We’re reporting live from the first ever Penang Autoshow 2026, where the Jetour T1 is being officially previewed. Order books are now open for the T1, which debut comes less than two months after Jetour Malaysia launched the T2, the more rugged-looking and boxy sister of the SUV you see here.
We first revealed that the T1 is Malaysia-bound back in November 2024, from the Jetour Global Travel+ Conference in Fuzhou. Since then, the young but fast-growing Chery-owned brand (it operates independently of Chery Corporate Malaysia, which handles the group’s namesake brand along with Omoda & Jaecoo, iCaur and Lepas) made its debut with the Dashing and VT9 SUVs, before making a big splash with the T2. Camouflaged T1 mules have been roaming the streets for some time now.
The T1 is available in two variants – 1.5T 2WD and 2.0T XWD, with estimated pricing of RM143,800 and RM153,800 respectively. The latter is a few grand less than the T2 with the same 2.0T XWD powertrain, which goes for RM157,669 on-the-road without insurance (RM156,800 nett price).
If the T2’s launch is anything to go by, expect the T1 to have a lower final price versus the estimated figures (T2’s estimated price was RM179k, and the big ‘drop’ dropped more than a few jaws at the launch!), plus an early bird cash rebate. The T2 comes with five times free service (labour and parts) on top of the seven-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty and 10-year/1,000,000 km powertrain warranty, and this should apply to the T1 too.
“With the T1, we are introducing a SUV that combines bold styling, thoughtful technology and practical versatility in a way that reflects the needs and aspirations of Malaysian drivers today. We are confident the T1 will resonate strongly with Malaysians looking for a stylish SUV that fits seamlessly into their daily lifestyles,” said Fu Yong, CEO of Jetour Auto Malaysia.
The five-seater T1 is 4,705 mm long and 1,967 mm wide, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase. This means that it’s 80 mm shorter and 39 mm narrower than the T2. Interestingly, the T1 is almost 100 mm longer than the T2 if you don’t count the latter’s ‘spare wheel’ housing – that’s why we say the T2 is boxier, not bigger (same 2,800 mm wheelbase by the way). Also, both are unibody SUVs, not body-on-frame as their looks might suggest.
Anyway, the T1 still a relatively macho-looking SUV, certainly more so than those from Chery and O&J, but compared to the butch T2, it has rounder edges and loses the T2’s side-hinged tailgate with the above-mentioned ‘spare wheel’ box, instead coming with a powered tailgate. Inside, the cockpit is largely similar to the T2’s save for minor differences in the air-con vents and centre console.
Standard equipment include full LED headlamps and taillamps (nice four-point signatures), 18-inch alloys, leatherette seats, powered driver seat, a 12.8-inch infotainment screen with voice assistant, eight-speakers, monochrome ambient lighting and a panoramic view monitor. Safety wise, the five-star ASEAN NCAP-rated T1 gets six airbags and Level 2 ADAS.
Th 2.0T XWD adds on ‘7+X’ drive modes, 19-inch alloys, a panoramic sunroof, driver memory seat, powered front passenger seat, a larger 15.6-inch central screen, Sony nine-speaker audio system and 64-colour ambient lighting. The screen size is the same as the T2’s but there are three fewer speakers here.
By the way, the car you see here is a is 2.0T XWD, and it is representative of the car that will soon hit showrooms. One difference though – there will be no mint green interior; instead, Malaysia is getting a safe all-black cabin, as per the T2. We noticed that the T1 wears regular road tyres, and not the T2’s all-terrain (AT) tyres – both are by Giti.
The XWD should share the T2’s 2.0-litre turbo-four with 245 PS (180 kW) and 375 Nm of torque available from 1,750 rpm to 4,000 rpm. This 2.0T, also found in the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro but with different outputs, is hooked up to a seven-speed wet dual-clutch automatic transmission. The 1.5T is also paired to a 7DCT; Jetour didn’t include outputs in its press release, but buyers in China get 184 PS/290 Nm.
For exterior colours, the T1 is offered in Khaki White, Aviation Silver, Sand Gold and Carbon Black. It was not mentioned, but the T1 will most likely be locally assembled in Johor alongside the T2 – only with CKD can such a price be achieved. So, what do you think of the Jetour T1’s looks and package? This or the more ‘Defender-style’ T2 for you?
GALLERY: Jetour T1 previewed in Malaysia
