2023 Jetour Dashing 1.5 Turbo DCT

Dashing but not the debonaire

When I encounter the word Dashing, two things come to mind: Debonaire and that famous Christmas song, but this new crossover from Jetour is far from and nothing compared to both. From the name itself and with how the market reacted to it during the last MIAS (Manila International Auto Show) this crossover is indeed dashing its way to the growing Chinese brand automotive market in the Philippines.

Filipinos now are gearing more toward crossovers and this fairly new brand under the Chery wing (but independently managed of other Chery brands here) is indeed making waves. Across the Jetour lineup (which is actually the more affordable brand in the Chery lineup) the Dashing is one of the most anticipated vehicles to hit our roads.

For starters, the Jetour Dashing boasts a contemporary exterior design that grabs attention from every angle. Its sleek and aerodynamic profile features bold lines and distinctive contours, The front fascia is dominated by a large grille, with sleek LED headlights that provide ample illumination. The aggressive lower bumper design and 19-inch alloy wheels further enhance its sporty appeal. It does indeed look like a baby Lamborghini Urus sans the supercar price tag (and performance). Ground clearance is not that bad also and driving it around, this vehicle is indeed a head-turner. Being biased to black vehicles, when it was delivered to me, it was indeed a sight to behold but the red version was also a stunner.

Stepping inside, you're greeted by a well-designed and inviting cabin. The interior features high-quality materials, soft-touch surfaces, and attention to detail, creating an upscale feel reminiscent of EVs (electric vehicles) we have driven earlier this year. The light-colored futuristic bucket seats offer a good balance of support and comfort. The second row also offers ample leg room even for my height at 5’11” and good headroom that also showcases the panoramic sunroof.

The rear doors also utilize a button for the voice command function. At night it also features puddle lamps in the form of the Jetour logo a nice touch in my opinion. The dashboard and doors are also lined with ambient lighting that can be controlled to preferred colors and can go with the beat of your tunes in the car. The steering wheel is also very futuristic as it employs a cursor/old mouse type of buttons. The left side controls what is set on your screen and the right side controls the audio.

The Dashing comes equipped with a user-friendly and feature-rich infotainment system that is centered around a responsive touchscreen display. Basically it serves as the control center for various functions as the Dashing lacks physical control buttons. The interface is intuitive, with logically arranged menus and crisp graphics. It also utilizes a voice command function which is now becoming a common trend for Chinese-made vehicles.

I find it quite difficult though that part of the infotainment system is the display for the ADAS. In addition, it's not equipped with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Instead, you get the Carbit app to mirror your phone for the infotainment system. It's not great, but it works. In other markets, the version of the Dashing also offers wireless charging but we don’t get it here at the moment.

Everything you need to toggle is controlled on the touchscreen display which is very reminiscent of a tablet like an iPad. A drawback in my opinion since if something happens to the screen you might find yourself in trouble while driving and not being able to control any of the car's functions, but it might be a very interesting proposition for the younger market which it is geared towards.

The Dashing excels in providing versatile cargo space, making it suitable for various lifestyle needs. The rear seats can be easily folded down, expanding the cargo area to accommodate larger items or additional luggage. With the seats up, the Dashing offers generous cargo space for everyday shopping, sports equipment, or weekend getaways. It is also equipped with a tonneau cover and a two-tier level design for the baseboard.

Powering the Dashing is a 1.5L turbocharged engine that delivers 156 PS and 230 Nm of torque coupled with a 6-speed wet DCT. Although the transmission could use a bit more refinement as I was experiencing “gear hunting” on the expressways and there were several instances where I was in reverse and the gears didn’t engage right away, nevertheless the engine is very sufficient for the power to weight ratio of the vehicle.

In an era where fuel efficiency is a crucial consideration, the Dashing performed admirably although it could be better. I was getting around 8.5 km/L in city driving and about 14.3 km/L on the highway. I know the powertrain can be efficient but a bit more fine-tuning could further help improve its fuel economy.

The Dashing also exhibits composed handling characteristics, making it fun to drive. The suspension system strikes a good balance between comfort and sportiness, effectively absorbing bumps on the road. The steering is responsive, providing good feedback with the quick steer function. The Dashing feels stable and planted even at higher speeds, instilling driver confidence. I might change the rims and wider tires for aesthetics and improved handling but that’s just me. Still, I wish the transmission responded quicker to deliver power during overtaking maneuvers that demand quickness. 

The 2023 Jetour Dashing 1.5L Turbo crossover impresses on multiple fronts, delivering a compelling package for crossover buyers on a budget. Although it could do a bit of refinement in the engine department, Its attractive design, comfort, well-appointed interior, and advanced technology make it a worthy contender in this segment.

Whether you're seeking a stylish urban commuter or a versatile vehicle for weekend adventures, the Dashing ticks most of the right boxes. With its blend of good looks, practicality, and value for money, the Dashing stands out as a compelling choice for those in search of a crossover that offers a dynamic look without compromising on comfort or features.