Jetour, Chery’s sub-brand, is preparing to unleash a new rugged SUV that will face off against the incoming Tank 300 from GWM.

If you’ve never heard of the Jetour brand it’s probably because it’s a relatively new Chery sub-brand established in 2018 with a focus on luxury SUVs and crossovers primarily sold in Asia, the Middle East and South America.

As you might already know, Chery’s local range of SUVs including the Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro, Tiggo 8 Pro and the range-topping Tiggo 8 Pro Max have been selling up a storm in Mzansi.

However, the latest news to come from the Chinese firm is that Jetour will soon introduce a rival to the incoming Tank 300, which is due to arrive in South Africa in the middle of 2023.

While there are no plans currently confirmed to introduce the Jetour brand in South Africa, as we’ve seen in the recent past, nothing is impossible!

What is the Jetour T-1?

The Jetour T-1 is base don the 2022 T-X Concept.

The Jetour T-1 is based on the T-X Concept shown early in 2022 but Chery’s sub-brand is now preparing to reveal the final production version at the upcoming Shanghai Auto Show according to Chinese media.

The camouflaged images of the Jetour T-1 you see here show a boxy and rugged design in the same vein as the Tank 300, which shares design inspiration from the Ford Bronco (which is not destined for South Africa).

Details are fairly thin at this point but an Australian report suggests that the Jetour T-1 will come to market in both 5- and 7-seater guise with a length of 4.8 and 5 metres respectively.

As for powertrains, buyers will have the choice of turbocharged petrol engines (1.6L, 2.0L and 3.0L) with 4-wheel-drive and a differential lock as well as Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) and in EV guise (dual motor AWD). Further powertrain details are expected to be revealed at the Shanghai Auto Show.

But that’s not all, Jetour has also hinted that it will bring new bakkie products to market in the future too, presumably built on the same Kunlun architecture that will underpin the T-1. A Jetour bakkie to rival the new Ford Ranger and Toyota Hilux? Is another market upset on the horizon?

As for the interior of the Jetour T-1, you can expect to see upmarket finishes, luxurious even, with a full smattering of driver assistance features.

We will keep our eye on this developing story as it happens…

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