This is a big win for the Chinese entrant in the automotive market down under, as the Jaecoo J7 plug-in hybrid has been awarded a five-star safety rating by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP), making the Jaecoo J7 PHEV and attractive choice for those after a safe car. The only exception is that little safety symbol, but unfortunately that’s only awarded to the hybrid at the moment – and the safety of the conventional powertrains remains an unanswered question for potential buyers.
The Hybrid’s Safety Success
The Super Hybrid System (SHS) version of the Jaecoo J7, a plug-in hybrid model, achieved an impressive result in ANCAP testing. As such it held an 81% overall score for Adult Occupant Protection; the frontal offset test showed that the cabin structure remained stable and that there was good protection for most of the critical body regions except the driver’s chest which got an “adequate” rating and lower legs which received marginal ratings.
It was not a problem-free assessment, though. The side curtain airbag did not deply properly in the oblique pole test and there was point’s penalty which travelled to the overall safety score. However, overall vehicle performance remained strong, and specifically, excellent in the full-width frontal and side impact tests.
Protection of the child occupant was another strong area, with the J7 SHS’ 85% performance in this category. It’s this all-encompassing safety package that has put the Jaecoo J7 plug-in hybrid ahead of four-star rivals in the same price bracket such as the MG ZS and Renault Symbioz.
Why Make a Fuss About Variants?
The disparity in safety rankings between hybrids and non-hybrids provides important considerations for consumers to ponder. ANCAP hasn’t revealed why the petrol-only models didn’t receive five stars, but some reasons are more probable than others.
SHS PHEV have substantial structural and mechanical differences compared with their non-hybrid relatives. The hybrid is significantly heavier (1,795kg as opposed to 1,563kg for petrols) and a much plushier suspension tune that makes it more comfortable for long distance trips. Such variations in weight distribution and suspension might have an impact on crashworthiness and occupant protection.
The PHEV model also gets changes to the exterior, featuring a new rear bumper and hidden exhausts rather than the exposed tips on petrol models. Inside, the center console has been shifted to accept hybrid powertrain controls.
These differences also mean crash test ratings for the hybrid can’t just be carried over to non-hybrid versions, and it’s unclear at this time how those models will fare in testing. That was the only part of the J7 to be tested and as Euro NCAP (the European equivalent of ANCAP) pointed out about its own testing of the J7, “This rating only applies to the plug-in hybrid model as it was the only version tested”.
The Safety Technology Package
Despite the rating difference, all Jaecoo J7 models are sold with a large number of safety technologies that demonstrate the brand’s dedication to passenger safety. On the safety front, all variants are fitted with eight airbags and 17 active driver-assistance systems (ADAS), which are claimed to be calibrated to local road conditions.
These features are important active safety systems such as FCW (Forward Collision Warning), AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking), ELK (Emergency Lane Keeping), and LDW (Lane Departure Warning). The Automatic Emergency Braking system can detect not only cars but also bikes and people, better protecting those on foot or two wheels.
Crash testers have specifically commended the hybrid SUV for its autonomous emergency braking system’s strong reactions to vehicles ahead, the flexibility of the lane support system and local speed limits being communicated to the driver at good speed by the speed assistance system.
Competitive Priorities and Market Position
The five star ANCAP safety rating places the Jaecoo J7 PHEV against long-term rivals of the significantly competitive mid-size SUV category. It isn’t bad going for a company that is rather fresh in many markets, helping to validate confidence in Chinese vehicle engineering.
This focus on safety is representative of Jaecoo’s overall game plan to provide potential customers with reasons to consider the new brand. The J7 also features an industry leading eight-year warranty, surpassing the seven years warranty by Chery, increasing the J7’s position within the premium market.
Strong hybrid credentials are matched by the J7 SHS’s impressive safety package. The powertrain enables the vehicle to perform very well as an EV, as a hybrid and as a traditional ICE car with very few, if any, compromises in any mode. It boasts a claimed 106kms of pure-electric range and a total range of up to 1200kms thanks to its 60L tank, which makes it practical as well as safe.
What This Means for Buyers
The difference in safety scores gives potential Jaecoo J7 customers a key factor to consider. Buyers who value the maximum in government-approved safety can also opt for the PHEV, which carries a verified five-star rating.
But potential buyers of the non-hybrid models need not be completely put off. The petrol powered Jaecoo J7 has even achieved a 5 Star Vehicle Safety Risk Rating (VSRR) in data released by the Monash University Accident Research Centre. Which implies that although they’re not yet officially ANCAP five-star rated, they include a lot of safety engineering.
Industry watchers predict the traditional petrol forms will also eventually be submitted to ANCAP testing. With the parent Chery brand having achieved five-star ratings in the past, some experts believe that “anything less would be a shock result given the premium positioning of the brand”.
Looking Forward
Jaecoo is expanding into new markets, and the five-star safety announcement of H60 is a key milestone.H60 is Jaecoo’s flagship model, use hybrid power. The feat proves that newer Chinese car brands are capable of reaching, or exceeding, the very high safety levels set by better-known makes.
For the Jaecoo J7 range in its entirety, the next hurdle is to achieve safety equivalent ratings across all versions. Until then, the plug-in hybrid model continues to represent the embodiment of Mazda’s commitment to safety excellence, fusing the latest in electrification and the highest level of passenger and pedestrian protection.
The design success of the J7 SHS in crash tests is indicative of a wider trend of higher quality and increased engineering sophistication for Chinese auto makers. As these marques develop and perfect their wares, established makers could soon have much more capable rivals, not only on price and specification, but on the very basics of car design too, including safety.