design.
At first glance, the Jetour Dashing stands out with its bold and modern exterior. The front end features an intricate grille design that is flanked by split LED headlights and dynamic daytime running lights. This setup creates a sharp, aggressive look that hints at the vehicle’s sporty nature. The roofline gently slopes to give the Dashing a coupe-like silhouette, while the sculpted side panels add an extra touch of muscle to the vehicle’s overall stance. The SUV is offered in a variety of colours, each designed to complement the vehicle’s modern styling, making it appeal to a wide range of tastes.
Interior Features.
Step inside the Dashing, and you’ll immediately appreciate the minimalist yet functional layout. The cabin feels spacious, with ample legroom for rear passengers and a generous boot capacity of 486 litres. The front seats are comfortable, offering an ideal driving position with a six-way electronically adjustable driver’s seat, and the quality of materials used throughout the interior gives it a premium feel for its class. In higher-spec models, you get added luxury features like a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting, creating a comfortable environment no matter the time of day. The attention to detail with the upholstery and finishes makes the interior feel refined and perfect for daily commutes or longer journeys.
Infotainment System.
The Dashing’s infotainment system is anchored by a dual-display setup, featuring two 10.25-inch screens. The system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring that users can stay connected while on the move. Although the system is generally responsive, it needs some improvement, the icons are a tad too small and that often causes the driver to lose focus on the road, however many of the climate controls are integrated into the touchscreen, which, while visually appealing, can prove a bit frustrating to operate whilst on the go.
Performance.
Under the hood, the Jetour Dashing boasts a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine that delivers a respectable 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, providing quick shifts and smooth acceleration, especially at lower speeds. Around town, the Dashing feels nimble and responsive, with enough punch to make overtaking effortless. However, some users have noted a slight hesitation in throttle response, particularly when starting from a standstill, which could be improved for a smoother driving experience. Despite its solid power output, fuel consumption is slightly higher than expected, with real-world figures often hovering closer to 9.7 litres per 100 km, which is a little on the thirsty side for its class.
Ride Quality.
On the road, the Jetour Dashing offers a surprisingly comfortable ride, especially considering its larger 19-inch wheels. The suspension is well-tuned, effectively absorbing most road imperfections without transmitting too much harshness into the cabin. It’s a vehicle that feels at home in urban environments, soaking up potholes and rough patches with ease. However, the size of the wheels might lead to higher tire replacement costs, which is something to consider if you’re looking to keep running costs low.
Safety Features.
Jetour hasn’t skimped on safety in the Dashing. The vehicle is equipped with a full suite of safety features, including ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, and hill-hold assistance. For additional peace of mind, the higher-spec models come with even more advanced features like lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and a 360-degree parking assist system. The inclusion of side-curtain airbags also adds to the overall safety profile, making it a reassuring choice for families.
Conclusion.
Overall, the Jetour Dashing presents an enticing package for those in the market for a midsize SUV. With its modern exterior, spacious and comfortable interior, solid performance, and a host of advanced safety features, it’s a well-rounded vehicle that punches above its weight. While it faces stiff competition from more established brands, the Dashing’s affordability, backed by an exceptional warranty, makes it an attractive proposition for budget-conscious buyers. If you’re after an SUV that offers good value for money without sacrificing style or features, the Jetour Dashing is certainly worth considering.
Features.
- 360-degree parking assist system.
- Automatic rain sensors.
- 8-colour ambient interior lighting.
- Panoramic glass sunroof.
- Electric front passenger seat adjustment.
Pricing
From: R439,900.
Warranty and Service.
The Dashing is backed by a robust warranty package, which includes a 5-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and a 5-year/60,000 km service plan. For those concerned about long-term reliability, Jetour offers a 10-year/1,000,000 km engine warranty for the first owner, which is an impressive offering in this price range and speaks volumes about the brand’s confidence in the Dashing’s durability.
Gottagged Rating.
7.8 / 10.
