The Sehol A5 is a compact family sedan launched in 2020 under JAC Group’s (formerly JAC Motors) Sehol brand, essentially a rebadged JAC Jiayue A5. Targeted at younger buyers, the car’s core selling points include its fastback silhouette, a generous 2,760 mm wheelbase, and four-wheel independent suspension, primarily competing in the RM80,000–RM120,000 family sedan segment. The 2023 model is currently on sale with official pricing ranging between RM98,800 and RM105,800, with significant discounts on offer as dealers clear remaining inventory.
Positioned as a compact fastback sedan, the car comes from JAC Group’s Sehol sub-brand, benefiting from Volkswagen engineering support following the JAC-Volkswagen joint venture. Key highlights include its 4,772 mm length, 2,760 mm wheelbase, a cavernous 540-to-1,650-litre boot made possible by its liftback tailgate, standard multi-link rear independent suspension, and a 1.5T engine paired with a CVT. The 2023 lineup comprises two variants: 1.5T CVT Luxury Comfort (RM98,800) and 1.5T CVT Flagship Deluxe (RM105,800).
The Sehol A5 retains the exterior styling of the Jiayue A5. Up front, it features a waterfall-style vertical chrome grille flanked by slim LED headlamps, underpinned by a three-section front bumper for an athletic stance that netizens have often likened to a "Maserati lookalike". In profile, it gets a sloping fastback roofline with a floating roof effect and sharp character lines. Around the back, it features full-width LED taillights and twin exhaust finishers, with the practical liftback tailgate standing out as a signature design element. Dimensions measure 4,772 mm in length, 1,820 mm in width, and 1,492 mm in height with a 2,760 mm wheelbase. The boot offers 540 litres of cargo space in standard layout, expanding up to 1,650 litres with the rear seats folded.
Inside, the 2023 model sports a dual-screen cockpit consisting of a 10.25-inch full digital instrument cluster and a 10.4-inch portrait-oriented infotainment touchscreen. Lower trims make do with a 7-inch instrument display. Material-wise, hard plastics dominate the dashboard and door panels, with owners frequently reporting noticeable chemical odours when new.
Power across the range comes from an HFC4GB2.4E 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine producing 110 kW (150 PS) and 210 Nm of torque, available between 2,000 and 4,500 rpm. This is paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with simulated ratios driving the front wheels. It claims an NEDC rated combined fuel consumption of 7.4 L/100 km, a top speed of 190 km/h, and runs on a minimum of RON 92 petrol.
Real-world driving dynamics: Owners report sluggish low-end response, modest mid-to-high-speed overtaking punch, and occasional transmission hesitation from the CVT. Real-world fuel economy averages around 8–9 L/100 km in city driving and 6–7 L/100 km on the highway.
The chassis setup features front MacPherson struts paired with an independent multi-link rear suspension—a relatively sophisticated setup for this price point. It uses Electric Power Steering (EPS), with braking handled by front ventilated discs and rear solid discs alongside an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). It rides on 215/50 R17 tyres.
Owner feedback suggests that the suspension is tuned somewhat firmly, resulting in noticeable thuds over speed bumps and rather average ride compliance. However, steering response is reasonably direct, delivering predictable road manners suited for daily family duties.
The cabin features a 10.4-inch portrait touchscreen supporting factory smartphone connectivity and screen mirroring, though connected-car services are reserved for select trims. The seats are finished in faux leather, with power adjustment for the driver’s seat on higher-spec variants. Standard equipment across all variants includes automatic air conditioning with rear air vents, cruise control, Auto Hold, and a reverse camera.
In terms of comfort, the front semi-bucket seats provide decent support, but the raked roofline compromises rear headroom, making it a tight squeeze for occupants over 175 cm tall. Overall NVH levels are average, with wind and tyre noise becoming intrusive at motorway cruising speeds.
Safety equipment includes dual front airbags as standard, though side and curtain airbags are notably absent, limiting total airbag count to just two across the board. Basic safety features cover ABS with EBD, Brake Assist, Traction Control, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), and a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are missing entirely, offering only basic cruise control.
Earlier 2020–2021 model years previously included Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) on automatic variants, but these were subsequently omitted in later model revisions.
During its initial market debut, the Sehol A5 recorded monthly deliveries of around 3,000 units. However, amid declining brand presence and aging inventory, sales took a downturn following the 2023 model's launch, and the car is now in its final runout and clearance phase.
User Reputation (PCauto user rating surpasses 93% of rivals in its class): Praises focus on its head-turning design, versatile liftback tailgate, ample legroom from the 2,760 mm wheelbase, and the inclusion of rear multi-link independent suspension. Key complaints centre on cheap interior plastics with lingering cabin odours, subpar sound insulation, slightly heavy fuel consumption, lethargic off-the-line pickup, and sporadic glitches (infotainment freezes and interior squeaks/rattles).
On the reliability front, data from 12365auto indicates consumer complaints were largely concentrated on 2021–2022 models, highlighting critical issues such as CVT steel belt failures, sudden loss of drive, engine vibrations, screen delamination/bubbling, and unexpected headlight shut-offs.
Summary: The Sehol A5 is essentially a rebadged Jiayue A5 offering generous dimensions and a practical liftback layout. Its visual flair and hardware setup (2,760 mm wheelbase combined with rear independent suspension) are rare finds in the sub-RM100,000 bracket, appealing to practical buyers who are not brand-conscious. However, prospective buyers must contend with its mediocre fuel economy, subpar NVH suppression, low-rent cabin finish, lack of active safety kit, and discontinued product status. It makes sense only if dealers offer massive clearance discounts; otherwise, established rivals in the segment like the Roewe i5 and Geely Emgrand remain far more sensible purchases.
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