There is a quiet but undeniable shift happening on South Africa’s roads. Of the nine vehicles I’ve tested since the start of the year, six have come from Chinese manufacturers, each one arriving with growing confidence.
The Jetour T1 Odyssey XWD is no exception. It doesn’t whisper its intentions; it announces them.
Launched locally in October last year, the T1 has quickly found favour with buyers seeking a compact yet adventurous SUV. Jetour South Africa confirms that 431 T1 models have already been sold since January, an indication that motorists are warming to fresh alternatives in a fiercely contested segment.
The T1 is offered with two turbocharged petrol engines – a 1.5-litre (125 kW/270 Nm) and a more assertive 2.0-litre (180 kW/375 Nm) – both paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The range-topping Odyssey derivative I tested features Jetour’s XWD intelligent all-wheel-drive system, designed to balance everyday comfort with light off-road confidence.
My test unit rode on striking 19-inch alloy wheels, which filled the arches confidently and enhanced the SUV’s road presence. The T1, finished in a head-turning aqua green that refreshingly departs from the usual sea of monochrome SUVs, felt youthful, adventurous, and unapologetically different. It is the kind of colour that sparks conversation in the parking lot at the shopping mall.
Visually, the T1 is bold and upright, with generous ground clearance and squared-off proportions that give it presence. It looked equally at home when I parked it outside the new Pantry eatery in Hazelwood, Pretoria, as it does when parked beside a gravel trail.
Inside, the cabin is modern and generously equipped. A commanding 15.6-inch infotainment screen anchors the dashboard, which is complemented by a 540-degree panoramic camera system, dual-layer soundproof glass, and cloud-like ergonomic seats. The Odyssey’s nine-speaker Sony sound system adds a premium flourish, while flexible storage solutions make it practical for active lifestyles.
Behind the wheel, the T1 delivers a comfortable, high-riding experience. The steering leans toward the softer side, favouring ease over sportiness, though selecting Sport or Rock mode sharpens the response somewhat. At full throttle, there is occasional hesitation in the gearbox – a reminder that refinement still has room to grow.
Yet, the T1’s strength lies in its versatility. With eight driving modes, including snow, mud, and sand, it positions itself as a “soft adventurer”, more of a gravel road explorer than a hardcore rock crawler. Those seeking more rugged intent may gravitate toward its T2 sibling, but for urban dwellers craving the freedom of the outdoors, the T1 strikes a compelling balance.
Fuel consumption during my test averaged between 11.4 and 12 litres/100km. A plug-in hybrid derivative is expected soon, and it could well be the sweet spot for buyers seeking improved efficiency and sharper responsiveness.
At R634 900 for the flagship Odyssey (with entry-level models starting at R514 900), the T1 squares up against rivals such as the BAIC B40 Plus Honor Edition, GWM Tank 300 and Renault Duster, while also nudging the territory of established nameplates like the Toyota RAV4 and MINI Countryman S Rugged Edition.
Jetour sweetens the proposition with a 7-year/200 000km warranty, a 7-year/75 000km service plan, and an impressive 10-year/1 000 000km engine warranty for the first owner – reassurance that speaks directly to long-term value.
Last word
The Jetour T1 Odyssey XWD represents more than just another new model on the market. It reflects the growing ambition of Chinese brands determined to earn their place in South
African driveways.
It may not be perfect, but it’s confident, generously equipped and competitively priced. In that striking aqua green hue, riding on purposeful 19-inch wheels, it proves that standing out is sometimes the boldest move of all.
