By Mabuyane Mabuza

I’d love to be a fly on the wall during brainstorming sessions at Chinese car manufacturers, the names they come up with are simply fascinating. This thought crossed my mind as I was booked to test drive the Jetour Dashing. I couldn’t help but chuckle at such a cheerful name.

But make no mistake, Jetour may be a newcomer to South Africa, having only
landed last year, yet it has made quite the entrance. You can’t exactly ignore it, it’s
the kind of arrival that turns heads.

Back to my Dashing test model, which arrived in black. I’m sure there’s a fancy
official name for the colour, but let’s be honest, it’s black. One glance and you might spot a hint of Porsche Cayenne in its shape, but it still maintains its own identity without trying too hard to copy anyone. It’s familiar yet fresh.

Exterior Design
The Dashing is clearly aimed at drivers who appreciate good looks without
compromising on everyday functionality and practicality. The car makes its presence
known well before it pulls up, thanks to a bold grille that gives it a touch of luxury
appearance we have come to associate with a German-influenced design (wink wink).

Interior Design
Step inside the Dashing and the good impressions continue. The cabin is packed
with useful tech that makes life easier for both driver and passengers. There’s a
high-definition touchscreen for your media and navigation, easy-to-use controls, and a sleek digital display behind the steering wheel for the driver. Families will
appreciate the generous space that comes with plenty of legroom for everyone to get comfortable. The rear seats are ready for child seats without any fuss. The boot is big enough for your weekly shopping, sports gear or a full load of luggage for a
weekend away. Handy storage compartments throughout the cabin help keep things tidy, making it a smart and practical choice for everyday family adventures.

Technology
The Dashing keeps things current with support for both Android Auto and Apple
CarPlay, so your favourite apps, playlists and maps are all within easy reach. For
families, this adds to the everyday convenience, keeping kids entertained and
parents connected on longer journeys.

On the safety front, it comes well-equipped with features like adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, emergency braking and multiple airbags. These additions bring peace of mind, especially for those with little ones on board.

The Drive
The 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine performs better than you might expect. It delivers power smoothly when you press the accelerator, making city driving and highway cruising feel effortless. Even when tackling hills, the Dashing holds its own with enough torque to keep things moving without any fuss. It’s a surprisingly confident drive that adds to the overall appeal of this Chinese newcomer.

All in all, the Jetour Dashing is a real head-turner that blends style with substance.
Its modern looks, spacious and well-kitted-out interior, and thoughtful safety features make it a solid choice for families wanting more from a compact SUV, without breaking the bank. Whether you’re doing the school run or heading out on a weekend road trip, the Dashing lives up to its name and won’t disappoint.

Pricing
Pricing for the Jetour Dashing sits comfortably in the mid-range, offering a more affordable alternative to established rivals like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4, which tend to come in at a higher cost.

For families keeping an eye on their budget, the Dashing presents great value,
combining style, space, and features in a well-rounded package. The model we
tested, the 1.5T Deluxe, is priced at R469 900.