JAECOO J5 SHS-H

Inside, the Jaecoo J5 SHS-H features a minimalist cabin, which looks and feels very solidly-built for its asking price. It offers plenty of room for five passengers and an impressive 480-L minimum trunk space, which can expand up to 1,180 liters. Its eco-leather polyurethane fabric seats are plush and very ergonomic. It is also important to mention that these seats are scratch-resistant, allowing you to bring your fur babies (pets) on road trips without worry. 

Upfront, the driver gets a digital instrument cluster and a two-spoke steering wheel with multiple controls. For entertainment and information accessibility, the higher-spec Luxury features a 13.2-inch touchscreen “Waterfall” display that is equipped with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and is linked to an 8-speaker Sony Sound System. On the other hand, the base Comfort gets the 9-inch version of the same display.

For more convenience and functionality, this SUV also comes with a 50-W wireless charging pad, multiple USB ports, a 12V outlet, and more than 35 storage spaces all around the cabin. However, only the Luxury variant also gets a panoramic sunroof for that more premium interior feel overall.

In terms of dimensions, both variants of the Jaecoo J5 SHS-H are 4,380 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,650 mm in height. This SUV also comes with a 2,620-mm wheelbase and a 176-mm minimum ground clearance.

Right off the bat, it is hard not to notice that the Jaecoo J5 SHS-H resembles its bigger cousin, the J7 SHS. Upfront, the J5 SHS-H flaunts the brand’s waterfall chrome grille, which proudly displays the “JAECOO” lettering. It sports confident-looking “Mountain Road” LED headlamps, which give its facade an imposing look.

On the sides, its SUV frame looks robust and elegant at the same time. It runs on dynamic-looking 18-inch alloy wheels. Additionally, a sharp body line that spans the entire length of the car adds more detail to its overall silhouette. 

Similar to its front end, its rear is also illuminated by “Mountain Road” LED tail lamps, which give it a unique, modern design from the back. Both variants come with a power tailgate, which is impressive for its price point.

The Jaecoo J5 SHS-H utilizes a suspension combination of a MacPherson Strut at the front and a Multi-Link at the rear. For an SUV, the J5 SHS-H is nimble to maneuver and light to bring on a daily basis. It also offers good absorption of bumps and other road imperfections. However, since its suspension is tuned more for comfort, its steering can get a bit too light when driving at higher speeds. Hence, it would be advisable to hit sharp turns or corners with extra precaution when driving this vehicle.

The Jaecoo J5 SHS-H runs on the brand’s Super Hybrid System that combines a 1.5L turbocharged engine with a single electric motor, which is powered by a 1.83-kWh battery pack. Combined, its powertrain delivers 221 hp, 295 Nm of torque, and a 980-km range. This SUV comes mated to a dedicated hybrid transmission system and utilizes a front-wheel drivetrain.

With all of these in mind, its hybrid system offers a peppy, linear power delivery. It is punchy and smooth on the highway. Even at high speeds, its cabin remains peaceful and refined thanks to its great NVH suppression system. And, on top of this, it boasts impressive efficiency, offering an 18.9 kmpl fuel consumption. 

Safety is one of the strongest suits of the Jaecoo J5-SHS. It showcases an ADAS suite with 18 functions, which includes adaptive cruise control, traffic jam assist, autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, integrated cruise assist, and intelligent speed assistance to name a few. The Luxury trim also gets a 360-degree camera, front parking sensors, blind spot detection, and lane change assist among others.

Additionally, its front and rear disc brakes are also supported by an anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, and a vehicle stability control system.

In my opinion, the Jaecoo J5 SHS-H is currently one of the locally-available hybrid vehicles that deliver the most value for money. It is versatile, feature-rich for its price, and designed to meet the evolving needs of modern fur parents.