Chery has officially launched its Jetour Freedom SUV in Saudi Arabia, rebranding it as the Jetour T1. This move marks a significant step for the Chinese automaker in the Middle Eastern market. The Jetour T1 is available in two trim levels, with prices (including taxes) set at 109,999 Saudi riyals ($29,300) and 119,999 Saudi riyals ($32,000), respectively. This launch follows the recent pre-sale commencement of the Jetour Freedom in China on February 14th, where it is offered at a price range of 129,900 to 159,900 yuan ($22,000). The pricing strategy in Saudi Arabia positions the Jetour T1 competitively within its segment.
Jetour, as a sub-brand under the Chery umbrella, organizes its product portfolio into two primary series: Jetour and Jetour Shanhai. The Jetour Shanhai series is further divided into the Jetour Shanhai T and Jetour Shanhai L series. The newly launched Jetour T1 can be considered the gasoline-powered counterpart of the Jetour Shanhai T1. During the official launch event in Saudi Arabia, Chery announced ambitious sales targets, aiming to sell over 20,000 Jetour vehicles in the Kingdom by the end of 2025. To support this goal, the company is committed to expanding its dealer network across the country, ensuring greater accessibility and customer service for its expanding customer base.
The Jetour T1 boasts dimensions of 4706 mm in length, 1967 mm in width, and 1845 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2810 mm. These dimensions position it comfortably within the compact SUV category.
The interior design of the Jetour T1 emphasizes a robust and off-road-inspired aesthetic. The cockpit features a symmetrical T-shaped layout, further reinforcing this rugged styling, particularly with the rectangular air-conditioning outlets. A prominent 15.6-inch floating central control screen takes center stage on the dashboard. This screen is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip, providing smooth and responsive performance for a range of functionalities, including navigation, smartphone connectivity, voice interaction, and over-the-air (OTA) updates. Despite the large touchscreen, Jetour has thoughtfully retained a row of physical buttons below the central control screen, offering convenient access to essential functions. Comfort and convenience are also prioritized, with heated and ventilated front seats. The rear seat backrest angle is adjustable for passenger comfort, and when fully folded down, the rear seats create a flat cargo space extending to a length of 2 meters, offering ample room for larger items.
The Jetour T1 offers two engine options to cater to different performance preferences. The first is a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 181 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The second option is a more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine generating 251 horsepower and 390 Nm of torque. This engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission (AT) and comes equipped with an XWD fully automatic intelligent four-wheel-drive system for enhanced traction and off-road capability. Both engine options share a fuel tank capacity of 70 liters. The Jetour T1 achieves a top speed of 180 km/h. With its combination of competitive pricing, practical features, and a focus on both on-road comfort and off-road capability, the Jetour T1 is poised to make a strong impression in the Saudi Arabian automotive market.