Jaecoo J7 PHEV Achieves 5-Star Safety Rating

ANCAP has awarded a five-star safety rating to plug-in hybrid variants of the Jaecoo J7 small SUV, based on testing of left-hand drive models by Euro NCAP. Petrol variants remain unrated.

In Adult Occupant Protection testing, the J7 achieved an overall score of 81 per cent. 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 rearpassenger 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.

The J7 achieved a score of 85 per cent for child occupant protection. Good levels of protection were observed for the six-year-old and 10-year-old child occupants in the frontal offset test, except for the neck of the 10-year-old dummy where protection was 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 the rear outboard seats as standard,and most child restraints available in Australia were able to be fitted. A direct childpresence detection system is fitted as standard, but it did not meet ANCAP’sperformance requirements and was not eligible for points.

Active safety-wise, the J7’s autonomous emergency braking system, which candetect and respond to pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and other vehicles wasassessed as good.

The J7 achieved a score of 80 per cent for vulnerable road user protection and 84per cent for safety assist.

A cyclist dooring warning system is fitted and this provided an information alert forthe driver, but did not sound early enough to meet ANCAP scoring thresholds.

The J7’s lane support functionality, including emergency lane keeping and lane keepassist, 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 speedsign recognition and an adaptive cruise control system to help the driver maintain the correct speed. A direct driver monitoring system is fitted as standard and metANCAP’s criteria for detecting driver drowsiness.“

Jaecoo has achieved solid results in its first ANCAP assessment, demonstratinggood levels of occupant protection,” said Carla Hoorweg, Chief Executive Officer ofANCAP. “It’s positive to see new market entrants delivering both safety andalternative powertrain choices.”