The rapid rise of Chinese automakers has been unsettling legacy car brands for a while now, but if there is one vehicle that should really be making product planners in the US, Germany, Japan, and Korea sit up in alarm, it is the Jaecoo J6.

The sheer speed at which Chery Automobile Co. Ltd. has brought this SUV to market is staggering. The Jaecoo brand was only announced at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023, alongside the concept version of this very model.

Yet, in just ten months, the production-ready Jaecoo J6 (also known as the Chery iCar 03) was already rolling into showrooms. That is an almost unheard-of turnaround in the industry.  

Let’s find out what the fuss is all about.

This looks fantastic

At a glance, the Jaecoo J6 is compact, muscular, and unmistakably rugged. The boxy silhouette is reminiscent of a Suzuki Jimny, being about the same length as a Toyota RAV4.

Its squared-off wheel arches and wheels have been pushed further to the corners, creating a taut and well-proportioned stance that exudes a “urban adventurer” appeal.

If Land Rover’s designers are not already paying attention, they should be.

It gets better on the inside 

Chinese automakers have been rapidly improving their interior designs, and the J6 fares well with nice upholstery, metallic accents, and wood-like inserts.

The airy greenhouse effect from the large windows makes the cabin feel even more spacious, and while the J6 is not a massive SUV, it certainly does not feel cramped.  

There are no glaring cost-cutting measures, no cheap plastics that feel like they might crack in a year, and no ill-fitting panels that betray its price point. In fact, its interior refinement would not feel out of place in vehicles costing twice as much.   

The J6’s 15.6-inch dashboard-mounted touchscreen is another highlight, although its resolution is not quite as sharp as some competitors.

Drive modes can be accessed via a central knob, and cubby spaces are abundant for all of your loose items.

Big on practicality

Unlike other EVs, the J6 does not have a front trunk (frunk), but it does feature a clever storage solution at the rear.

Instead of a spare tyre, there is a rugged backpack-like compartment mounted on the tailgate, perfect for storing dirty or wet gear.

Inside, the cargo floor is slightly high, but the second-row seats fold down flat to create a long cargo bay or sleeping space for two.

Keep the seats up, and you still have 450 litres of boot space to play around with.

Performance That Surprises  

For a car weighing almost 1.9 tonnes, the Jaecoo J6 moves with an unexpected liveliness. Its all-wheel-drive system is powered by a 275bhp electric motor, allowing it to rock the century sprint in just 6.5 seconds.

Handling-wise, it is equally surprising. One might expect a budget-friendly SUV to wallow through corners with the enthusiasm of a shopping trolley, but the J6 is surprisingly well-balanced. 

The traction control does kick in quite enthusiastically if you wring it too hard, but disable it and the J6 delivers fun in spades.

The low centre of gravity and smart weight distribution inherent to EV architecture also keeps it weighted on rough terrain, giving you added confidence to push harder.

Fun, redefined  

One of the biggest surprises about the Jaecoo J6 is how well-rounded it is. It is not just a cheap, high-spec alternative to Western SUVs, but genuinely delivers on multiple fronts.

It is attractively designed, packed with features, practical enough for daily life, and, crucially, drives far better than one might expect for its price. 

If this is what China’s car industry can produce in just ten months, the global SUV market is in for a serious shake-up.

Technical Specifications

Jaecoo J6

Powertrain: Dual Electric Motors, All-Wheel Drive
Power: 205 kW (275 bhp)
Torque: 385 Nm
Gearbox: Single-Speed (A)
0-100km/h: 6.5 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 150 km/h
Battery Capacity: 69.77 kWh
Drive Range: 342 km
Energy Consumption: 4.2 km/kWh (claimed)

Price: S$192,888 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Omoda Jaecoo Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Now serving as Vice President and General Manager of Design at Chery Automobile Co. Ltd, he’s at the helm of a brand that’s rapidly evolving from a regional contender to a global innovator.

Our conversation with Mr Eum delved into his career, Chery’s remarkable growth, and the company’s plans for electrifying the roads of Singapore and beyond.

Chery’s Meteoric Rise

Founded in 1997, Chery started as a state-owned venture in Wuhu, Anhui Province. With a vision to make cars for the Chinese middle class, it quickly gained traction through innovative models and a focus on affordability without compromising quality. Chery’s name, derived from the Chinese phrase “奇瑞” (meaning auspicious and prosperous), proved prophetic.

One of Chery’s pivotal moments was its commitment to exports. In 2001, it became the first Chinese carmaker to export vehicles, eventually reaching over 80 countries and regions. Chery has since exported more than 2.8 million vehicles globally, making it China’s largest passenger vehicle exporter for 20 consecutive years.

By 2023, Chery was producing over 1.5 million vehicles annually, with a significant portion being electric.

Its focus on technological advancement has earned it accolades, such as its inclusion in the Global Top 500 Most Valuable Brands and recognition for its ACTECO engines, which have won numerous awards for efficiency and reliability.

Shaping Automotive Design For The Future

Steve Eum’s journey in automotive design began with a fascination for problem-solving. He honed his craft at major international brands like General Motors, Hyundai, and Kia, gaining a reputation for combining creativity with technical rigour.

“A car is more than just transportation,” Eum explained. “It’s a reflection of our values, aspirations, and even our culture.”

When Eum joined Chery, the brand was already on the rise but lacked a clear global design identity. “Our first task was to create a cohesive design language that was unmistakably Chery,” he shared.

Under Eum’s leadership, Chery introduced its now-iconic design philosophy, “Life in Motion,” a principle inspired by the fluidity of nature and human movement. This ethos has been evident in recent models like the Tiggo 8 Pro.

A Vision For The Future

Steve Eum highlighted Chery’s strategic approach to EVs. “We’re not just making electric cars for the sake of it. Every model is designed to solve real-world challenges,” he explained. 

Chery is also pushing boundaries in autonomous driving. Through partnerships with tech giants like Huawei, it has developed Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous systems, which are being tested in various markets, including Asia and Europe. “Our goal is to democratize technology, making features like autonomous parking and adaptive cruise control accessible to more people,” said Eum.

For a nation like Singapore, where environmental consciousness and urban mobility are top priorities, Chery’s vision aligns perfectly. The government’s push for electrification, including plans to phase out internal combustion engines by 2040, creates fertile ground for Chery’s EV offerings.

Singapore’s consumers have already shown an appetite for Chery’s vehicles, with models like the Omoda E5 and Jaecoo J7.

Chery and Singapore

Steve Eum’s career and Chery’s evolution are a study in synergy. Both are proof that ambition, paired with a willingness to innovate, can lead to extraordinary results.

As our conversation wrapped up, Eum left us with a thought that summed up both his philosophy and Chery’s mission: “Great design isn’t about standing out; it’s about fitting in – into people’s lives, their dreams, their world.”

With leaders like Steve Eum at the wheel, that future looks incredibly promising.

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Not bad for two fresh faces in the automotive world, both of which are backed by Chery. From Europe to Southeast Asia, Omoda & Jaecoo have been busy proving that they’re here to stay.

Omoda & Jaecoo’s expansion strategy has its share of calculated risk and bold moves. Starting in Spain, the brands have launched in Italy, Poland, and most recently, Hungary. 

Each entry into a new market has been accompanied by an enthusiastic reception, with events like the recent launch of Omoda 5 in Hungary drawing in political figures, celebrities, and industry insiders.

The Jaecoo 7, introduced in Spain as a plug-in hybrid, showcased its advanced tech and eco-friendly capabilities, earning high praise. Meanwhile, test drives in Italy and Poland have given prospective buyers a taste of what’s to come.

Omoda & Jaecoo are also starting to find a devoted following in Southeast Asia. The recent arrival of the Omoda E5 and Jaecoo 6 in Thailand has sparked interest, and in the Philippines, the first units of Omoda 5 have rolled into port.

Certain individuals have also started building communities, like the J-Club in Malaysia, where like-minded car enthusiasts gather together to share their passion. And with the milestone of Omoda & Jaecoo’s 15,000,000th vehicle rolling off the production line in Malaysia soon, they’re showing the world that they’re not slowing down anytime soon.

Omoda has already made its way into Singapore, and it will be soon joined by its sister company Jaecoo.

Official sources have mentioned that the Jaecoo 6 and 7 will be arriving first, followed by the Jaecoo 8 and then Jaecoo 5. These vehicles will join the existing lineup of cars, which for now only includes the Omoda E5.

With an eye on the future, the Omoda 5 and Jaecoo 7 are now contenders for the 2025 World Car of the Year. The Omoda 5 already boasts five-star safety ratings from both European and Australian NCAP standards.

Similarly, the Jaecoo 7 is garnering praise for its versatility, strength, and visual appeal, earning nominations as a top family car in countries like Mexico and Belgium.

At the recent Omoda & Jaecoo International User Summit, we also saw the Jaecoo J7 put through an endurance test, with a 1,300 km international marathon challenge to test its ultra-long range. Safe to say, all of them completed the journey with ease.

As they continue their rapid global expansion, Omoda & Jaecoo’s open and innovative spirit is opening new doors. With each new market they enter, they’re taking their mission of “more than cars” to heart, creating vehicles that resonate with today’s drivers in ways that go beyond the ordinary.

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We wrung the cars over a variety of obstacles,  including an asphalt gymkhana course and some challenging off-road terrain.

The event, part of the OMODA & JAECOO International User Summit, showcased everything from pure electric to hybrid power.

The cars we tried will also eventually make their way into the Singapore market, giving us first-hand insights into what can we expect from these two brands.

Held at the WuHu Longshan Testing Ground, the on-road test drives mainly focused on the Jaecoo J5 and J8.

Even though we didn’t get to try out the electric variant of the J5, the plug-in hybrid version performed amicably. The Chery staff have also assured us that what we saw in the hybrid version (at least for the interior) was going to be identical to the EV variant.

The Jaecoo J5 will most likely make its debut in Q3 of 2025. We did a deeper dive into the car in another article, check it out here.

To showcase the toughness of their range of models, Chery also allowed us to try out the cars on a mixed dirt course.

After we were done, the Jaecoo J6, J7 and J8 were caked in mud, but each car offered an enjoyable and different experience on the course.

A special shoutout goes to the J6, whose dual electric motors meant that you could effortlessly hoon it around the loose mud, sideways even. This model is essentially an electric answer to the Suzuki Jimny, and its retro-futuristic boxy looks make it stand out amongst its siblings.

This model would see Singapore shores in Q4 of 2024 alongside the J7. The Jaecoo J8 will follow suit shortly after, arriving in Q2 of 2025.

The Jaecoo J7 and J8 follow more traditional SUV styling, and both feature a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) platform that promises better efficiency.

The main difference between the two is size; the J7 is a 5-seater, while the J8 can be had in either a 7 or 6-seater with captain chairs.

Regardless of which model we drove, all featured modern tech in the cabin, nice materials, and refined powertrains.

Safe to say, Omoda and Jaecoo would have quite the lineup once these vehicles make their way into the showroom.

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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After a spell of anticipation heightened by teasers, Chery Automobile has officially marked its return to Singapore. This re-entry was spearheaded under the familiar guidance of Vertex Automobile.

The curtains were lifted on the evening of Tuesday, 23 May 2024, at the new Omoda-Jaecoo showroom at 3 Ubi Road 4. This event, attended by media members and select customers, also celebrated the launch of Chery’s first new model in Singapore after ten years – the all-electric Omoda E5.

The newly inaugurated facility is Chery’s ambitious drive for a substantial global presence through its two promising brands: Omoda and Jaecoo.

Serena Wong, General Manager of Vertex Automobile Singapore, highlighted that this showroom is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia dedicated to these brands, crafted to reflect the Omoda-Jaecoo brand ethos.

The design of the showroom is a nod to the future, with its digital walls and expansive open spaces, designed to resonate with the youthful spirit both brands embody.

While Jaecoo is gearing up to attract adventurers with rugged SUVs suitable for off-roading, Omoda will likely charm the urbanites with its sleek, city-ready vehicles.

Focusing on the Omoda E5, this vehicle exudes a design philosophy dubbed ‘Art in Motion’, which Chery claims is visually manifested through its sleek lines and innovative lighting.

Its interior sports a 24.6-inch curved screen that dominates the dashboard, offering twin 10.25-inch displays for both the infotainment system and driver’s instruments.

The Omoda E5 is equipped with an electric motor that delivers 201bhp and 340Nm of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 100km/h in just 7.6 seconds. It’s supported by a 61kWh battery that promises up to 430km of range on a single charge, making it both efficient and practical.

Stay tuned for the reveal of more models, including the anticipated Jaecoo J7. With doors now open to the public, the Omoda-Jaecoo showroom at 3 Ubi Road 4 is ready to welcome anyone curious to explore what Chery has to offer.

The starting price for the Omoda E5 stands at $179,888, inclusive of COE (at the time of writing).

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Vertex Automobile has recently forged a new partnership with Chery International. The signing event, which happened on 30th November 2023, solidified Chery’s comeback into Singapore.

With this partnership, Vertex now has exclusive distribution rights for Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo electric vehicles in Singapore.

The event was graced by a roster of esteemed guests, including Mr Yin Tong Yue, Chairman of Chery Group, Mr Zhang Gui Bing, General Manager of Chery International and Mr Shan Xiang Qian, Vice Governor of Ann Hui.

Through the partnership, Vertex aims to expedite Singapore’s shift towards a greener, more sustainable future by spearheading the integration of more electric vehicles into the nation’s car population.

The Omoda 5 EV has been teased for quite some time, and it is finally arriving on our shores in Q1 of 2024. The Jaecoo brand is set to follow suit at a later date.

Vertex will soon be opening their new showroom too, so prospective customers can head down and view the new electric range.

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