Does the Jetour X70 offer the perfect blend of space, tech, and value for the Kenyan family? We put the mid-size SUV through its paces to find out.
First Impressions: Design and Road Presence
The Chinese automotive landscape has rapidly matured, and the Jetour X70 Plus stands as a testament to this evolution. Unlike some early Chinese imports, the X70 boasts a contemporary design that looks premium and substantial on the road.
Its large, octagonal front grille, flanked by sleek LED headlights and daytime running lights (DRLs), gives it an imposing and modern presence. The overall silhouette is athletic, featuring subtle chrome accents and wheel options up to 20 inches, ensuring it stands out in Nairobi's busy traffic or on a journey to the Coast.
Specs at a Glance (Jetour X70 Plus 1.5T)
Specification Detail Relevance for Kenya Engine 1.5L Turbo Petrol (1.6L option available) Balances power for highways with decent fuel efficiency. Power/Torque $115 \text{ kW}$ / $230 \text{ Nm}$ Ample power for overtaking and mountain passes. Transmission 6- or 7-Speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) Provides smooth shifts for urban driving. Seating Capacity 7-Seater (Standard for Plus model) A huge advantage for large families and carpooling. Ground Clearance $\approx 200 \text{ mm}$ Crucial for handling unpaved roads and large speed bumps common in Kenya. Combined Fuel Cons. $\approx 7.8 \text{ L/100 km}$ (Claimed) Highly competitive figure for a vehicle this size.
Interior and Technology: Space Meets Premium Feel
The interior is where the Jetour X70 truly shines and challenges its more established rivals in the mid-size SUV segment. Stepping inside reveals a focus on perceived quality and comfort, immediately addressing a major concern for Kenyan buyers: feature-rich cabins.
The dashboard features a modern dual-screen setup—a digital instrument cluster paired with a large infotainment touchscreen—giving the cabin a high-tech, futuristic feel.
Comfort and Practicality for the Kenyan Family
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Seating for Seven: The primary selling point is the standard 7-seater configuration. The second row offers generous legroom and is adjustable, while the third row, though best suited for children on long trips, provides excellent flexibility for large families.
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Refined Materials: Materials, including synthetic leather upholstery and soft-touch surfaces, feel upscale for the class. Higher trims feature niceties like a panoramic sunroof and ambient lighting, significantly elevating the daily driving experience.
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Practicality: With the third row folded flat, the cargo space increases significantly to around 438 liters, making it highly practical for the weekly shop or packing luggage for a safari trip. The maximum cargo volume with both rear rows folded is impressive, reaching up to 1,680 liters.
For families considering an upgrade from a smaller car, the X70 offers compelling space and feature value. To compare its space efficiency with other popular family vehicles, you can explore our comprehensive car review archive on autoskenya.com.
Performance and Driving Experience
How does the X70 handle the realities of Kenyan roads—from the smooth highways to the challenging C-class dirt roads?
The 1.5L turbocharged engine provides adequate power for everyday driving. Mated to a Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), the power delivery is generally smooth and relaxed, making it a comfortable companion for the daily commute.
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Ride Comfort: The suspension setup (MacPherson struts up front and multi-link at the rear) is clearly comfort-biased. It does an excellent job of soaking up bumps and road imperfections, resulting in a confident and stable ride, which is vital given the varying quality of infrastructure outside major cities.
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Fuel Efficiency: The combined fuel consumption figure of $\approx 7.8 \text{ L/100 km}$ is very promising for a family SUV of this size. While real-world mileage may vary, this puts the X70 in a strong position against rivals.
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Handling: While the X70 prioritizes comfort over sporty performance, the high ground clearance of $200 \text{ mm}$ is a major asset, providing peace of mind when navigating steep driveways or unexpected potholes.
Maintenance, Reliability, and Value Proposition
The key question for any new Chinese brand in Kenya is the cost of ownership and the availability of parts.
Service and Resale Value
Jetour Kenya has established a dedicated service network in Nairobi with plans for rapid expansion to hubs like Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Eldoret. This local commitment is crucial for ensuring the long-term reliability of the vehicle. Routine maintenance and replacement parts like brake pads are competitively priced, as seen in the distributor's official parts catalogue.
While the brand is relatively new, the X70's global success (selling over 730,000 units globally) provides confidence in its engineering and durability.
The Jetour X70 is currently priced aggressively, starting around KES 5 million for the X70 Plus trim. This positioning offers new-car buyers a large, feature-packed SUV for a price point where they might otherwise be considering a much smaller or older used vehicle.
For buyers looking to purchase a reliable, locally available used car in Kenya, perhaps trading in an older model to acquire the X70, reputable options like the Nissan X-Trail or Honda CR-V are visible on auto24.co.ke.
The Verdict: Should You Buy the Jetour X70?
The Jetour X70 Plus is a game-changer in the Kenyan mid-size SUV market. It offers a level of refinement, technology, and space that is incredibly hard to beat at its price point.
Pros Cons Spacious 7-Seater Cabin Long-term local resale value still establishing itself. High Ground Clearance Some rivals may offer slightly better on-road handling feel. Impressive Technology Suite Brand is new, requiring a leap of faith for some buyers. Aggressive Price-to-Value RatioRecommendation: The Jetour X70 is an excellent choice for the growing Kenyan family or professional who prioritizes space, modern features, and comfort above established brand history. It offers substantial value and is a welcome disruptor in the local market.
Want to see how the X70 stacks up against other new market entrants? Discover additional tips and reviews on the latest SUVs.
Have you test-driven the Jetour X70? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
