Jetour T1 Powertrain Explained: Turbo Performance, Driving Feel, and Technology

Saudi Arabia: The Jetour T1 arrives in Saudi Arabia with one clear objective: offering turbocharged power without premium pricing. Starting at SAR 114,000, this compact SUV packs a 2.0-litre turbo engine that makes 251 hp of power and a solid 390 Nm of torque. That's more capable than a Corolla Cross, powered by an 8-speed automatic from ZF, the same supplier trusted by BMW and Land Rover.

Engine Performance 

At the heart of the performance is the 2.0T GDI engine, which hits peak torque at just 1,750 rpm, which means you get strong pull from low revs, useful when merging onto King Fahd Road or climbing desert gradients. The engine stays strong until 4,000 rpm, then tapers off. It certainly is not sports-car fast, but the mid-range acceleration matters more here. The real-world fuel economy is about 12 km/L, not great but not bad either for a turbo SUV with all-wheel drive.

The 8-speed gearbox is smooth for city traffic and quick on highway runs. You get the feel that it hardly looks for gears the way some cheaper automatics do. Jetour claims a 20% faster combustion speed and a 30% better transient response compared to older designs; this simply means a sharper throttle response when you floor it.

Seven Drive Modes and the XWD System

Here's where things get intriguing. The T1 comes with seven drive modes: 

• Eco 
• Sport
• Highway
• Snow
• Sand
• Mud
• Rock

That pretty much covers everything and a lot of buttons. The intelligent 4WD system from BorgWarner automatically shifts torque to the rear wheels when it senses front-wheel slip. It's not a hardcore off-road system with locking differentials, but for weekend desert trips and wet roads, it works.

The system switches between 2WD and 4WD seamlessly, which improves fuel economy when you're just commuting. In sand mode, the T1 managed dunes reasonably well during media tests, though experienced drivers still need to pick their lines carefully. With a ground clearance of 210 mm and a wading depth of 600 mm, the T1 can handle most situations that Saudi buyers will encounter.

TRIM	COM	LUX
Engine	1998 CC
Engine type	2.0L Turbo-GDI
Horsepower	251 BHP
Max Torque	390 Nm
Transmission Type	Automatic
Transmission	8-Speed
Drive Type	4X2	4X4

What This Means for Buyers

The powertrain is something Jetour seems to have got right and is rather the T1's strongest aspect. You're getting real turbocharged performance, a proven transmission, and an intelligent AWD system for less than what Toyota charges for a base Corolla Cross. The drivetrain feels more modern than the price would indicate. But remember: Jetour is new in Saudi Arabia. Parts availability and long-term reliability are still question marks. If you value established service networks and resale value, such issues might worry you. If you want maximum features and performance for your money right now, the T1 delivers.

Also Read: Nissan X-Trail 5-Seat vs 7-Seat: Which Configuration Works Better in Saudi Arabia?