Jetour Dashing Is Big On Tech, But Short On Refinement

The Jetour Dashing packs plenty of technology and equipment, but a lack of refinement prevents it from being a standout contender.

The motoring landscape is shifting. Every few months, a new Chinese vehicle arrives promising more features, more technology and better value than the established players. Many even offer equipment you’d typically pay extra for in German rivals from Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. But my experience behind the wheel of the Jetour Dashing left me with mixed feelings.

The Jetour Dashing certainly looks the part, but a family SUV is about more than styling.

Don’t get me wrong, this Lamborghini Urus-inspired midsize SUV comes loaded with kit. The challenge is that the flashy features can distract from some of the vehicle’s shortcomings.

Step inside and you’re greeted by a cabin that feels modern and premium in places. The specification sheet is extensive. A panoramic sunroof brightens the interior, ambient lighting adds a touch of theatre after dark, while the Sony sound system delivers respectable audio quality. It also includes electric seat adjustment and a 360-degree camera.

The cabin is modern and well-equipped, although some materials feel less premium than they first appear.

Safety equipment appears comprehensive, with six airbags and a suite of driver-assistance systems fitted as standard. However, one important caveat remains. The Dashing has yet to undergo an independent NCAP crash test, so no verified safety rating is available.

Sharp styling and plenty of road presence are among the Dashing’s strengths.

In a market where safety ratings often influence purchasing decisions, that omission is difficult to ignore.

Under the bonnet sits a familiar 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine shared across many Chinese cars; it’s not unique. It produces 115 kW and 230Nm. On paper, those outputs are respectable. The problem lies in the finer details.

A lengthy features list can’t completely mask some of the vehicle’s shortcomings.

Throttle response can feel lumpy, and the transmission occasionally hesitates, particularly when pulling away from a standstill. Subtle jerkiness at lower speeds keeps the powertrain from feeling as polished as some rivals.

During my time with the vehicle, fuel consumption hovered around 9.0L/100km and could easily creep into double digits with a heavier right foot.

Priced from R359,900, the Jetour Dashing offers plenty of features for the money. However, for now, it feels more like a vehicle with potential than a fully polished package.

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