Mat Watson: This new Chinese SUV really impressed me, but there’s one thing letting it down

This is the new Jaecoo 7, and it’s yet another Chinese SUV which you can now buy in the UK. I spent some time reviewing it to find out if it’s worth considering over something more mainstream like a Nissan Qashqai or a Volkswagen Tiguan.

I found there was a lot to like about this car, but there’s one thing which may put you off buying one. It would certainly make me think twice. Here are the five things I liked about the new Jaecoo 7, plus my one dealbreaker.

And remember, if you’re looking to save money on your new Jaecoo 7 then check out the latest deals through Carwow. You can also browse the latest leasing offers, and sell your car for a fair price.

Five things I liked about the Jaecoo 7

1. It looks good
2. It’s great value for money
3. Interior quality is lovely
4. Practicality is decent
5. The plug-in hybrid gets impressive fuel economy

1. I like the way it looks

The Jaecoo 7’s exterior design has a bit of a Range Rover vibe about it, especially in the boxy side profile. The pop-out door handles are also reminiscent of that car, as is the rear wiper – which is hidden underneath the spoiler. The bold grille looks nice as well, and I quite like this pearlescent light blue paint.

2. It’s great value for money

This car starts from £30,000, but you can save around £2,500 on one through Carwow. That makes it around £5,000 cheaper than a Volkswagen Tiguan. I have the top-spec Luxury version here, and it still only costs £31,500 through Carwow.

It has electric heated and ventilated leather seats, ambient lighting, a head-up display, adaptive cruise control and loads more. Even the full-length panoramic glass roof comes as standard, something you’ll pay £1,300 for on a £50,000 BMW X3.

3. The interior is high-quality

You might be expecting a car as cheap and well-equipped as this to have a bargain-basement interior, but not so. The Jaecoo 7’s cabin is packed with soft-touch plastics and metallic trim, and it feels really solidly built as well. It can easily give some of the German competition a run for its money.

4. The cabin is practical

There’s loads of space inside the Jaecoo 7. Rear legroom is plentiful, and fitting a child seat is easy thanks to the flip-up ISOFIX covers. I did also notice the enormous back doors, which makes slotting the seat through stress-free as long as you’re not in a tight car park. There are also plenty of cubby holes for your bits and bobs.

5. The plug-in hybrid gets impressive fuel economy

There are only two engine options available for the Jaecoo 7. I have the plug-in hybrid here, but there’s also a normal petrol version. The PHEV will do up to 56 miles in electric mode, and I managed a respectable 50mpg on average during my time with the car. The standard petrol car isn’t quite so fuel-efficient, you’ll likely see around 30mpg out of it in the real world, so this hybrid is the one to go for.

Jaecoo 7: why I wouldn’t buy one

So the Jaecoo 7 is stylish, well-built, practical and great-value, but there’s one thing letting it down, and that’s the way it drives.

It’s fine around town. You get a good view out and the light steering makes it a doddle to slot through tight car parks. The issues arise when you hit a twisty road.

SUVs like this don’t need to handle like sports cars, but the Jaecoo 7’s steering is so light and vague that it doesn’t really inspire any confidence as you push on through the bends. The suspension is also quite fidgety over bumps, and overall a Nissan Qashqai feels much more competent at higher speeds.

If you really don’t care about cars or driving, then this isn’t likely to put you off. The Jaecoo 7 has plenty going for it, but try to try some alternatives first to make sure you’re not deterred by the way this Chinese SUV drives.

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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