There are cars that arrive quietly. Then there’s the Jetour Dashing 1.5T Deluxe, which makes an entrance that’s hard to ignore. From the moment I slid into the driver’s seat, it was clear that this wasn’t another compact SUV trying to prove itself. The Dashing carries itself with confidence, charm and just enough attitude to make you glance back after parking it.
I spent the week exploring its every side. From the weekday bustle of Johannesburg traffic to a weekend escape up to Pretoria and back, where jacarandas painted the streets purple. It was a week of discovery, design and, yes, a little bit of dashing through the city.
“They called it Dashing and the name fits perfectly.”
A Head-Turner from Every Angle
Jetour’s Dashing lives up to its name before you even touch the ignition. The sculpted front grille, sweeping LED lights and fluid lines give it an unmistakable presence. It’s not flashy, just quietly confident like that person who walks into a room and commands attention without saying a word.
Inside, the aesthetic continues. The cabin feels far more premium than you expect at this price point: soft-touch panels, leather finishes and a minimalist layout anchored by a floating infotainment display. The panoramic sunroof floods the space with light, creating an airy sense of sophistication that turns the daily commute into something a little more indulgent.
Every design choice feels deliberate – not about excess, but about experience.
City Driving: Smooth, Steady and Self-Assured
Johannesburg traffic can humble even the most capable cars. But the 1.5L turbocharged engine in the Dashing handled it like a pro. The dual-clutch transmission is slick and responsive, making light work of stop-start conditions.
It’s not a car that demands to be driven hard, it’s one that rewards you for being smooth. There’s a quiet precision to how it moves through the city, absorbing bumps, cutting through traffic and keeping you cocooned in comfort. Steering is light and accurate and parking is made stress-free with the 360° camera system, which offers a crystal-clear view of everything around you.
“The Dashing doesn’t shout about what it can do, it just does it beautifully.”
The Jacaranda Drive: Where the Dashing Shines
On Saturday, I went on a relaxed cruise from Joburg to Pretoria and back. It’s a route that shows off the Dashing’s dual nature: city-smart and highway-ready.
On the open road, it glides. The turbo engine hums confidently, overtaking is easy and even at 120km/h, the cabin remains whisper-quiet. Pretoria in October is breathtaking with its purple blooms, golden light, and that soft hum of weekend calm. The Dashing fits right into that scene. With the panoramic roof open and music filling the cabin, it was pure driving joy – comfortable, composed and surprisingly refined.
Tech that Works, Comfort that Lasts
Jetour has clearly thought about how people live in their cars. The infotainment system is intuitive and responsive, the wireless charger and USB ports are well-positioned and the climate control keeps things calm even when the city heat rises.
Safety features like lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring all come standard, creating an invisible layer of reassurance. And those seats! Sculpted, supportive and wrapped in plush materials are made for long days and longer drives.
Everything in the Dashing feels intentional, designed for comfort without compromising style.
Everyday Practicality, Elevated
The Dashing is more than just good looks. With a roomy interior, generous boot space and clever storage throughout, it’s built for real life. The 7.8L/100km fuel efficiency held steady throughout my week. It’s impressive for a turbo SUV that feels this refined.
It’s an ideal match for urban adventurers, small families or anyone who wants a touch of luxury without crossing into the premium price bracket. Jetour’s attention to build quality is evident everywhere. From the solid door thud to the reassuring quietness of the cabin.
“Refined without being pretentious. Stylish without trying too hard.”
Final Thoughts
After a week with the Jetour Dashing 1.5T Deluxe, I’m impressed. It’s smartly designed, surprisingly dynamic and genuinely enjoyable to drive. It’s not pretending to be a luxury SUV, it’s creating its own lane and doing it with confidence.
If you’re looking for a daily drive that turns heads, fits your lifestyle and handles itself with understated poise, the Dashing delivers exactly what it promises. Sometimes, the name really does say it all.