With breakfast done and the morning coffee finally working its magic, there was only one place everyone wanted to be the basement.
It’s funny how a room full of seasoned motoring journalists can suddenly resemble children on Christmas morning. The conversations around the breakfast table came to an abrupt end as cameras were slung over shoulders, lenses swapped and everyone made their way downstairs. We knew what was waiting for us, but nothing quite prepares you for that first moment when the lift doors open.
There they were.
Parked neatly in formation under the soft lighting of the basement at Capital Zimbali was an impressive fleet of the refreshed JETOUR Dashing and the all-new X70 Plus. Every vehicle looked immaculate, each finished in colours that seemed carefully chosen to complement Durban’s coastal backdrop. The polished bodywork reflected the lights above while the bold front grilles, redesigned LED headlamps and striking alloy wheels immediately signalled that these weren’t just minor updates. JETOUR had clearly invested time in refining both models, giving them a stronger presence before we’d even turned a wheel.
Naturally, photographers and videographers scattered in every direction. Some crouched low to capture the aggressive front-end styling, others circled the vehicles looking for the perfect angle, while a few simply stood back to admire the lineup. It’s a scene that’s familiar at every launch, yet it never loses its excitement. Before a single kilometre is driven, every journalist wants to capture that untouched moment when the cars are still perfectly clean and waiting for their first media convoy.
As I walked through the lineup, one vehicle immediately caught my attention.
Finished in a striking Emerald Green, the new JETOUR X70 Plus stood proudly among the fleet. The colour gave the SUV an elegant yet adventurous p sw cersonality, changing shade as the light bounced across its sculpted bodywork. It wasn’t loud or flashyit was sophisticated, and against Durban’s lush surroundings, it looked absolutely at home.
This would be my first drive of the day.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, the first thing I noticed was just how much attention had been given to the cabin. JETOUR has clearly listened to customer feedback because the interior feels considerably more premium than before. Soft-touch materials now feature throughout the dashboard, the seats offer improved comfort and support, while the dual-screen digital display creates a clean, modern cockpit that immediately gives the impression that you’re sitting in a vehicle from a segment above.
The centre console is neatly laid out, with physical controls kept to a minimum without becoming overly dependent on touchscreens. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration make connectivity effortless, while multiple USB charging points ensure every passenger remains connected during long journeys. Families will also appreciate the generous storage compartments spread throughout the cabin, making the X70 Plus as practical as it is stylish.
Before long, the convoy rolled out of Capital Zimbali and joined the roads leading towards Umhlanga.
There is something incredibly satisfying about driving along Durban’s coastline early in the morning. The roads were still relatively quiet, allowing us to settle into the rhythm of the drive while enjoying uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean. Although the skies remained overcast, the warm coastal air created the perfect conditions for a relaxed drive, and with every kilometre, the X70 Plus continued to impress.
Under the bonnet sits JETOUR’s proven 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, producing 115 kW and 230 Nm of torque, paired to a smooth six-speed dual-clutch transmission. On paper, those figures suggest a capable family SUV, but out on the road they translate into a driving experience that’s confident and refined. Acceleration is progressive rather than aggressive, making overtaking feel effortless, while the gearbox shifts smoothly with very little hesitation. The steering is light enough for city driving yet offers enough feedback to inspire confidence on open roads.
Perhaps the biggest surprise, however, was the level of refinement. Wind noise is well controlled, road imperfections are absorbed comfortably by the suspension and the cabin remains remarkably quiet even at highway speeds. It’s easy to forget you’re driving an SUV that sits in one of South Africa’s most competitive value segments.
Our first official stop was one of Durban’s most recognisable landmarks—the Umhlanga Lighthouse.
If you’ve ever visited Umhlanga, you’ll know exactly why this location remains a favourite among locals and tourists alike. Standing proudly against the Indian Ocean, the iconic red-and-white lighthouse has become one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most photographed attractions. On this particular morning, it also provided the perfect backdrop for JETOUR’s newest SUVs.
The convoy attracted attention almost immediately. Morning joggers slowed down to admire the vehicles, tourists stopped to ask questions and more than a few smartphones appeared as people snapped pictures of the colourful lineup parked along the beachfront. It was a reminder of just how much curiosity now surrounds the JETOUR brand in South Africa.
For us, it was the perfect opportunity to do what content creators do best.
Cameras clicked relentlessly.
Video cameras rolled.
Drones lifted into the air.
The combination of Durban’s coastline, the fresh sea breeze and a fleet of freshly launched SUVs created the kind of content every motoring publication hopes for. Even with the grey skies overhead, the scenery delivered everything we could have asked for.
Leaving the lighthouse behind, our convoy continued towards JETOUR Umhlanga, where the brand had prepared a more detailed presentation of the X70 Plus. This stop allowed us to spend additional time exploring the finer details that are often missed during a quick walkaround. 
The refreshed front fascia gives the X70 Plus a more commanding presence, while the redesigned grille and updated LED lighting bring it in line with JETOUR’s evolving global design language. Inside, the improvements continue with a cleaner dashboard layout, upgraded upholstery and improved technology that enhances both convenience and everyday usability. Practicality remains one of the vehicle’s strongest selling points, with generous passenger space across all three rows and enough luggage capacity to comfortably handle family holidays or weekend adventures.
By now, it was also time to swap vehicles.
As impressive as the X70 Plus had been, I was eager to experience its smaller sibling.
The refreshed JETOUR Dashing.
At first glance, the two SUVs may share the same family DNA, but their personalities couldn’t be more different. Where the X70 Plus focuses on space and practicality, the Dashing immediately feels younger, sportier and more expressive. Its coupe-inspired silhouette, sharp body lines and bold front-end styling give it a confident presence that turns heads wherever it goes.
The route ahead would provide the perfect opportunity to discover whether its driving experience matched its eye-catching design.
But before that, there was one essential stop every road trip deserves.
Coffee.
And not just any coffee.
One of Durban’s favourite cafés awaited us, where the conversation would shift from first impressions to detailed discussions about performance, design and whether JETOUR had once again managed to exceed expectations… We continue stay tuned
