TWO years ago Jaecoo didn’t exist in the UK. Now it has the nation’s third best-selling car.
This is how they did it: Clone a Range Rover, add Tesla-style tech and a 700-mile petrol hybrid, and knock them out cheaper than everyone else.Simples.
Jaecoo is now the third best-selling car in the UK – with around 125 selling per day Credit: Mark Tattersall News Group Newspapers
The new Jaecoo 7 even features a secret cinema screen in the back of the car Credit: Mark Tattersall News Group Newspapers
You lot are buying a Jaecoo 7 every 12 minutes by my calculations, 125 a day, a boatload every month.
With a growing number of dealers — 144 at the last count — and an MoU with Nissan to build cars in Jattvibederland, it’s clear the Chinese are not messing around.
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But there’s a secret to this Jaecoo 7 no one else is talking about.
It has an OUTDOOR CINEMA — OK, built-in projector screen — for watching movies anywhere you like.
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Simply fix the retractable parcel shelf (the underside is white) to mounting clips in the tailgate and boot floor, and you’re good to go. Genius.
As you can see from our pictures, Boomer the Old English Sheepdog likes a bit of Paw Patrol and I wasn’t going to argue with him.
I think I can explain why this car looks a bit like a Range Rover.
Jaecoo’s owner Chery makes the Evoque for JLR in China. As for in-car tech, Jaecoo 7 is arguably better than a Tesla.
The in car tech is arguably even better than a Tesla Credit: Supplied
Whenever the battery drops to 19 per cent, the smart hybrid system recharges it on the go Credit: Mark Tattersall News Group Newspapers
Swipe up the big central screen for air con. Swipe down for shortcuts to driver-assistance.
Swipe right on the satnav page (Jaecoo uses Amap, the Chinese version of Google Maps) and the route magically appears on the driver’s screen.
Head-up display projects key data on to the windscreen and is fitted to every car.
The lettering even turns blue in Snow mode.
Tesla doesn’t have HuD. Strips of ambient lighting pulse to the music from the Sony sound system. The glass is double-glazed. The front seats are ventilated.
There’s a chilled centre console to keep cinema drinks cold, plus plentiful sockets and pockets for all your bits and pieces.
Other observations. There’s plenty of room for adults in the back. The flat floor helps. You can fit a Boomer in the boot.
Driving impressions. This is where the Chinese need to catch up — and they will. The ride is a bit fidgety for my liking and the steering is too vague. But it does feel strong and safe.
Boomer the Old English Sheepdog enjoyed the spacious Jaecoo Credit: Mark Tattersall News Group Newspapers
Maybe Jaecoo is rapidly becoming the Aldi of the car world Credit: Supplied
If you live out in the sticks, the regular 1.6-litre petrol has the option of four-wheel drive and can swim in 60cm of water.
If you live in a town or city, the mega-efficient 1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid (Jaecoo call it SHS-P) will do 50-odd miles in EV mode.
One Scottish owner has clocked up 3,000 miles without using a drop of fuel. She just tops up the 18.4kWh battery at night.
Let the petrol/electric combo do its thing and you’ll get 55-60mpg and up to 745 miles on a full tank.
Whenever the battery drops to 19 per cent, the smart hybrid system recharges it on the go.
To sum up, then. Jaecoo 7 doesn’t have the prestige or the driving dynamics of many established brands.
But with excellent mpg, luxury kit and a seven-year warranty, maybe Jaecoo’s rapidly becoming the Aldi of the car world.
The smart choice. Makes your money go further.
Outdoor cinema screen included.
JAECOO 7 SHS-P
Key Facts
Price: £35,170
Engine: 1.5-litre petrol plug-in hybrid
Power: 204hp
0-62mph: 8.5 secs
Top speed: 108mph
Economy: 60mpg
EV range: 56 miles
CO2: 23g/km
Out: Now
