Jetour T2 4x4 Odyssey driving review

Jetour is yet another badge from the Chery Automobile stable. The brand has been represented locally for a bit, but its only since the arrival of the T2 has it joined the mainstream conversation.

Jetour slipped into the SA new car market about two years ago with the X70 and Dashing. We’ve had no experience with either, but their relative lack of popularity versus the likes of similar products from GWM and other Chery Group brands, leads us to believe that they just don’t offer enough differentiation for potential new car buyers to take a gamble on the newcomer.

Getting Noticed

However, all that changed with the arrival of its T series models. More specifically, the T2 (no relation to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s sci-fi movie character). The two newer models arrived with a completely new, boxy appearance that would hardly lead you to believe that the T-series is related to its siblings. The T2, in particular, got people interested from day one. In fact, we received many inquiries from friends and family keen to know if the T2 is a worthy alternative.

The squared-off appearance and chunky aesthetic applied to its exterior are more than little reminiscent of a certain British off-roader… probably not be accident either. We appreicate that the theme has been carried throughout, from the square headlamps and lower bumper to the wide grille (lit up on this range-topper, to the handles on the bonnet, chunky fenders and rear-mounted spare tyre, it all screams take me off-road. And the appearance is a large part of its appeal.

Continuing the theme

Stepping up into the cabin reveals that the designers of the exterior and interior were very much on the same brief. The T2 maintains the square-off and rugged aesthetic. There are chunky door handles, grips on the A-pillar, an oversized gear selector and rotary drive-mode selector. There is, of course, the now (almost) standard dual digital screens. The one ahead of the driver is neatly integrated into the facia.

A larger 15,6-inch unit (larger than most laptop displays) sits proud of the facia. This touchscreen interface is the interaction point for the infotainment system. Among hosting many controls, it is has the usual smartphone connectivity along with physical connectivity through USB-A and -C ports. Thankfully, Jetour’s designers have left a fair number of physical buttons in play. Included are the all-important climate controls, which are sited on a ledge below the touchscreen. This means there is no dangerous menu-diving required to raise or lower the cabin temp or fan speed.

In this, range-leading, Odyssey version there are a number of additional features over and above what other T2’s offer. These include a premium Sony audio system, electrically adjustable seats, a 540-degree camera system, a panoramic sunroof along a suite of safety systems.

Space Aplenty

The cabin could easily accommodate four adults with ease as there is plenty of head- and knee-room for front and rear-seat occupants. Incidentally, the seats are covered in a soft synthetic leather which feels like the real deal. Jetour claims an impressive 580 litres of boot volume. That figure comes, in part, from the spare wheel that is mounted outside the rear door (more off-road-y cues) instead of under the boot board where many other SUVs house a spare tyre.

Not quite frugal

The T2 4×4 Odyssey is powered by a 2,0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. It makes a healthy 180 kW and 375 N.m of twist effort. A seven-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four corners. Yep, as you may have guessed from the name, this derivative is a 4×4. Perhaps it is the full 4×4 system that hinders the T2’s overall fuel consumption. The company claims 9,3 L/100 km. Try as we may we could not dip below 10,7.

Sadly, the T2 suffers the same calibration issues as other products from its home market, that of poor throttle mapping. The top of the gas pedal’s travel as very little to no power, feed in more and more to get going and suddenly a big slug of torque is unleashed sometimes with an unwanted flurry of embarrassing wheelspin.

The off-road hardware includes chunky tyres, an electronic limited-slip differential on the rear axle, a multi-mode terrain select system and a Crawl Control Mode for low-speed off-roading. A handy 220 mm of ground clearance also helps matters somewhat. While it lacks a low-range mode and proper locking diffs’ we doubt most T2 buyers are ever going to venture beyond a rough gravel road.

Thanks, in part, to those chunky tyres and soft-ish springs, the T2 has an agreeable ride quality, although the noise isolation from the suspension could be improved. Steering feel is largely missing, though the helm is light and a breeze to use, regardless of the scenario.

Summary

The Jetour T2 burst onto the SA new car market in a way that few of its countrymen did. The boxy SUV was on many folks’ radar from the first time they laid eyes on it, even before sliding behind the wheel. When Jetour announced pricing, queues started to form. In fact, from the word go about 500 T2s have flown off showroom floors PER MONTH. That is the sort of number some brands would kill for in a year.

Considering the appealing appearance, high-level of standard specification, decent ride quality and ultra-competitive pricing, it’s not difficult to understand why the T2 has been such a runaway sales success. Issues relating to iffy throttle mapping and high fuel consumption seem not to be that big of an issue to the 5 000-odd owners of this SUV.

Model: Jetour T2 4×4 Odyssey
Price: R679 900
Engine: 2,0-litre inline-four, turbocharged
Transmission: seven-speed DCT, AWD
Max power: 180 kW
Max torque: 375 N.m
Top speed: 180 km/h
0-100 km/h: ~8 sec
Fuel consumption: 9,3 L/100 km claimed (10,7 as reviwed)