Mat’s Car of the Day: why you should think about a Jaecoo 8 instead of an Audi Q7

When I tested the Jaecoo 8 earlier this year, I was hugely impressed by what you get for your money. It’s not just an alternative to average seven-seaters like the Kia Sorento or Volkswagen Tayron – I reckon you could consider this over something much more expensive.

Here are three things I like about the Jaecoo 8, as well as three things I don’t. I’ll also give you some tips on how to get the best deal.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

Three good things about the Jaecoo 8

1. The interior feels posh

There’s more than a hint of the Mercedes GLE inside the Jaecoo 8, but that’s no bad thing. The dashboard design is smart, there are plenty of soft-touch materials and all the switchgear feels solid. In fact, I reckon the column stalks feel nicer than those you’ll find on a BMW X3.

2. You get loads of equipment as standard

All versions of the Jaecoo 8 come with a shed-load of kit, and there are no annoying optional extras to wade through. You get adaptive cruise control, a surround-view camera, a panoramic glass roof, heated, cooled and massaging front seats, heated and cooled rear seats and a head-up display.

3. It’s comfortable on long journeys

The Jaecoo 8 is a car I could happily drive for hours across the country, because it’s really comfortable on the motorway. It’s got active noise cancelling inside to keep things nice and quiet, and the seats are supportive as well.

Jaecoo 8 prices and deals

The best thing about the Jaecoo 8 is the price, because at £45,500 it’s almost £40,000 cheaper than the Audi Q7, while offering more kit as standard. However, I reckon leasing one offers the best value.

Over three years and 24,000 miles, you can have a Jaecoo 8 for £447 per month with a £5,744 up-front payment. The best deal I could find on an Audi Q7 over the same time and mileage was £929 per month with an initial payment of £11,440.

So over three years, the Jaecoo 8 will cost you £21,375 in total. The Audi costs almost £44,000.

Three annoying things to consider before buying a Jaecoo 8

1. The third row is tiny

The Jaecoo 8’s third row of seats is only really suitable for children, because knee room is really tight and head room isn’t great either. If you’re after a car which can carry seven adults in comfort, check out a Hyundai Santa Fe instead.

2. Avoid the six-seater package

For an extra £2,500, or £20 per month on a lease deal, you can get a pair of massaging captain’s chairs in the middle row in place of the three-seat bench. My advice is not to bother though, because they don’t tip forward to give access to the rear making the third row even more pointless.

3. It’s not as good to drive as alternatives

It may be comfortable on the motorway, but the Jaecoo 8 is by no means a driver’s car. It’ll go where you point it, and it’s good over bumps as well, but something like a used Audi Q7 is more predictable through the bends and the controls feel more natural.

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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