VS
At a Glance
Power
120 kW
145 kW
Torque
230 Nm
290 Nm
Fuel
TBA l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Engine
electric cc
1598 cc
Choosing between the Dongfeng Vigo and the Jaecoo J7 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The Dongfeng Vigo delivers 120 kW while the Jaecoo J7 produces 145 kW. On fuel, the Vigo returns TBA l/100km while the J7 uses 7.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R499 000 for the Vigo and R519 900 for the J7. Both vehicles have their merits. The right choice depends on your priorities: fuel economy, performance, towing ability, safety features or total cost of ownership. This comparison covers every specification available so you can make an informed decision.
Performance
Power Output
120 kW
145 kW
Torque
230 Nm
290 Nm
Top Speed
150 Km/h
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
electric cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
—
inline
Cylinders
—
4
Fuel Type
electric
petrol
Forced Induction Device
—
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
—
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
TBA l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
44.9 kWh l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
—
163 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4306 mm
4500 mm
Width
1868 mm
1865 mm
Height
1645 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2715 mm
2672 mm
Ground Clearance
—
200 mm
Kerb Weight
—
1604 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
—
584-1349 l
Safety
ABS
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
EBD
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Brake Assist
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Stability Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Traction Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Airbag Count
6
6
Driver Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Passenger Airbag
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Side Airbags Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Curtain Airbags
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Features & Tech
Air Conditioning
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Climate Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Cruise Control
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
—
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
—
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
5 vehicle / 8 battery + high voltage par
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
Warranty Distance
150000 vehicle / 200000 battery + high v
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
5
5
Service Plan Distance
100000
70000
Service Intervals
—
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Tie
1 / 4 categories
Performance
J7
Fuel Economy
Tied
Value
Vigo
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
Dongfeng Vigo
Lower starting price (R499 000)
Less power than rival (120 kW vs 145 kW)
Jaecoo J7
More powerful engine (145 kW)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the Vigo or J7?
The Vigo uses TBA l/100km and the J7 uses 7.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the Vigo or J7?
The Vigo produces 120 kW and 230 Nm of torque while the J7 delivers 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque. The J7 is the more powerful option.
What is the price difference between the Vigo and J7?
The Vigo starts from R499 000 and the J7 from R519 900. The Vigo is cheaper by R20 900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the Vigo or the J7?
It depends on your priorities. If fuel economy matters most, check the L/100km figures above. If you need towing capacity, compare the towing ratings. For day-to-day South African driving - load shedding runs, potholed roads, school runs and highway commutes - consider ground clearance, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership including insurance and maintenance. Use the spec tables above to compare every detail before making your decision.