The best Chinese cars for every budget

Years ago, when the Chinese boom in manufacturing started, people would mutter: “One day we’ll be driving Chinese cars” – and they were right. Chinese cars offer excellent value for money when compared to their European and Korean alternatives, and some are very good to drive, too.

Our expert reviews team has thoroughly tested every Chinese car on sale in the UK to put together this list of the best ones you can spend your money on, for a range of budgets, whether you’re after a hatchback, saloon or even an SUV.

Up to £20,000

Our recommendation: MG3 – £17,245

The MG3 is a sporty looking, fun-to-drive hatchback that comes with an excellent hybrid engine option for less than £20,000 – and a petrol option that’s even cheaper. It’s packed with standard kit including a 10.3-inch infotainment screen with sat nav and a digital driver display.

While it’s better to drive than a lot of cars at its pricepoint, you can tell where MG has saved money when you step inside. There are lots of scratchy plastics in the cabin, plus the boot is a little smaller than in its alternatives, but these are minor concessions for being so affordable.

For under £20,000 you’ll be hard pressed to find many alternatives, but the Leapmotor T03 offers plenty of standard kit and a more comfortable drive than the MG, while the BYD Dolphin Surf is even better equipped. Both options are electric, too.

£20,000-£30,000

Our recommendation: MG4 – £27,245

The MG4 is almost like a bigger MG3 from the future, because it’s even more refined, looks outlandish and it’s not only good to drive – it’s one of the most fun small hatchbacks on sale, full stop. The MG4 even won the 2023 Carwow Car of the Year Awards because of its generous standard equipment, comfortable drive and long-distance drive comfort.

The infotainment system is a bit of a let-down though, as it’s a faff to operate, and the amount of hard plastics around the interior makes it clear where the cost savings have happened. Rear visibility isn’t great when parking, either.

The MG S5 EV is also worth considering, and while it’s not as fun to drive as the MG4 you get a bit more space and a higher seating position. The BYD Dolphin is another well-equipped, electric family hatchback, but it’s nowhere near as stylish as the MG.

£30,000-£40,000

Our recommendation: GWM Poer300 £31,495

It’s not often that we recommend a pick-up truck over less rugged cars, but the GWM Poer300 is actually quite good. It’s not the sportiest tool in the shed, but it’s well-equipped and cheaper than the established pick-up trucks on sale. The seats are comfy, too, and you get a powerful diesel engine under the bonnet.

The infotainment system is very annoying to navigate, though, and while the steering isn’t totally lacking feel there isn’t very much grip in corners. There isn’t much storage inside, and rear passengers don’t have all that much legroom.

For a more typical – but more dull – daily driver, the BYD Atto 3 and Leapmotor C10 are worth considering. Neither will turn heads like the GWM, but they’re more comfortable than the Poer300 and easier to drive in town.

£40,000+

Our recommendation: Xpeng G6 – £44,990 (In Long Range trim)

Xpeng is the closest thing you’ll get to a Chinese Tesla at the moment, and in a lot of ways the G6 is a nicer car than a Model Y. It’s handsome, if a bit egg-shaped, offers plenty of real-world range and has loads of space inside. The infotainment is razor-sharp and easy to navigate, also.

The boot is far smaller than what you’ll find in its American alternative though, and the lack of shortcut and control buttons on the dashboard is annoying. The suspension never feels settled either, bouncing you around on a country lane and over speedbumps.

The BYD Seal is a very worthy alternative to the G6, and though it’s more expensive it’s nicer to drive. If you need a high-set seating position, the BYD Sealion 7 should be on your radar too.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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