I couldn't help but admire Chery SA's bravery at the launch of the J2 B-segment hatchback earlier this week. Parked alongside examples of the Chinese company's newest (and best, but we'll get to that) vehicle were examples of the Volkswagen Polo Vivo and Toyota Etios (both representing the budget-B-segment), and Kia Rio and Hyundai i20 (there to show why the more expensive hatches sell as well as they do). The company had gone out and bought these vehicles and then allowed motor scribes to drive them for comparison purposes. Now, the Vivo is South Africa's best-selling vehicle, and the others aren't far behind. And with good reason; they're all accomplished vehicles that address buyer demands, whether in terms of brand status, specification, value for money or extensive dealer network and service back-up.

But Chery SA believes the J2 has the cojones to tackle the established set, and even vehicles such as the VW Polo, Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris. And it believes this is possible because of the sole model's pricetag of R129 900, significantly below those of the aforementioned rivals.

Stylistically, the J2 treads a safe path. It's inoffensive to the extreme, but the design is modern and items such as 15-inch alloy wheels and foglamps front and rear are included in the price.

Moving inside, there are absolutely zero surprises. It's standard Chinese-car fare, from the tiny instrumentation (here backlit in red), large sound-system interface (boasting a CD player and micro-USB port) and simple, clear air-con controls. Quality seems sound throughout (it's definitely no worse than the Etios in terms of perceived quality) and the cloth trim is decent.

The equipment list is comprehensive, with items such as electric windows and mirrors, headlamp-height adjuster, follow-me-home headlamps, central locking via remote key, dual airbags and ABS-equipped brakes with EBD as standard.

Owing to being one of the longest vehicles in the class - it measures in at 4,14 metres - space is surprisingly generous in the second row of seats (aided by scalloped front seats) and the boot measures a chunky 270 dm3.

The 1,5-litre engine develops 72 kW and 140 N.m at a high 4 500 r/min, relayed to the front wheels through a five-speed manual gearbox that shifts cleanly. At Reef altitude, the powertrain feels sluggish until revved past 4 000 r/min, where it gains some momentum to the red line at 6 200 r/min. Thankfully, it's relatively refined.

Unfortunately, the ride does not garner similar sentiment. Over long-wave undulations, the J2 maintains good body control, but Johannesburg's pockmarked roads highlighted below-par bump absorption. It's by no means poor, but a Polo Vivo and Etios ride better.

However, it's difficult to criticise the J2 when you take its price into account. The fact that it also comes with a two-year/30 000 km service plan and five-year/120 000 km warranty (the longest on any Chinese vehicle sold in South Africa) sweeten the deal. If you can cope with the lazy engine and nuggety ride, the J2 offers quite a bit of car for not a whole lot of money. It's the best Chery by far.

 

Specifications

Model: Chery J2 1,5 TX

Engine: 1,5-litre, four-cylinder petrol

Power: 72 kW at 6 000 r/min

Torque: 140 N.m at 4 500 r/min

Fuel consumption: 7,4 L/100 km

CO2: 176 g/km

Price: R129 900

Service plan: 2 years/30 000 km

Service intervals: 15 000 km

Original article from Car