Soueast S06

Model Overview

The Soueast S06 is a compact sporty SUV unveiled by Soueast in 2025, representing one of the brand's brand-new global offerings following its acquisition by Chery Automobile Group. In March 2024, Chery Automobile Group officially completed the acquisition of Soueast Motor, closing a chapter in the carmaker's history. The brand was subsequently rebranded as "Soueast" whilst retaining its Chinese moniker "东南汽车", with its product portfolio pivoting entirely towards SUVs. The line-up comprises three models—S09, S07, and S06—corresponding to the Jetour X90 Pro, Jetour X70 Plus, and Jetour Dashing (Dasheng/Shanhai L6) respectively, all sharing platforms and technical resources with existing Chery Group models. Production of the Soueast S06 commenced in 2024. As a rebadged sister model to the Jetour Dashing/Shanhai L6, its styling, powertrain, and equipment are largely identical to the donor vehicle, featuring distinct tweaks only in styling nuances and brand badging. Sales are primarily focused on export markets such as Russia and the Middle East. As of June 2026, the Soueast S06 has yet to be officially launched in mainland China, with its overseas market debut dates and pricing still awaiting official confirmation.

Design Language

The Soueast S06 closely mirrors the Jetour Dashing, measuring 4,616 mm long, 1,910 mm wide, and 1,690 mm tall (with alternate reports indicating 1,685 mm in height), on a 2,720 mm wheelbase. Up front, it features an imposing front grille paired with split-type headlamp clusters for a layered aesthetic; aggressive air ducts flanking the front bumper accentuate its sporty intent. The brand badging above the grille has been revised from JETOUR to SOUEAST lettering to establish its standalone identity. Down the sides, dynamic multi-layer character lines are matched with multi-spoke dual-tone alloy wheels, while a prominent, widened chrome accent at the D-pillar adds visual muscle. At the rear, rather than carrying over the Jetour Dashing's light clusters, the S06 adopts the styling of the Jetour Shanhai L6, featuring a fresh full-width taillight bar, lettered brand badging beneath, and a clean, hidden exhaust layout for strong visual recognition. Inside, the cabin follows a minimalist design ethos matching the Jetour Shanhai L6, highlighted by a compact integrated digital instrument cluster alongside a floating infotainment touchscreen that delivers a distinctly tech-forward vibe. A dual flat-bottom/flat-top multi-function steering wheel is paired with a steering column-mounted gear selector; the cabin features two-tone upholstery, a rear centre armrest, and three adjustable rear headrests.

Powertrain and Performance

The Soueast S06 is offered with two conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) options, both featuring turbocharged petrol engines paired with dual-clutch transmissions. The 1.5-litre turbocharged unit pushes out 115 kW (approximately 156 PS); the punchier 1.6-litre turbocharged mill delivers 145 kW (approximately 197 PS). For transmission duties, the 1.5T engine is paired with either a 6-speed or 7-speed wet dual-clutch transmission (DCT), while the 1.6T unit is mated strictly to a 7-speed wet DCT. Beyond the pure petrol variants, the S06 also comes in a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant, pairing a 1.5-litre turbocharged engine with a 19.43 kWh battery pack to deliver an all-electric range of up to 114 km on the NEDC cycle. Technical specifications for the Russian market may see minor revisions, with Soueast hinting at localized powertrain calibrations. Unlike other global markets, Soueast notably offers both front-wheel-drive (FWD) and all-wheel-drive (AWD) variants for Russia, whereas an AWD version has yet to be announced for other regions.

Chassis and Handling

Built on the platform and chassis architecture of the Jetour Dashing, the Soueast S06 employs a MacPherson strut independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension setup, consistent with mainstream offerings in the compact SUV segment. In terms of drivetrain configurations, petrol models are primarily front-wheel drive in global markets; in Russia, however, buyers can choose between FWD and AWD variants, with the AWD version receiving a revised engine output—197 PS on the FWD model versus roughly 186 PS on the AWD version. It features Electric Power Steering (EPS), ventilated front and solid rear disc brakes, along with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). Multiple drive modes are available, including Standard/Comfort, Eco, and Sport. Notably, the S06 does not retain the dedicated physical drive mode selector found in the Jetour Dashing; instead, certain driving mode controls are either integrated into the central infotainment system or streamlined.

Cabin and Equipment

The Soueast S06 features a clean, minimalist interior architecture, fitted as standard across the range with a compact integrated LCD instrument cluster and a floating central touchscreen. The shift lever has been relocated to the steering column, freeing up usable storage space across the centre console. In terms of comfort amenities, the SUV offers practical features such as a powered tailgate, front wireless smartphone charging, and heated and ventilated front seats. On the tech front, the S06 is slated to offer a 360-degree surround-view camera system along with a comprehensive suite of active safety and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS); the infotainment setup natively supports satellite navigation, Bluetooth hands-free connectivity, and multimedia playback. A factory standard sound system is fitted, with no premium branded audio upgrade announced thus far. For cargo versatility, the rear seats feature split-folding capabilities to expand boot capacity for varying luggage needs. Automatic climate control with dedicated rear air vents is expected on higher-spec variants, subject to final launch specifications.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Soueast S06 carries over the safety architecture of the Jetour Dashing. In terms of passive safety, the body makes extensive use of high-strength steel, equipped as standard with front airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear curtain airbags (exact configurations vary across variants). Active safety and ADAS capabilities, based on available details, include Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), and Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), collectively delivering Level 2 semi-autonomous driving capabilities. In addition, a reverse camera and a 360-degree panoramic camera system are available to aid low-speed parking and tight-quarter manoeuvring. Standard active safety essentials include an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), Traction Control System (TCS), and Electronic Stability Programme (ESP). Do note that final safety specifications on the Soueast S06 may vary depending on local market regulations and trim levels, and the above details serve as a general reference.

Market Outlook and Reception

The Soueast S06 stands as one of Soueast’s pioneering offerings following its takeover by Chery Automobile Group, representing a pivotal product in the brand’s global expansion strategy. Slotting in alongside the S07 and S09, the S06 positions itself as a compact sporty SUV, leveraging youth-oriented styling, connected tech, and strong value-for-money to draw first-time buyers in emerging markets like Russia. Soueast has already introduced the S07 and S09 SUVs in Russia; according to Autostat Info, registrations logged by the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs as of November 2025 stood at 1,974 units for the S07 and 1,636 units for the S09, reflecting solid market traction. The S06 is positioned as the brand's most accessible entry point in Russia, which could further drive overall sales volume. However, with the Jetour Dashing already on sale in Russia, internal competition under the Chery umbrella is inevitable, leaving the S06's prospects of becoming a breakout hit to be seen. Back in China, Soueast’s domestic presence has sharply diminished, recording just 759 units sold throughout 2023—under 85 units a month on average—yielding virtually negligible market share. Consequently, the Soueast S06 is primarily designated for overseas export markets, carrying minimal direct relevance to Chinese domestic consumers in the near term. From a brand perception standpoint, Soueast previously gained a decent reputation for reliability and affordability through its historic Mitsubishi technical ties; however, lack of marketing, shrinking dealer networks, and sluggish product rollouts in recent years have pushed it to the fringes domestically. Backed by Chery Group’s technical expertise and established distribution networks, the Soueast S06 holds promise in carving out a niche overseas, though its identity as a rebadged model inevitably limits its distinct competitive edge.