Overview

Should you buy a Jaecoo 7?

We can see the potential in this car, but there are a few rough edges that stop us short of recommending it. As it stands, the Jaecoo 7 has a keen price tag and a plug-in hybrid that’s one of the best-value examples in its class. It’s more convincing than its sister model, the Omoda 5, thanks to a better-finished cabin, and smoother drivetrain. However, its steering is woeful and the ride quality is below par – so take it for a decent test drive on roads you know before signing on the dotted line.

The five-star Euro NCAP safety rating is a positive in the context of a value-biased family SUV, though. For a new and largely unknown brand, having crash-test results that match the very best European rivals is a good result.

That said, the petrol version is best avoided. It’s less refined, more expensive to run and doesn’t deliver the same effortless performance as the plug-in. On monthly finance, the SHS still faces strong competition from the Skoda Kodiaq and Citroen C5 Aircross plug-ins, but in cash terms it undercuts most rivals. If you’re open to taking a chance on a newcomer, the Jaecoo 7 SHS is an interesting prospect.

What’s new?

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The Jaecoo 7 marks parent company Chery’s first serious push into the British mainstream market under this badge. While its sister brand Omoda is pitched more towards style-led buyers, Jaecoo’s role is to bring a premium feel at mainstream prices. It’s been developed in Europe with British and European tastes in mind, which means a familiar SUV format, an airy and well-equipped interior, and the option of a long-range plug-in hybrid.

The exterior is a mix of contemporary SUV trends – big grille, slim lights, squared-off wheelarches – and cues from more expensive SUVs. Whether you love or loathe the oversized grille, the overall stance is purposeful, and in Luxury trim with larger alloys, it could easily be mistaken for something much more expensive.

Buyers clearly like them, as the Jaecoo 7 is already a common sight on UK roads, with the brand already outselling some quite established carmakers in its first few months on sale. That’s impressive considering the strength of the opposition. In terms of price, it lines up against mainstream family SUVs such as the Nissan Qashqai, Skoda Karoq and Kia Sportage, while the SHS plug-in hybrid version is pitched directly at the MG HS PHEV, as well as the aforementioned Citroen C5 Aircross and Skoda Kodiaq.

Size-wise, its 4.5-metre footprint makes it a close match for the Qashqai and Karoq, while offering a slightly roomier interior that edges into larger SUV territory without the bulk of something like a Hyundai Santa Fe or Kia Sorento.

Inside, the Jaecoo 7 impresses for its price point. The dash layout is clean and well-assembled, with good quality materials, soft-touch surfaces and plenty of standard tech. In Luxury trim you get a 14.8-inch infotainment screen with slick graphics and responsive menus, plus wireless phone charging and a panoramic roof.

The petrol version is front-wheel drive in Deluxe trim, with the option of four-wheel drive in Luxury. The SHS plug-in hybrid combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors and an 18.3kWh battery, delivering a claimed 56 miles of EV range and the ability to rapid charge at up to 40kW – rare in this segment.

Standard kit levels are generous across the board. Every model gets heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a full suite of safety systems. The Luxury adds a head-up display, premium Sony audio and extra driver aids.

Over the next few pages, we’ll provide our assessment of the Jaecoo 7 considering its practicality, comfort, technology, fuel economy and driving experience before offering our final verdict on the car. Click through this review to find out whether the SUV could suit your lifestyle. If you’re curious about how we test cars, we have a page for that, too.