Comfort, luxury and off-road capabilities combine in an appealing value proposition. By John Challen.

WHAT IS IT? Plug-in hybrid C-SUV | HOW MUCH? From £35,065 | Economy: 403mpg | Emissions: 23g/km

With the launch of the Omoda brand successfully navigated in 2024, the beginning of 2025 saw sister brand Jaecoo take centre stage. Backed by Chery, Jaecoo – like Omoda – starts from a good position, Omoda&Jaecoo being the fastest-growing global automotive brand, no less. In the UK, the company is hoping to make a big impact with high-quality, value-for-money products that can legitimately compete with legacy brands, as well as other new arrivals on the market.

The first car for the UK from the Chinese brand is the Jaecoo 7, a mid-size SUV with the option of either a 142hp 1.6-litre petrol engine (in front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive) or Jaecoo’s take on plug-in hybrids, the Super Hybrid System (FWD only). The latter features a 1.5-litre petrol engine, a hybrid transmission and an 18.3kWh battery pack. Combined, the total output of the Jaecoo 7 SHS is 204hp and 310Nm of torque. That’s enough to propel the car from zero to 62mph in 8.5 seconds and onto 108mph. Jaecoo says the SHS is superior to a standard plug-in system because it never lets the battery get to zero and offers an impressive 745-mile total range.

We’ll concentrate on the SHS, because that’s most likely to be the volume seller, especially with fleets, in the absence of a pure electric model. There are two grades across the range – Deluxe and Luxury – with the SHS only available with the latter. Standard features include a 14-8-inch central screen, a Sony eight-speaker audio system, heated seats all round (and ventilated fronts), heated steering wheel and a 540-degree parking camera system. Inside, the Jaecoo 7 is a welcoming, comfortable place to be, with plenty of space for all passengers. A vast, 1.1m-long panoramic sunroof with opening front section keeps the space light and airy, while double-glazed windows ensure exterior noise is kept to a minimum.

Away from the luxury items, but staying with technology, there are 16 ADAS technologies on board, including: front collision warning; adaptive cruise control; traffic sign recognition and rear crossing traffic braking. Meanwhile, the Jaecoo 7 features a high-strength steel cage design for improved structural rigidity and crash protection. The 10-strong airbag system features extended pressure retention for an extra layer of protection where airbag pressure is maintained for up to six seconds.

Both Omoda and Jaecoo models have been developed for European roads at the company’s European R&D facility in Frankfurt, Germany. The result is a ride that is comfortable, refined and quiet on the move, thanks largely to those high-quality windows. In terms of handling, the Jaecoo 7 would never claim to be a driver’s car, but it’s clearly capable, with steering that is light, but with enough weight to feel confident. The Jaecoo 7 SHS claims a theoretical electric-only range of 56 miles and the powertrain switches seamlessly and effortlessly between it and the ICE.

But the real USP about this car is the value it represents and what drivers will get for the money. The spec – even in the base version – is generous and by the time you get to Luxury, there’s pretty much everything you would need. Add in a diesel-like driving range and it makes a compelling case for company car drivers.

The Lowdown

Jaecoo 7

Key fleet model: SHS

Thumbs up: Value; quality interior; striking design

Thumbs down: No EV option; driving experience

Seven-word summary: Value for money and a comfortable cabin

Also consider: Kia Sportage, MG HS, Nissan Qashqai