Today's Edition
KUUMAR SHYAM (ABU DHABI)
Jetour, the brand of Chery for crossovers and SUV, has revealed its latest model, T2, with drivers in mind who seek the "urban adventure", it said at a test-drive and unveiling event in Dubai.
The rugged and desert terrain at Terra Solis on the Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road proved an ideal setting for the company to promote its first model in the bracket of an SUV with off-roading capacities and what it called XWD technology.
| Specs and features • 4-cylinder 2.0 Turbo-charged engine • 20-inch Alloy wheels • 70L Fuel tank capacity • LED Lighting • Swing-open Tailgate • Side Step • 15.6-inch display screen • 12-Speaker Sony Audio • Dual Climate Control |
Unlike its other SUV models X70, X90 and X95, this one is touted to have another mode beyond the Sport one.
Yet, expecting it to go dune bashing or even traversing desert hills may be asking for too much out of it. Ironically, the name T2 suggests a sequel to an existing model, but it is the first out of a pre-planned series built on the off-road platform.
Speaking to Aletihad, Jetour Assistant President Jack Chen said: "In its size, the T2 is more adorable and attractive, so demand for this is expected to be higher in this segment. For those looking for bigger sizes, there will be the T1, T3 and T5 which are also ready to roll out. The second reason is that we designed this off-roading platform on more advanced and mature technology, so we would like to offer this first."
"In the UAE, when you have to move from the smooth roads to a bit of a rough terrain, those who are unsure of going in 2WD or 4WD modes, can just opt for this one," said Cheng Jun, the product director at Jetour.
The car has an AI-enabled camera under the chassis, apparently a first, to help send data about the terrain to the computer of the car with 220mm ground clearance. Cheng responded positively to a question if the camera data helps in activating the XWD technology.
A squarish box profile with functional boot space contributes to the "adorable" design. Large bumpers, strong body cladding slotted roof rails, tailgate-mounted spare wheel and along with bead-lock wheel design mean business on the Jetour T2.
The exterior design resembles a couple of Jeep models and the Land Rover Defender rolled into one with rectangular LED lights and a front grill with branding almost similar to the later model. It is available in various colours with interior combinations of red, black or beige to match.
However, the confidence in the model by Jetour can be judged from the fact that there is a an impressive 10-year/one million kilometre warranty and a comprehensive three-year service package that is on offer.
The first six customers who had pre-booked the car were handed over the keys in a ceremony later in the evening at the venue. The Elite Cars in the UAE is the authorised distributor of Jetour in the UAE, and handles the sales and service.
