The Cat A Jaecoo J6 RWD is a cheeky chunk with loads of character
At this trending juncture in electric vehicles, if I had to buy a BEV (battery electric vehicle), it would have to possess some cool quirk or oddity, because it should be more fun to run than functional.
In any case, try not to be one of those smug, flag-waving virtue signallers who take themselves and their #EVlife too seriously. As far as I am concerned, BEVs — like internal combustion engine or plug-in hybrid electric vehicle — are just another powertrain alternative in the journey towards lowering emissions.
Ultimately, an EV’s appeal is in its instant torque and fuss-free motoring experience, and not because you think you’re saving the earth. However, due to the sheer drop in depreciation for an EV, we need to wonder.
We last had a big blast driving the all-wheel-driven Cat B J6 IWD (Jaecoo refers to it as Intelligent Wheel Drive) around. It's chunky-dory, 4x4 chic made people look, and it reminded us of the cheeky Jimny — one of my firm faves — except the J6 is larger, has more oomph and is a comfortable and capable cruiser.
However, unlike the Jimny, we wouldn’t dream of taking the J6 IWD off-road for a spot of rough and tumble, which arrives the J6 RWD a timely one indeed, especially given the $20k difference in COE premiums alone at time of writing.
Visually, the J6 RWD is virtually indistinguishable from the IWD version, so you get the familiar chiselled, square-jawed silhouette and butch wheel fenders that make it look like a hunky cross between the great 4x4 archetypes such as the Wrangler, Defender, G-Wagen and yes, even the Jimny.
Compared to the IWD’s 69.77kWh battery, the RWD is powered by a 65.69kWh one, which sees it produce 99kW and 220Nm (versus the IWD’s 205kW and 385Nm), leisurely and languid enough for the city slicker to roam the streets of Singapore.
On the move, the J6 RWD is more chill cruiser than boisterous bruiser, with a state of progress that is smooth and sedate, so one can really stop to smell the flowers.
There is an earnest, rugged honesty to the J6 that appeals to my sensibilities, largely because it is rough and always ready to go, both inside and out, and will adapt well to one’s active lifestyle.
The cabin is more practical than posh, and there are sufficient concessions to convenience, comfort and cargo.
You would also have spotted the distinctive “i” motifs in the cabin by now, which tie in neatly with the stylised “i” in the front and rear light signatures — why “i”? In some markets, the Jaecoo J6 is an iCar.
The J6 is a rollicking barrel of fun and veritable Jaec’ of all Trades that will let one live out their urban outlaw fantasies. At the time of writing, the compact crossover’s $164,999 sticker price (four bids guaranteed) gets you a large personality that can serve active duty in either a single-car household or join a multi-car garage.
Best of all, with its main character vibes, there’s no worry the J6 will be mistaken for just another one of the many EV auto-appliance NPCs that populate the roads today.
JAECOO J6 RWD
Battery: 65.69kWh, Lithium-Ion
Power: 99kW (135hp)
Torque: 220Nm
0-100km/h: 10.5secs
Top speed: 150km/h
Range (WLTP): 354km (combined)
