JSW Motors is all set to begin an independent passenger vehicle business in India in partnership with China’s Chery Automobile. Since developing an entirely new vehicle platform, battery architecture, powertrain and software ecosystem would be an expensive and time-consuming process, JSW plans to use existing Chery technology and products to commence its Indian operations.
Expected Price & Rivals
The first product to be introduced under this joint venture will be the Jetour T2 PHEV (plug-in hybrid electric vehicle), which will be introduced under the JSW Combat nameplate in India. Estimated to be priced between Rs 30 lakh – Rs 50 lakh (ex-showroom), the Combat plug-in hybrid SUV will take on the Honda ZR-V.
Plug-in Hybrid Powertrain
Similar to the Jetour T2 i-DM PHEV, the JSW Combat is likely to feature a 1.5-litre direct-injection turbocharged petrol engine paired with two electric motors and a 26.7kWh battery pack. It delivers a combined output of 381bhp and 610Nm of torque. The SUV will come with a three-speed dedicated hybrid transmission. The T2 is claimed to offer a NEDC-rate electric only range of 139km and a combined range of over 1,000km.
Charging Time & Drivetrain Options
The PHEV SUV takes nearly 3 hours to charge from 30 to 100% by using a 6.6kW AC charger, while a 50kW DC charger can charge the battery from 30 to 80% in around 27 minutes. While the Jetour T2 is globally available with both FWD (front-wheel drive) and AWD (all-wheel drive) configurations, the India-bound JSW Combat is expected to be offered with an FWD system only.
Premium Features
In terms of features, the upcoming JSW plug-in hybrid SUV is expected to offer a massive 15.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a 10.6-inch digital driver’s display, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a four-spoke steering wheel with JSW branding, a 540-degree camera, a panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control, ambient lighting, powered and ventilated front seats and several more.
Design Highlights
Visually, the JSW Combat is likely to look very similar to the Jetour T2. The SUV will feature a sporty grille with JSW badging, squarish LED headlamps, bumpers, 20-inch alloy wheels, vertically placed LED taillamps, roof rails, bootlid mounted spare wheel and an upright stance.