The Jetour T2 - A Force in the Jamaican Automotive Landscape

The arrival of the Jetour brand has demonstrably shifted the automotive landscape in Jamaica. For decades, the local market has been overwhelmingly dominated by Japanese marques, namely Toyota and Honda. Yet, Jetour has successfully carved out a significant niche and is now one of the island’s top-selling automotive brands. A large part of this success can be attributed to the T2, a mid-size SUV model that immediately garners attention for its unapologetically rugged silhouette, which certainly draws a visual reference from the iconic Land Rover Defender.

Production of the T2, known as the Traveller in its domestic Chinese market, commenced in September 2023. This vehicle benefits from the expertise of a distinguished name in automotive design, Hakan Saracoglu. As a former Porsche designer, known for his work on high-performance sports cars like the Cayman and 918 Spyder, Saracoglu’s influence is evident in the T2’s sophisticated yet robust proportions, giving it a global design appeal that transcends its segment. This combination of purposeful design and competitive pricing has been instrumental in the T2’s rapid ascent in notoriety across the Caribbean.

Exterior Design and Practicality

The exterior of the T2 immediately communicates a sense of adventure and capability. The front fascia is defined by a purposeful, square-jawed design language, dominated by the pronounced, illuminated ‘Jetour’ sign integrated into the grille. This striking element is flanked by quirky, distinctive daytime running headlights that add a modern flair to the otherwise utilitarian aesthetic. Down the side, the body panels feature clean, powerful character lines that emphasise the SUV’s boxy, off-road stance. The rear is equally bold, with a side-hinged door hosting the full-size spare tyre — a classic off-roader cue that also frees up crucial internal cargo volume.

Functionality is a key theme, with the T2 offering multiple options for external accessories. Our test model showcased elements like optional roof lights for enhanced visibility, a robust, functional ladder on the rear that can handle up to 150kg, and an external storage box, ideal for keeping wet or dirty gear separate from the cabin.

In terms of physical presence, the T2’s dimensions position it competitively within its class. With an overall length of 4,785mm, a width of 2,006mm, and a height of 1,880mm, it is noticeably wider and taller than one of its main body-on-frame competitors, the Toyota Fortuner (approx. 4,795mm in length, 1,855mm in width, and 1,835mm in height). The T2’s dimensions suggest a focus on passenger shoulder room and a commanding road presence.

The Cabin: Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside, the T2 presents a surprisingly modern and tech-focused environment. The centrepiece is the enormous 15.6-inch portrait-oriented centre console display, which houses the vehicle’s infotainment and control systems. The system is reasonably intuitive and dominates the dashboard, allowing for a minimalist approach to physical buttons. For convenience, the voice-activated control systems work well for commands such as, “wind down the windows.”

The seats, upholstered in quality leather, offer a high level of comfort, and the inclusion of a cooling option for the front seats is a highly appreciated feature in the Jamaican climate. This attention to climate comfort is a genuine plus. Further interior appointments include sophisticated ambient lighting and a panoramic sunroof that floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of space.

In terms of practicality, the T2 is thoughtfully equipped. It features multiple charging ports throughout the cabin, complemented by a wireless charging pad, which is extremely convenient for modern device usage. A small but welcome touch is the cooler incorporated into the centre armrest compartment, a feature selected Toyota models have incorporated for years. The 12-speaker audio system with a subwoofer delivers a rich and satisfying audio experience, perfect for long journeys.

Cargo flexibility, however, has a minor drawback: while the front seats are excellent, the rear seats do not recline, which might compromise comfort for longer trips for rear passengers. However, the exterior-mounted spare tyre creates a notably deeper and more usable boot for storage. A quirky but highly practical feature is the cup holders mounted in the trunk door, making them accessible when the tailgate is open for outdoor use.

Driving Dynamics

Our tested model, which is currently only available in left-hand drive, is equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine. This unit produces a respectable 250hp at 5500rpm and 390N.m of torque, putting power down via a 7-speed automatic transmission and an All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system.

The acceleration is brisk, with the turbo engine providing substantial mid-range grunt. The ride comfort is modest; the T2 feels robust and well-damped for general road use, soaking up smaller bumps competently. However, due to its tall, boxy build, and despite its independent suspension, there is some body roll if one attempts to take a corner too fast, a characteristic common to vehicles in this segment.

The T2 comes with seven dedicated driving modes, of which I primarily used the two most common: Sport and Economy. The Sport mode sharpens the throttle response and holds gears longer, providing a more engaging drive, while Economy mode is better suited for city cruising and optimising the quoted 10.2km/l (highway) fuel consumption figure. The vehicle’s 8.6-inch ground clearance provides sufficient capability for tackling rough roads and moderate off-road excursions. For safety, the parking radars coupled with the 360-degree image display provide excellent visual assistance for manoeuvring this sizable vehicle in tight spots.

The Jetour T2 steps into a competitive arena, challenging both established veterans and newer, similarly-styled rivals. Its main competition includes the GWM Tank 300 and the Toyota Fortuner. The T2 distinguishes itself with its powerful, designer-led styling and a superior suite of interior technology and features for the price point. It represents a compelling alternative for the buyer looking for a rugged, family-capable vehicle without sacrificing modern comforts and technology.

Vehicle provided by Jetour Jamaica, 888-4JETOUR, 888-453-8687