Launched: Jetour Dashing – 2 Variants, From RM109,800

The Jetour Dashing C-SUV was officially launched earlier today with two variants on offer - 'Comfort' and 'Prime'.

At long last, after endless teasing and much speculation since its first public showing last year at the Malaysia Auto Show 2024, followed by the long-awaited local brand network establishment earlier this year, the new Jetour Dashing was officially launched earlier today.

As a refresher, Jetour is one of several sub-brands that exists within the massive Chery Auto Group from China. Essentially, the Jetour brand is not too dissimilar from Chery’s Jaecoo marque whereby it presents itself with a more ‘premium’ and ‘upmarket’ edge.

Locally, the Jetour marque is distributed and managed by Jetour Malaysia, which is a separate and independent entity from Chery Auto Malaysia.

Locally, the brand is distributed by Jetour Malaysia, which is a separate and independent entity from Chery Auto Malaysia. Back to the Jetour Dashing that just launched earlier today and, predictably, things look promising to say the least.

Two variants are on offer, those being the base ‘Comfort’ and a higher-end ‘Prime’ trimlines. Both are set apart easily by difference in their kit list, but they generally share the same appearance. Shared across both too are the five exterior paintjob choices – black, grey, green, white, and red.

The Jetour Dashing Prime variant previewed locally earlier this year. Note the sharp coupe-like styling plus notable touches like the flushed door handles, distinct all-LED lighting pattern, and more.

We’ve detailed the Jetour Dashing from its last two previews prior, but it’s worth refreshing you that this Sino-badged C-SUV has a respectable footprint – it sits 4,590 MM long with a 2,720 MM wheelbase, 1,900 MM wide, and 1,685 MM tall.

Notable too is this C-SUV’s distinctively dashing (all puns intended) styling. Key touches here include the all-LED split DRL and headlights arrangement up front, massive front grille integrated into the front bumper, sharp LED taillight cluster, sleek and sporty coupe-like silhouette, ‘flushed’ door handles, as well as 18-inch (Comfort) and 19-inch (Prime) two-tone wheels.

Mechanically, the Dashing employs a familiar 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol mill paired with a 6-speed DCT automatic box, the former driving the front wheels with 156 PS and 230 NM outputs.

Mechanically, the Dashing harnesses a familiar 1.5-litre 4-cyl turbo petrol lump that put out 156 PS and 230 NM to the front wheels (FWD) via a 6-speed dual-clutch (DCT) automatic box. Typically, this setup promises a balance between performance and efficiency when propelling its claimed 1,513 KG (Comfort) and 1,553 KG (Prime) kerb heft figures.

 On bord, both variants share plenty of common basic amenities, namely the black-red leather upholstery, dual 10.25-inch digital displays, heated and ventilated front seats, 50-watt wireless charging pad, USB-C and USB-A charging ports, as well as keyless entry and ignition, amongst many.

Both Comfort and Prime variants will feature red-black leather upholstery on board, but the latter gets more premium amenities and features primed.

Notably, both wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is present in the touchscreen infotainment half of the displays mentioned. There’s also an automatic dual-zone climate control suite primed, which even boasts intelligent voice command powered by the infotainment mentioned.

Opt for the higher-specced Prime guise and the kit list sees a slew of exclusive additions and upgrades. Highlights include a panoramic sunroof, cabin ambient lighting, a 6-speaker audio suite (vs. 4-speaker in the Comfort), power-adjustable driver and passenger seats (powered driver seat only in the Comfort), as well as a reclinable second row backrest, to name a few.

We should point out that despite claims of packing ADAS features, neither variants of the Jetour Dashing offers semi-autonomous driving abilities.

However, the real difference between the two variants stem from the standard safety features primed. The range-topping Prime benefits with added ADAS features, namely a 360-degree surround view parking assist plus transparent chassis view, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), Door Open Warning (DOW), and Lane-Change Warning (LCW).

We’ll point out that despite claiming to pack ADAS features in its range-topping Prime guise, the Jetour Dashing does NOT deliver any semi-autonomous driving abilities. 

As for basic safety, both variants appear fully-loaded on this front with things like airbags, ABS brakes, traction (TCS) and stability control (ESC) suites, Hill Hold Control (HHC), not forgetting a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

As for price, the Jetour Dashing starts from RM109,800. Additionally, Jetour Malaysia is offering the first 500 customers with a RM2,000 rebate too.

Lastly, in terms of price and warranties, the Jetour Dashing in Comfort trimline commands RM109,800, whereas the higher-specced Prime variant is tagged at RM116,800. Notably, in conjunctuon with today's launch, Jetour Malaysia is offering RM2,000 rebate for the first 500 customers.

Included the stated price is a 7-year or 150,000 KM base vehicle warranty, along with the offer of five times free service (labour and parts), as well as a rather unusual but convincing 10-year or 1 Million KM engine warranty.

Well, what do you folks reckon with the Jetour Dashing then? Does it have enough chops to sway you away from other bargain basement C-SUV choices like the face-lifted Proton X70? Or perhaps either the recently launched MG HS or the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro? Share your take in the comments below…