A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Best suited to:Published PerformancePublished Efficiency
UNI-S
Strengths
Stronger published practicality figures
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Fewer listed safety features
Best suited to:Published Practicality
Which One's Right for You?
J7 SHS
Buyers prioritising the stronger published powertrain figures
Buyers prioritising the lower published fuel or energy use
Buyers prioritising the more complete listed safety equipment
UNI-S
Buyers prioritising the stronger published space and capacity figures
Full Specs, Side by Side
Open a category, then swipe sideways to compare every column
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Model Introduced Year
2025
2026
Generation
Current South Africa J7 SHS range
First current South African UNI-S retail generation, offered in CS, CL and CE grades.
Facelift History
Current South Africa version listed by official source
No South African facelift has been announced since the UNI-S entered local retail sale in 2026.
Facelift Launched Since
2025
Not Applicable
Facelift Version Ending
Current
Not Applicable
Body Style
SUV
SUV
Model Year
2026
2026
Production Status
active
active
Segment
SUV
Compact SUV
Tare Mass Kg
Not Available
-
Vehicle Type
SUV
Passenger car
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Length
4500 mm
4539 mm
Width
1865 mm
1865 mm
Height
1670 mm
1680 mm
Wheelbase
2672 mm
2656 mm
Ground Clearance (Default)
174 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
170 mm
167 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
51 l
Boot/Cargo Space
500 l
475 l
Kerb Weight
1795 kg
1505 kg
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2210 kg
1825 kg
Payload Capacity
420 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Towing Capacity
1300 kg
Not Officially Disclosed
Seating Capacity
5 seats
5 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Doors
5 doors
5 doors
Minimum Turning Radius
5.4 m
5.66 m
Front Headroom
1010 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Headroom
975 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Legroom
1050 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Legroom
910 mm
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Front Track Width
Not Available
-
Rear Track Width
Not Available
-
Front Suspension
MacPherson strut
MacPherson independent
Rear Suspension
Multi-link
Multi-link independent
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Load Bed Length
Not Applicable
-
Load Bed Width
Not Applicable
-
Climate Control
Automatic
Automatic climate control
Power Windows
Standard
All four windows; one-touch up/down
Keyless Entry
Standard
Passive entry
Push Button Start
Standard
Yes
Wireless Charging
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Sunroof
Standard
Electric panoramic sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Standard
Yes
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Yes
Boot Space Seats Folded
Not Available
-
AC Type
Automatic
Automatic climate control
Loadbox Length Mm
Not Applicable
-
Loadbox Width Mm
Not Applicable
-
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Engine
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol Plug-in Hybrid
1.5-litre Turbocharged Petrol
Engine Code
Not Officially Disclosed
NE15TG-AC
Fuel Type
Plug-in Hybrid
Petrol
Hybrid System
Plug-in Hybrid
Not Applicable
Engine Displacement
1500 cc
1500 cc
Cylinders
4
4
Cylinder Layout
Inline
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves
16
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Officially Disclosed
Aspiration
Turbocharged
Turbocharged
Fuel System
Petrol injection
Not Officially Disclosed
Compression Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Bore
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Stroke
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Maximum Power
255 kW @ 5500 rpm
138 kW
Maximum Torque
525 Nm
300 Nm
Combined Power
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Motor Location
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Drive Type
FWD
FWD
Transmission
Not Officially Disclosed
7-Speed DCT
Top Speed
Not Officially Disclosed
190 km/h
0-100 km/h
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Drive Modes
Eco, Normal, Sport
3 selectable modes
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Rev Limiter
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Power-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Type
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Battery Voltage
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Electric Range
90 km (WLTP)
Not Applicable
AC Charging Power
6.6 kW
Not Applicable
DC Charging Power
40 kW
Not Applicable
AC Charging Time
160 min
Not Applicable
DC Charging Time
20 min
Not Applicable
Regenerative Braking
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Applicable
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Gearbox
DHT
7-Speed DCT
Drivetrain Layout
FWD
Not Officially Disclosed
LSD Available
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Paddle Shifters
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Final Drive Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Number of Gears
Hybrid DHT
7
Transmission Type
Automatic
DCT
Clutch Type
Automatic clutch
Dual-clutch
Gear Shift Indicator
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Gear Shift Type
Electric
Automatic
Drivetrain
FWD
FWD
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Automatic Shift Paddles
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Gearbox Type
DHT
Dual-Clutch Automatic
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Axle Layout
FWD
Not Officially Disclosed
Rear Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Transmission Speeds
Hybrid DHT
7
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Claimed Mileage
100.0 km/l
14.49 km/l
City Mileage
17.4 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Highway Mileage
23.0 km/l
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Capacity
60 l
51 l
Emission Standard
Euro VIb
Euro 6
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Real-world Mileage
100.0 km/l
14.49 km/l
Charging Port Type
Plug-in hybrid AC/DC
Not Officially Disclosed
Charging Type
AC/DC
Not Officially Disclosed
Fuel Tank Litres
60
51
Combined Driving Range
1200
Not Officially Disclosed
Electric Consumption
18.7
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Highway
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Range Real World Mixed
1200 km
Not Officially Disclosed
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Airbags
Multiple airbags
6
ABS
Standard
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Standard
Yes
Traction Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Descent Control
Standard
Yes
Hill Start Assist
Standard
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
ISOFIX Mounts
Standard
Yes
Brake Assist
Standard
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Standard
Driver and front passenger
Front Parking Sensors
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
AEB
Standard
Yes
BA
Standard
Yes
Brake Override System
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Curtain Airbags
Standard
Yes
Driver Airbag
Standard
Yes
EBD
Standard
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Yes
Hill Hold
Standard
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Seatbelt Reminder
Standard
Driver and front passenger
Side Airbags
Standard
Yes
Stability Control
Standard
Yes
TCS
Standard
Yes
Knee Airbag
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
ABS EBD
Standard
Yes
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Cruise Control
Standard
Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Standard
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Standard
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Standard
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Standard
Yes
Parking Sensors
Standard
Rear (6 sensors)
Rear View Camera
Standard
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Standard
540-degree HD panoramic view
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Standard
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not Available
Yes
Auto Highbeam
Standard
Yes
Auto Wipers
Standard
Yes
Rear Parking Sensors
Standard
Yes
Reverse Camera
Standard
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Standard
Yes
Park Assist
Not Available
Straight-in/straight-out automatic parking
Around View Monitor
Standard
540-degree HD panoramic view
Blind Spot Warning
Standard
Yes
Forward Collision Warning
Standard
Yes
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Seat Material
Leatherette / leather
Microfiber leather
Heated Seats
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Ventilated Seats
Standard
Front seat cushions
Ambient Lighting
Standard
Not Officially Disclosed
Front Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Rear Shoulder Room
Not Available
-
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Microfiber leather
60 40 Split Seat
Standard
Yes
Driver Seat Adjustment
Power
6-way electric
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Power
4-way electric
Seat Trim
Leatherette / leather
Microfiber leather
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Infotainment System
Touchscreen infotainment
12.8-inch infotainment system
Apple CarPlay
Standard
Yes
Android Auto
Standard
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Standard
Yes
Number of Speakers
8
8
Digital Instrument Cluster
Standard
10.25-inch instrument display
USB Ports
Front and rear USB where listed
1 USB-A and 1 USB-C in front
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
12.8-inch
Touchscreen
10.25-inch or larger by trim
12.8-inch
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
LED Headlamps
Standard
Yes
Daytime Running Lamps
Standard
LED
Fog Lamps
Standard
Rear fog lamp
Roof Rails
Standard
Yes
Exterior Colour Options
Khaki white, carbon crystal black, model green, olive grey, moonlight silver and two-tone colours where listed.
Black, Putty Grey, Shadow Grey, Fluorite Grey, Moon White
Headlights
Standard
Yes
Panoramic Sunroof
Standard
Yes
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Approach Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Departure Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Wading Depth
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Terrain Modes
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Locking Differential
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
4WD System Type
Not Applicable
Not Officially Disclosed
Breakover Angle
Not Available
Not Officially Disclosed
Ground Clearance Max
174 mm
-
Ground Clearance Min
174 mm
-
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Tyre Size
235/50 R19
225/55 R19
Front Brake Type
Ventilated Disc
Ventilated disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Solid disc
Spare Wheel Type
Not Available
Temporary-use spare
Wheel Rim Size
235/50 R19
19-inch aluminium-alloy wheels
Handbrake Type
Electronic parking brake
Electronic parking brake
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
CO2 Emissions
Not Available
179 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Petrol
-
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Service Plan
5 Year / 75 000 km
5 years / 90,000 km
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Ownership Role
range-specific
Current South African derivative
Price Zar
689900 ZAR
469900 ZAR
Pricing Role
range-specific
Current South African retail price
Starting Price
689900
469900
Starting Price Zar
689900
469900
Spec
J7 SHS
UNI-S
Warranty
7 Year / 200 000 km
5 years / 150,000 km; roadside assistance 5 years
In depth: how these cars differ
This J7 SHS and UNI-S comparison uses the exact South African derivatives selected above. The catalogue index covers performance, efficiency, safety equipment, practicality and ownership cover only where comparable source-backed fields are present.
Performance index: J7 SHS 91 vs UNI-S 59.
Efficiency index: J7 SHS 96 vs UNI-S 55.
Safety-equipment index: J7 SHS 94 vs UNI-S 92.
Practicality index: J7 SHS 62 vs UNI-S 68.
Ownership-cover index: J7 SHS not separately scored vs UNI-S not separately scored.
These figures are Hagalu catalogue-comparison indicators, not customer ratings, crash-test scores, resale guarantees or a substitute for a road test. Each page shows its weighted source coverage beside the result.
Specification Evidence Index
A transparent comparison of published catalogue fields. This is not a road-test score, owner rating or editorial review rating, and it appears only when every vehicle clears the same comparable-data threshold.
Evidence / 100
Evidence-index readout
J7 SHS leads by 16 points
J7 SHS holds a noticeable catalogue-index lead over UNI-S.
Moderate difference in the source-backed catalogue index.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Evidence-index leader
J7 SHS
Performance
91/100
Efficiency
96/100
Safety
94/100
Practicality
62/100
UNI-S
Performance
59/100
Efficiency
55/100
Safety
92/100
Practicality
68/100
What the evidence means
Evidence indexJaecoo J7 SHS
leads the specification evidence index with 85 pts
vs 69 pts for UNI-S
In Hagalu's specification evidence index, J7 SHS leads. However, UNI-S may suit buyers prioritising different confirmed fields. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Related comparisons
Continue with closely related South African models and comparable body styles.
There is no universal winner. Use the comparison table to match the exact South African derivatives on price, safety equipment, space, powertrain and ownership cover. The category indicators summarise published catalogue data; they are not a road test or customer rating.
Compare the published consumption or mileage rows for the exact derivatives using the same unit and test basis. A catalogue figure is useful for like-for-like comparison, but traffic, speed, load, weather and driving style can change actual fuel use.
Compare only equipment explicitly listed for each derivative, including airbags, stability control and driver-assistance systems. Confirm the exact trim with the manufacturer, and treat any independent crash-test result separately because equipment and ratings can differ by market.
A reliable five-year total cannot be calculated from catalogue data alone. Add the exact purchase and finance cost, fuel or electricity, insurance quotes, scheduled servicing, tyres and expected resale value. Check whether the selected derivative includes a service or maintenance plan.
Use the seating, boot or load-space, ISOFIX and safety rows as a first check. Then test the exact cars with your child seats, passengers and typical luggage, because published dimensions do not show every access or comfort difference.
Compare the published power, torque and 0–100 km/h rows when they are available for both exact derivatives. Vehicle weight, gearing and power delivery also matter, so catalogue outputs alone do not establish real-world overtaking or response.
Compare
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