J5 signalled for early 2026 regional release.

IMPENDING regional availability of a further product from Chery’s Jaecoo sub-brand has been confirmed.

Set to avail from early 2026, the J5, compact sports utility in five-seater configuration, is similar in styling and outdoor focus to the J7 that began the Jaecoo roll out here last year.

It is set to challenge in China’s premium small SUV sector, with homeland rivals including the Geely EX5 electric that recently released here for $51,990 in base and $4000 dearer flagship.

Aside from rolling out with in a fully electric version, for which a 155kW/288Nm output from a single motor is claimed, two other petrol-involved powertrain options are in line for availability.

These involve a 1.5-litre, four-cylinder, offering either in isolation- with outputs of 108kW/210Nm - or with a series hybrid.

The electric model is the foil to the EX5, which has a single 160kW/320Nm electric motor fed by 60.22kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, and WLTP ranges of 410-430km, the entry spec having longer legs.

The J5 also has an LFP battery, of 60.9kWh capacity, and is good for just over 400kms’ range, according to testing to the WLTP scale.

DC fast charging, up to 80kW, can replenish the battery from 30-80 percent in just under half an hour. Vehicle to load functionality occurs with a specification offered to the current right hand drive market, the United Kingdom.

Other detail included in an announcement today are a luggage capacity of 480 litres with the rear seats in place, rising to 1284 litres when the 60-40 bench is lowered.

Overseas’ reports say the J5 is 4400mm long, 1900mm wide and 1620mm tall, has a 2620mm wheelbase and offers 180mm ground clearance. Towing capacity for the electric is 750kg.

Standard features include a 13.2-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8.0-inch digital driver’s cluster and a 6-speaker audio system.

In international trim the car has 18-inch alloy wheels, acoustic glass, a six speaker sound system (with in-car karaoke) and can be trimmed to include LED headlights, power tailgate, heated/ventilated electric front seats, panoramic sunroof, a gruntier stereo and configurable ambient lighting.