Plug-in hybrid variants of the Jaecoo J7 have added to the growing pool of alternative-powered models available in Australia and New Zealand.
The model recently received a five-star ANCAP rating.
Examining Adult Occupant Protection, ANCAP noted the front passenger compartment remained stable in the frontal offset (MPDB) crash test and provided “good” protection to most critical body regions, while protection of the driver’s chest and lower legs was “adequate”. A moderate risk posed to occupants of an oncoming vehicle led to a 4.29-point penalty in the MPDB compatibility assessment.
In the full width frontal test, driver protection was rated as “good throughout”, and the rear passenger neck and chest protection was deemed “adequate”.
During the oblique pole test, the side curtain airbag did not deploy correctly, catching on part of the interior trim. A penalty was subsequently applied to the scoring for both the oblique pole and side impact tests – crash scenarios in which the curtain airbag plays an important role.
Overall, the Jaecoo J7 achieved 81 per cent for Adult Occupant Protection.
“Jaecoo has achieved solid results in its first ANCAP assessment, demonstrating good levels of occupant protection. It’s positive to see new market entrants delivering both safety and alternative powertrain choices,” ANCAP chief executive officer, Carla Hoorweg, said.
The Jaecoo J7 achieved a score of 85 per cent for Child Occupant Protection. Good levels of protection were observed for both the six-year-old and 10-year-old child occupants in the frontal offset test, with the exception of the neck of the 10-year-old dummy where protection was as deemed “adequate”.
Maximum points were scored in the side impact crash test, with all critical body areas of both child dummies well protected.
ISOFix and top tether anchorages are fitted to rear outboard seats as standard, and most child restraints available in Australia and New Zealand could be fitted. A direct child presence detection (CPD) system is fitted as standard; however, it did not meet ANCAP's performance requirements and was not eligible for points.
Active safety-wise, the Jaecoo J7’s autonomous emergency braking (AEB) system, which can detect and respond to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists, other vehicles was assessed as “good”.
The Jaecoo J7 achieved a score of 80 per cent for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 84 per cent for Safety Assist.
A cyclist dooring warning system is fitted to the Jaecoo J7, and this provided an information alert for the driver, but did not sound early enough to meet ANCAP scoring thresholds.
The J7’s lane support functionality, including emergency lane keeping and lane keep assist performed well. It was noted however that the implementation of the lane keeping system could be improved to provide a better driver experience. The vehicle is also equipped with intelligent speed assistance incorporating speed sign recognition and an adaptive cruise control system to assist the driver maintain the correct speed. A direct driver monitoring system is fitted as standard and met ANCAP’s criteria for detecting driver drowsiness.
“As consumer expectations evolve, it’s encouraging to see new entrants like Jaecoo, a sub-brand of Chery, responding with technology that supports safer vehicles,” Hoorweg said.
“While the J7 meets many of ANCAP’s requirements for driver assistance systems, some improvements to the lane support system to enhance the J7’s on-road driving experience would further benefit owners.”