We just bought our very first car in Dubai – the Jetour T2.
After leasing for our first year here, we finally decided it was time to own something. Within a week of walking into the showroom, we were driving it away. Since then, we've done 1,400km including a 5-day road trip to Oman.
I'm not a car guy. Back in the UK, I drove a Tesla Model 3 (basically an iPad on wheels) and Sara had a Range Rover Vogue. Honestly? The T2 feels like if those two cars had a love child – Defender-style rugged looks combined with the tech and big screen experience I loved from Tesla.
Here's everything you need to know.
Why We Chose the Jetour T2
There's no big dramatic reason. We got sick of leasing month-on-month – yes it's cost effective, but you don't feel like you own it. We're really trying to get settled here, so we thought: lease for the first year, then buy.
The T2 kept catching my eye around Dubai. Then my mate Alex bought one, I got inside, and I was sold. The big screen, the tech, but also a proper family car. Perfect mix.
The Car: Quick Overview
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | 5-door, 5-seater SUV |
| Brand | Jetour (Chery Automobile, founded 2018) |
| Engine | 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol |
| Power | 250+ HP, 390 Nm torque |
| 0-100 km/h | ~6 seconds |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, AWD options |
| Fuel tank | 70L (8-10L/100km consumption) |
| Screen | 15.6-inch touchscreen (Snapdragon chip) |
| Warranty | 10 years / 1,000,000 km (!) |
Features That Stood Out
The Screen
Super responsive – no lag. I've been in cars where the tech frustrates you because it's slow. This isn't that. Apple CarPlay works perfectly on the massive 15.6" display.
Driver's Seat Massage
Yes, really. You can literally sit in your car and get a massage. It's actually decent. Worth noting: massage is only on the driver's seat. I'm normally a passenger princess, but I might be driving more now.
Ambient Lighting
128 colour options throughout the car – footwells, doors, centre console. There's even a setting to sync it with your music. Put some tunes on and the car vibes with you.
Panoramic Roof
The boys love it. Makes the whole car feel bigger and more open.
The Cool Box
There's a compartment in the centre console that actually stays cold. Open a flap and the AC flows through to keep your drinks chilled. Genius for Dubai.
Boot Features
Three-pin plug, outlets, handy storage spots. There's even a lock mechanism so the boot door stays open if you're sitting in the back (camping, safari, whatever).
7 Terrain Modes
Sand, snow, mud, and more. Nice animations on the screen when you switch. We tested it on the rocky mountain roads in Oman – handled everything perfectly.
The Interior
We went for the green interior with orange accents – thread detailing, door panels, seatbelts. The kids helped us choose. It adds a proper colour pop.
Back seat space: Loads of room. I'm no Peter Crouch, but there's plenty of legroom. Important for two growing boys.
Comfort: We just did a 5-hour road trip to Oman. At no point did I get a bad neck, bad shoulders, or feel uncomfortable. The seats are genuinely good.
How Much Did It Cost?
| Item | Cost (AED) | Cost (GBP approx) |
|---|---|---|
| Car price | 151,200 | ~£32,000 |
| Registration fee | 580 | ~£125 |
| Insurance (annual) | 4,800 | ~£1,000 |
| Total | ~156,580 | ~£33,125 |
The T2 ranges from AED 144,000-159,000 depending on trim.
The Buying Process in Dubai
Step 1: Showroom Visit
We went to Elite Motors in Al Quoz on a Saturday. Walked in, saw the car, fell in love.
Step 2: Deposit
Paid AED 5,000 deposit (non-refundable). Banks in Dubai are a bit funny about adding new payees on weekends, so this held the car.
Step 3: Full Payment
Transferred the balance (AED 146,780) on Monday via bank transfer.
Step 4: Wait
They quoted 10 business days. Car was ready in 5.
Why We Paid Upfront
You can finance cars here – options exist. But:
- We could pay in full, so we did
- Wanted to reduce monthly outgoings
- As a new company in Dubai, financing can be tricky
If you need financing, it's available – just be prepared for more paperwork if you're self-employed or have a new business.
Insurance: The Big Difference from UK
This is important:
In Dubai, the CAR is insured – not the driver.
Anyone with a UAE driving licence can drive your car and be covered. Completely different from the UK where insurance follows the person.
Our Insurance Story
The showroom offered to get us a quote. I thought "yeah right, you'll take margin – I'll go direct."
Went to a well-known insurance company (the one with the little cartoon character). Got quoted AED 7,000.
The showroom quote through the same company? AED 4,800.
Lesson learned: sometimes the dealer quote is actually better. Always compare both.
Colour Options
We went for white. There's also a sand colour we really liked, but it had a 3-4 week lead time. White was available immediately.
Note: Some older T2 models have a colour pop accent. The brand new model (ours) doesn't.
Design Details
- Defender vibes – Especially from the back, clearly inspired by that rugged shape
- Hexagon theme – Shows up on the key, steering wheel, and throughout the car
- Chunky detailing – Makes it look like a proper machine
- Blind spot indicators – Lights in the mirrors warn you when cars are alongside
- Spare wheel on tailgate – Adds to the adventure aesthetic
The Key
Cool shape, feels well-made. Apparently designed by someone who used to work at Porsche.
Features:
- Lock / Unlock / Boot buttons
- Remote start – Start the engine from inside your house, let the AC cool the car before you get in. Game changer in Dubai summers.
After 1,400km: Our Verdict
Absolutely zero regrets.
It's a fantastic family motor. More than that – it's made us feel more grounded. We live in Dubai now. This isn't a 1-2 year experiment anymore. Having our own car instead of a rolling lease makes it feel like home.
When I compare it to what else is on the market at this price point – the features, the tech, the little details that make you smile – I'd definitely recommend it.
Full Specs Reference
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Length | 4,785 mm |
| Width | 2,006 mm |
| Height | 1,880 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,800 mm |
| Ground clearance | Up to 220 mm |
| Airbags | 6-10 (depending on trim) |
| Sound system | Sony 12-speaker |
| Safety | ABS, ESC, lane departure, blind spot, autonomous braking, adaptive cruise |
| 4WD system | BorgWarner with limited slip differential |
| Cameras | 360° + under-body view for off-road |
Should You Buy One?
If you want:
- A family SUV that doesn't break the bank
- Proper tech (responsive screen, Apple CarPlay, ambient lighting)
- Rugged looks without the Range Rover price tag
- Comfort for long drives
- That "10-year warranty" peace of mind
The T2 delivers.
It's not going to win any performance awards, and it's not trying to. It's a brilliant value family car that makes Dubai feel even more like home.
Thinking about relocating to Dubai? Buying a car is one of many decisions you'll need to make. Take my neighbourhood quiz to find the right area for your family, or check out my relocation package for personalised help with the whole process – including car advice!