VS
At a Glance
Power
138 kW
145 kW
Torque
305 Nm
290 Nm
Fuel
8.1 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Engine
1498 cc
1598 cc
Choosing between the BAIC B30 and the Jaecoo J7 is one of the most common decisions South African car buyers face. The BAIC B30 delivers 138 kW while the Jaecoo J7 produces 145 kW. On fuel, the B30 returns 8.1 l/100km while the J7 uses 7.0 l/100km — important in a market where fuel prices change monthly. Pricing starts at R519 000 for the B30 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
138 kW
145 kW
Torque
305 Nm
290 Nm
Top Speed
—
—
Engine & Drivetrain
Engine Capacity
1498 cc
1598 cc
Engine Layout
inline
inline
Cylinders
4
4
Fuel Type
petrol
petrol
Forced Induction Device
turbocharger
turbocharger
Transmission
automatic
automatic
Number of Gears
7
7
Drive Wheels
front
front
Fuel Economy
Fuel Consumption Average
8.1 l/100km
7.0 l/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
51 l
CO2 Emissions
181 g/km
163 g/km
Dimensions
Length
4730 mm
4500 mm
Width
1910 mm
1865 mm
Height
1790 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2820 mm
2672 mm
Ground Clearance
215 mm
200 mm
Kerb Weight
1575 Kg
1604 Kg
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
5
Load Volume
1496 l
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
Adaptive Cruise Control
✓ Standard
—
Bluetooth
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Satellite Navigation
—
✓ Standard
Reversing Camera
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Rear
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Park Distance Front
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Sunroof
—
✓ Standard
Keyless Entry
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Alloy Wheels
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Warranty & Service
Warranty Period
7
5 vehicle / 10 engine for 1st owner
Warranty Distance
200000 Km
150000 vehicle / 1000000 engine for 1st
Service Plan
✓ Standard
✓ Standard
Service Plan Years
7
5
Service Plan Distance
90000
70000
Service Intervals
15000
15000
The Verdict
Which Wins?
Overall Winner
Jaecoo J7
2 / 4 categories
Performance
J7
Fuel Economy
J7
Value
B30
Practicality
Tied
Pros & Cons
BAIC B30
Lower starting price (R519 000)
Higher fuel consumption (8.1 l/100km)
Less power than rival (138 kW vs 145 kW)
Jaecoo J7
More powerful engine (145 kW)
Better fuel economy (7.0 l/100km)
Higher starting price
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is more fuel efficient, the B30 or J7?
The B30 uses 8.1 l/100km and the J7 uses 7.0 l/100km on the combined cycle. The J7 is the more fuel-efficient choice. In South African conditions with a mix of highway and urban driving, real-world figures will be slightly higher.
Which has more power, the B30 or J7?
The B30 produces 138 kW and 305 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 B30 and J7?
The B30 starts from R519 000 and the J7 from R519 900. The B30 is cheaper by R900 at this variant level. Final on-the-road pricing varies by dealer and specification.
Should I buy the B30 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.