New Jaecoo J7 achieves five-star safety rating

Plug-in hybrid variants of the new Small SUV have secured top marks, achieving a five-star ANCAP safety rating.

Petrol variants of the Jaecoo J7 are not currently covered by this rating.

Plug-in hybrid variants of the Jaecoo J7 add to the growing pool of alternative-powered models available in Australia and New Zealand.

Examining Adult Occupant Protection, 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 Good throughout, and the rear passenger neck and chest protection was 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% 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.” said ANCAP Chief Executive Officer, Carla Hoorweg.

The Jaecoo J7 achieved a score of 85% for Child Occupant Protection. Good levels of protection were observed for both the 6-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 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 were able to 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% for Vulnerable Road User Protection and 84% 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. 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.” said Ms. Hoorweg.

The ANCAP safety rating for the Jaecoo J7 applies to plug-in hybrid variants currently sold in Australia and New Zealand. Petrol variants are unrated. Full details on the performance of the Jaecoo J7 can be viewed here.