The Jetour X70M is a D-segment SUV launched by Chery Holding's Jetour brand, serving as the entry-level range within the Jetour X70 family. First unveiled in late 2019 and officially launched in March 2020, the "M" suffix denotes its "ultimate value-for-money" positioning, serving as a strategic model to lower the pricing barrier off the back of the X70's success. The latest version currently on sale is the 2023 model, available in two variants—Comfort and Noble Flagship—with official recommended retail prices ranging from RM119,900 to RM153,900.
Positioned in the D-segment SUV market, the Jetour X70M measures 4,755 mm in length, 1,885 mm in width, and 1,710 mm in height, with a 2,745 mm wheelbase. It features a 5-door, 5-seater layout as standard (with an optional 7-seater configuration for the Noble Flagship variant) and has a kerb weight of around 1,491 to 1,502 kg. Its primary selling points include a class-leading 2,745 mm wheelbase, multi-link independent rear suspension, and the proven reliability of Chery's 1.5T engine. As the entry-level offering in the X70 stable, the X70M primarily targets budget-conscious families requiring generous interior space.
Market-wise, the 2020 X70M once achieved monthly sales exceeding 10,000 units on the back of its ultra-low starting price of RM64,900, cementing itself as a key volume driver for Jetour in lower-tier markets. However, amidst the rapid rise of new energy vehicles (NEVs) and internal product realignment, subsequent model years underwent a major pricing shift—the 2023 model's starting price soared to RM119,900, resulting in a notable decline in sales momentum.
The X70M retains the styling language of the early X70, setting it visually apart from newer models like the current X70 PLUS. The front fascia features an inverted trapezoidal grille with horizontal chrome slats, flanked by halogen headlights integrated seamlessly with the grille for a unified look. The front bumper sports gloss black garnishes on both sides and a central trapezoidal air intake, exuding a matured, understated aesthetic that caters to its target demographic.
Down the sides, the profile is neat and uncluttered, with a sweeping dual-waistline and tapering window line lending it a touch of athleticism. The rear carries over signature X70 styling cues, featuring sleek horizontal taillight clusters, a tailgate spoiler, and a rear bumper fitted with a prominent gloss black skid plate trim alongside dual exhaust finishers.
Inside, the dashboard houses a dual-screen setup comprising a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and an integrated 10.1-inch infotainment touchscreen. It retains physical climate control buttons for straightforward tactile operation, paired with a three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel and a conventional mechanical gear lever. Given its cost-conscious brief, hard plastics dominate the cabin, though fit and finish remain decent for this price point.
For exterior colours, the 2023 lineup offers Glacier White, Sunrise Red, Starry Black, and Sky Grey. Wheel options vary by variant, featuring either 17-inch alloys (235/65 R17) or 18-inch items (235/60 R18).
Across the board, the Jetour X70M is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (codename SQRE4T15C), delivering 115 kW (approximately 156 PS) and 230 Nm of peak torque, on tap between 1,750 and 4,000 rpm. Utilising multi-point injection (MPI) with a 9.5:1 compression ratio and 37.1% thermal efficiency, the unit runs on RON 92 fuel and complies with China VI emission standards.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a 6-speed dry dual-clutch transmission (6DCT) on all 2023 variants. The claimed top speed is 180 km/h, with a WLTC combined fuel consumption rated at 8.2 L/100 km. Jetour also backs the model with an extensive 10-year or 200,000 km warranty package.
The powertrain prioritises linear delivery and fuel efficiency, offering effortless low-end pick-up that is well-suited for urban commutes. However, due to the gearbox's conservative shift logic, kick-down response during hard acceleration is somewhat sluggish, requiring a bit more leeway when executing overtakes.
Underneath, the Jetour X70M is underpinned by a front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link independent suspension setup—a generous specification for an SUV in the RM60,000–RM80,000 bracket that pays dividends in both ride comfort and dynamic stability. It is strictly front-wheel drive, with no all-wheel-drive (AWD) variant offered.
Braking duties are handled by ventilated front discs and solid rear discs, paired with an electronic parking brake (EPB). The steering is managed by an electric power steering (EPS) system over a monocoque chassis.
Off-road geometry includes an approach angle of 21°, a departure angle of 20°, and a 55-litre fuel tank. The chassis setup is tuned with a clear bias towards comfort, with the multi-link rear axle absorbing bumps and uneven surfaces noticeably better than the torsion beam setups typical of this price class.
In-car connectivity on the Jetour X70M is straightforward and functional. The 2023 range comes standard with a 12.3-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.1-inch flush-mounted touchscreen head unit, supporting CarLife smartphone mirroring, Bluetooth telephony, and standard audio/video media playback. The climate controls rely on foolproof physical switchgear, alongside a conventional mechanical gear selector.
In terms of creature comforts, the Noble Flagship variant adds synthetic leather upholstery, single-colour ambient lighting, heated side mirrors, a 12V boot power socket, and rear parking sensors. The Comfort variant makes do with fabric seats and a pared-down equipment list.
As for seating arrangements, the 2023 Comfort variant is a dedicated 5-seater, whereas the Noble Flagship offers an optional 7-seater layout (at an additional cost of around RM4,000). The second-row seats feature fore-aft slide and recline adjustments, delivering generous legroom, while the third row is strictly meant for short trips or children. Cargo capacity is substantial and can be significantly expanded by folding the rear seats flat.
On the passive safety front, the X70M is equipped with dual front airbags as standard; however, front side airbags and full-length curtain airbags are notably absent across the range. The body shell incorporates high-strength steel in a cage structure to meet baseline crashworthiness standards.
Active safety features are comprehensive for its baseline class, encompassing ABS with EBD, Brake Assist (BA), Traction Control (TCS), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) with real-time pressure readout.
Driver assistance systems remain basic, comprising standard cruise control, a reverse camera, and rear parking sensors; advanced Level 2 ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Lane Keep Assist (LKA) are omitted.
The Jetour X70M's market run followed a trajectory of starting strong before tapering off. The 2020 launch model disrupted the market with an ultra-aggressive RM64,900 entry price, leveraging the strong goodwill of the X70 badge to surpass 10,000 monthly sales and become a major volume anchor for Jetour in lower-tier cities. However, the 2023 model saw a dramatic pricing realignment—its starting price jumped to RM119,900, representing a hike of over RM50,000 that considerably dampened its market appeal.
Owner feedback for earlier models was largely positive regarding cabin space—getting a D-segment SUV at the RM60,000 mark offered unbeatable value, while Chery's 1.5T engine earned high marks for long-term reliability. Criticisms, however, centered on the diluted value proposition following the 2023 price hike, low-speed judder from the dry dual-clutch transmission in stop-and-go traffic, lack of side and curtain airbags, and a rather basic infotainment system.
In the competitive landscape, the X70M initially undercut rivals like the Chery Tiggo 8, Changan Oshan X7, and Haval M6 by offering unmatched space-to-price ratio. Following its repositioning, its RM119,900 entry price overlapped directly with its newer stablemate, the X70 PLUS, causing internal sales cannibalisation. Simultaneously, the aggressive rise of electrified alternatives like the BYD Song Pro DM-i in the RM100,000–RM150,000 bracket further constrained the X70M's market presence.
The Jetour X70M stands as a textbook example of Jetour's strategy to capture market share through generous sizing. Combining a D-segment footprint, multi-link rear suspension, and Chery's tried-and-tested 1.5T powertrain, its original RM64,900 sticker price perfectly addressed the demand for "big car, small price" in lower-tier markets. Nonetheless, the steep price increase for the 2023 model eroded its core value advantage, leading to subdued sales.
From a product lifecycle perspective, budget-oriented pure ICE SUVs like the X70M face headwind on two fronts: the rapid influx of new energy vehicles in the RM100,000–RM150,000 segment, and an expanding Jetour lineup that spreads brand resources thin. For buyers on a strict budget under RM120,000 who prioritise outright passenger space and simple mechanicals over high-tech gadgetry, an early model year or a nearly-new pre-owned 2023 X70M remains a practical consideration. However, those seeking a more sophisticated package will likely find electrified or better-equipped competitors in the same price range far more compelling.
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