THE ALL-NEW JETOUR DASHING: A 5-SEATER SUV TAILORED FOR CITY LIFE WITH AN EMPHASIS ON STYLE

I have had the privilege of having the Dashing for 10 days in which time I covered around 2000km on our roads. I was not expecting the excellence or the comfort during our family trip from Gauteng to the Kwa-Zulu South coast. Our trip was originally planned for Kruger Park but since we could not get any air-conditioned units for our stay during this extreme period of heat waves we opted for the South Coast.

We have had our two dogs, our cat and the kitchen sink (not really) in the fully laden Dashing. I was really not sure whether the 15. Litre engine was going to handle this load and still give us good fuel consumption, especially on the return run.

Before I continue to give you the outcome of the trip lets look at what the Dashing really gives you.

Designed to redefine the modern driving experience, the Jetour DASHING is now available in nearly 40 dealerships nationwide. This new 5-seater SUV brings affordable luxury to South African consumers, priced very competitively starting with the Momentum model at R439 900 and the Deluxe model at R469 900.

Known for its technology, fashion, and youthfulness, the Jetour DASHING boasts dynamic, fluid lines and a forward-thinking design concept, recently winning "Best Design" at the Egypt Car of the Year Awards for 2024.

Its dynamic front and bold split-type LED headlights, combined with a sleek coupe-like profile and muscular contours, create a seamless fusion of power and elegance. Inside, the DASHING offers a perfect harmony of luxury and practicality. The minimalist, streamlined layout, paired with intuitive control placement, ensures that every detail is designed to enhance both aesthetics and functionality.

Available in seven different colours, including Onyx Black, Crimson Red, Glacier White and Slate Grey, the DASHING abandons the traditional family-oriented appearance, adopting a new inter-generational design language. 

Merging dynamic performance, intuitive technology and premium functionality, the DASHING is perfect for navigating through busy Mzansi traffic or taking extended road trips.  It is equipped with a turbocharged 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol engine, delivering 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque to the front wheels through a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The reported combined fuel consumption is 7.8 L/100 km. (Our consumption came to 8.3 L/100km).

The Jetour DASHING integrates pioneering technology and mechanical aesthetics to meet the demands of a new generation of consumers who pursue new technologies and unique experiences. It is equipped with industry-standard voice recognition, Bluetooth connection, remote engine start, and other infotainment features to enhance both convenience and driving pleasure.

This urban SUV’s advanced safety features offer unwavering certainty. Intuitive technology, combined with intelligent safety systems, work tirelessly to anticipate potential hazards and respond accordingly, including ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, traction control system, hill-hold control, hill-descent control, ISOFIX child-seat anchors and tyre-pressuring monitoring System.

The DASHING features 4 airbags as standard, with the additional side-curtain airbags on the Deluxe model.

 The Deluxe model is also equipped with a panoramic glass sunroof, 8-colour ambient interior lighting, extra speakers, automatic rain sensors, electric front passenger seat adjustment, a 360-degree parking assist system, and a range of enhanced driver-assistance features.

Jetour offers a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty, along with a 5-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and a 5-year/60 000 km service plan. Adding to this attractive new offer is Jetour South Africa’s comprehensive after sales strategy, with R100 million in parts already stocked at Jetour’s head office in Midrand, Johannesburg.

Jetour’s long-term strategy is to be the automotive brand with the deepest understanding of travel, along with excellent off-road capabilities, world class safety and ample space for travel with family and friends. The Jetour DASHING is set to deliver an unparalleled SUV experience to consumers both locally and around the globe.

Well, what was our experience like.

The overall finishing and quality of material was very good as was the comfort and enjoyability of the Dashing. The armrest cubbyhole was cooled and ensured Annelize’s milk for her coffee remained fresh. For those that knows the route from Gauteng to the coast will know what lovely twists and turns can be had to really test a vehicles roadholding, stance and sure footedness. The Dashing excelled in all of these aspects. Where I did get irritated was the constant hunting for gears even on timid uphill stretches. Using the paddles and sports mode made no difference at all. Where I was really impressed is on our way back and climbing the hills at Pietermaritzburg, the Dashing just sailed past vehicles much more powerful than itself.

Yes, there is a few things I would love to change like a bigger and better viewable infotainment screen, and more advanced radio. But given the price, the guarantees and the pleasure derived from driving the Dashing I believe it is an excellent choice for our cash strapped market.