2025 Jetour VT 9 Prime Review

As competition in Malaysia’s 7-seater SUV market becomes increasingly fierce, consumers in the budget range of RM 120,000 to RM 130,000 are paying more attention to balancing "space practicality" and "configuration balance." As a new contender in this specific market, the Jetour VT 9 Prime features a 1.5T powertrain and 7-seater layout as its core, coupled with rich standard active safety configurations. This has sparked curiosity among many family users: can it strike the optimal balance between cost performance and actual experience? This test drive will comprehensively evaluate whether it meets the daily needs of Malaysian families, covering aspects such as static design, space performance, and dynamic driving.

In terms of exterior design, the Jetour VT 9 Prime adopts a calm and atmospheric style, with overall lines leaning towards a practical family SUV design. The front face features a large trapezoidal grille paired with black mesh-like trim inside, while the LED headlights on both sides are connected to the grille via chrome strips, enhancing the visual width. The side profile of the body showcases a waistline stretching from front to rear, with 19-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 235/55 R19 tires, creating a well-proportioned appearance. At the rear, the standout design feature is the through-type LED tail lights, which have high recognition when illuminated. The hidden exhaust layout below maintains a clean and simple look. The lighting system across the lineup comes standard with LED lights, and the addition of automatic headlights and daytime running lights improves daily usability.

Stepping inside, the interior predominantly features dark tones, with the dashboard wrapped in soft-touch materials and complemented by silver trim, offering a texture that matches this price range. The center console is equipped with a 10.25-inch dual-screen, where the left side functions as the instrument cluster and the right side as a smart central control screen. The interface operates smoothly and supports basic multimedia and Bluetooth connectivity features. The steering wheel has a multifunctional design and comes with paddle shifters, making it user-friendly. The front seats support 6-way electric adjustments, with moderate lumbar support and cushioning, making them comfortable for long journeys. The rear seats feature 4-way manual adjustments, while the third-row space is average for a 7-seater SUV. Passengers 170cm tall can sit with about a fist's worth of legroom remaining, making it suitable for short trips. Regarding storage space, while the regular trunk capacity is not large, folding down the third row expands it to 1680L, which is more than enough for strollers or suitcases. Storage slots in areas like the door panels and central armrest box are also sufficient for everyday use.

For the powertrain, the Jetour VT 9 Prime is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine producing a maximum output of 156 PS and peak torque of 230 N·m, paired with a 6-speed DCT transmission. During daily driving, the torque output kicks in actively in the low RPM range (starting at 1750rpm), providing smooth acceleration for starts and city commutes without a noticeable lag. When the accelerator is pressed hard, the gearbox shifts at a moderate speed; while it doesn’t deliver a strong push-back feeling, the reserved power is sufficient for highway overtaking. The chassis employs a MacPherson independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension, tuned for comfort. When driving over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension effectively absorbs most of the jolts, and the vehicle remains stable with minimal body roll. During cornering, lateral tilt is well-controlled and does not feel loose.

We also tested its fuel efficiency by driving 50 kilometers each in urban traffic and on highways, achieving an average fuel consumption of about 7.8L/100km. For a 1.5T 7-seater model, this performance is on par with its class. In terms of noise control, some wind and tire noise are noticeable at higher speeds but remain within an acceptable range, not interfering with normal conversations inside the car. Moreover, features like an electronic parking brake, automatic air conditioning, and independent rear air vents enhance daily usability.

The safety configuration is a major highlight of the Jetour VT 9 Prime. The entire lineup comes standard with six airbags, body stability control, lane change assist, lane departure warning, and an active braking system. The 360-degree panoramic camera and front and rear radar also make parking much easier. These configurations are relatively rare in seven-seater SUVs in the same price range and can provide a safer driving experience for family users.

In summary, the core advantages of the Jetour VT 9 Prime lie in its "balanced configuration" and "practical space." With a price of 124,000 MYR, you can get a seven-seater layout and rich active safety features, which makes it stand out in terms of value for money among models in the same class. Compared to similar models like the Proton X70 or Haval H6, its seven-seat design is better suited for families with multiple children, and its standard safety features are more comprehensive than some competitors. However, its compact third-row space and average performance are its minor shortcomings.

If you are a family user with a budget of 120,000 to 130,000 MYR, and you need a seven-seater SUV that can meet your daily commuting and occasional long-distance travel needs, while also placing emphasis on safety features and cost-effectiveness, then the Jetour VT 9 Prime would be a good choice. It doesn’t have particularly aggressive design or performance, but it excels in meeting the basic needs of family use across the board, making it a "practical" family SUV.