Sehol X4

Model Overview

The Sehol X4 is a B-segment SUV launched in March 2021 under the Sehol brand—a new-generation marque born out of the joint venture between JAC Group and Volkswagen Group. The vehicle is essentially a rebadged iteration of the JAC Jiayue X4 transitioned to the Sehol moniker. Officially launched in March 2021, the Sehol X4 debuted with two variants (1.5T Manual Mecha Edition and 1.5T CVT Mecha Edition), priced at RM89,800 and RM97,800 respectively. In December 2021, the line-up welcomed the 2022 Chieftain Custom Edition, tagged at RM118,800. Positioned as an entry-level compact SUV, it is primarily aimed at young buyers and first-time car owners, competing against segment rivals such as the Changan CS35 PLUS and Geely Binyue.

Design Language

The exterior styling of the Sehol X4 largely mirrors the design cues of the Jiayue X4. The front fascia features full-width horizontal lines, with split headlamp clusters connected by a continuous trim strip to deliver a seamless lighting appearance; full-width LED daytime running lights sit on top, complemented by a broad quadrilateral lower grille in a tiered layout for a futuristic touch. Down the sides, prominent dual character lines define the profile, while a two-tone paint finish creates a floating-roof effect; black wheel arch cladding and lower body mouldings accentuate its sporty SUV stance. At the rear, a full-width LED taillight bar echoes the front-end styling. Dimension-wise, the crossover measures 4,410 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,660 mm tall, with a 2,620 mm wheelbase. Unladen ground clearance stands at 200 mm. Exterior appointments include LED daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, and a follow-me-home delay-off function. Inside, the Sehol X4 adopts a vibrant red and black dual-tone interior theme to evoke a sporty ambience. The cockpit is equipped with a 10.25-inch fully digital instrument cluster and a 10.25-inch central infotainment touchscreen. The climate control panel features a touch-sensitive interface, replacing conventional physical buttons. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped, paired with premium leatherette sports seats.

Powertrain & Performance

Under the bonnet, the Sehol X4 range is powered by an HFC4GB2.4E 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine. This powerplant features a DOHC 16-valve setup with i-VVT variable valve timing. It produces a maximum power output of 110 kW (approx. 150 PS) and a peak torque of 210 Nm, delivered across 2,000 to 4,500 rpm. Both the cylinder head and engine block are constructed from lightweight aluminium alloy. Transmission options include a 6-speed manual gearbox and a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The manual variant is capable of a top speed of 170 km/h. Fuel consumption on the combined NEDC cycle is rated at 7.2 L/100 km. It is tuned to run on RON 92 petrol or above. Fuel tank capacity is 50 litres. The vehicle is backed by a 3-year or 100,000 km manufacturer warranty.

Chassis & Handling

Chassis hardware on the Sehol X4 comprises MacPherson strut independent suspension up front and a torsion beam semi-independent setup at the rear. The rear torsion beam layout helps maximise rear cabin space and boot volume. Steering is assisted by an Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. The vehicle comes in a front-engine, front-wheel-drive (FWD) configuration. Stopping power is provided by ventilated discs up front and solid discs at the rear, paired with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 215/50 R17 tyres. The chassis setup is tuned to balance passenger comfort with adequate road feel, working with the EPS system to deliver light and nimble handling. An unladen ground clearance of 200 mm ensures dependable rough-road capability.

Cabin & Equipment

In terms of digital features, the Sehol X4 is equipped with a 10.25-inch full digital instrument display alongside a 10.25-inch floating central touchscreen. The infotainment system comes built-in with navigation and music streaming applications. Standard equipment across all variants includes Internet of Vehicles (IoV) connected services, roadside emergency assistance, and a voice recognition control system. The steering wheel offers manual tilt adjustment. The seats are upholstered in synthetic leather. The rear bench features a 60:40 split-folding design. Boot capacity stands at 520 litres in standard configuration, expandable up to 1,050 litres with the rear seats folded down. Convenience features across the cabin include 5V and 12V power sockets, dual rear USB charging ports, driver and front passenger sun visors with vanity mirrors, and a front centre console storage box. Cabin comfort is maintained via automatic climate control.

Safety & Driver Assistance

On the safety front, the Sehol X4 is built around a high-strength steel cage body structure. Passive safety equipment includes standard dual front airbags for the driver and front passenger across the range; however, front side airbags and curtain airbags are not offered. Active safety systems across all variants encompass Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA), Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Traction Control System (TCS), and Hill Start Assist (HSA). A Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is also fitted as standard.

In terms of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), the higher-spec CVT Chieftain Custom Edition gains Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC). The flagship trim further adds Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) / active safety assistance and a 360-degree surround-view camera. Other driver aids include rear parking sensors, Hill Start Assist, Auto Brake Hold, and selectable driving modes (Sport mode). A reverse camera is standard across the entire line-up.

Market Performance & Verdict

The Sehol X4 struggled to gain sales momentum following its launch. By October 2022, monthly sales had slipped to just 54 units, and the model was officially discontinued in 2024. The muted sales reception was largely due to limited brand awareness, ambiguous product positioning, and intense rivalry in the compact SUV segment. From a product standpoint, the Sehol X4 was essentially a rebadged Jiayue X4, lacking substantial technical breakthroughs. On the plus side, market reviews acknowledged that the Sehol X4 offered superior cabin materials and equipment levels compared to similarly priced joint-venture rivals; however, critics pointed out that its 1.5T engine was relatively dated, the CVT lacked driver appeal, and the rear torsion beam suspension lagged behind multi-link independent setups in ride refinement. Overall, while the Sehol X4 established a distinctive niche in the RM80,000 to RM120,000 B-SUV segment with its 1.5T turbo engine, dual 10.25-inch digital screens, standard ESP, and Level 2 driver aids on higher trims, its commercial lifespan was ultimately cut short by brand recognition hurdles, slow product iterations, and aggressive market competition.