Is Jaecoo 7 SHS questioning the authenticity of a luxury SUV purchase at a £35,000 price point?
Cracking the European Market with the Jaecoo 7 SHS
Say hello to the Jaecoo 7 SHS, a mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV that won't burn a hole in your wallet. This badboyLooks like it'll set you back £35,065, but it packs a punch in more ways than one. With its slick exterior and sleek interior complete with a massive central touchscreen, it's nothing short of a steal.
Wondering if it's worth the investment? Well, consider this - £35k might be enough to snag a used Porsche 911, but when it comes to new vehicles, that's barely enough for a hatchback or small family car. So, what's the deal with the Jaecoo 7?
Being an SUV with hybrid essence, it's a combination that knows how to win hearts. And Jaecoo is betting big on this recipe - tough competition may be fierce, but so are the specs. The Kia Sportage 'GT-Line' PHEV starts at £40,575, while a Range Rover Velar P400e PHEV can be yours for £65,335. Jaecoo's aim is to undercut the competition while offering comparable quality, all while keeping costs reasonable.
Curious about who's behind this ambitious new player in town? Jaecoo and its sister brand, Omoda, are the latest offerings from Chery International, one of China's biggest carmakers and exporters. With over a million global sales and two million domestic sales under their belt, they certainly have the financial muscle required to make a splash in the European market.
So, what's under the hood of this Chinese contender? While petrol-only models are available, the 7 shines in its SHS (Super Hybrid System) form. It comprises a 1.5-litre TDGI engine paired with an 18.3kWh lithium-iron battery pack. The batteries on their own can deliver a drive range of up to 56 miles, while the diesel engine charges them as you cruise along. It's a plug-in hybrid, so an external charge can boost it up to 40 kW, reaching 80% in just 20 minutes - impressive, right? Total claimed range is a whopping 745 miles. As for power, it puts out a tough 201bhp with 310 Nm torque, offering a 0-62mph time of 8.5 seconds and a top speed of 108 mph.
Now, let's talk comfort. The 7 comes equipped with 16 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) technologies, including collision warnings, speed warnings, lane assistance, and even cyclist warnings - handy for city drivers. And if you fancy some tunes on your journey, the massive 14.8-inch touchscreen will be your best buddy. However, it's not without its quirks - simple tasks like adjusting the climate control or mirrors require multiple taps, which can be a bit of a pain when on the move. Still, the interior is a nice place to be, with heated seats and a spacious, comfortable layout, albeit a little plasticky.
Overall, the Jaecoo 7 SHS is a solid offering for those seeking a stylish, comfortable, and efficient ride. Whether it checks all your boxes or not depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a car. But one thing's for sure - at £35,065, it's more than you'd expect for a mid-size SUV with hybrid tech. Good luck, folks!
The Jaecoo 7 SHS, despite its budget-friendly price of £35,065, offers a sleek design and sophisticated features, making it a worthy investment for those seeking a stylish and efficient mid-size SUV with hybrid technology. The financial backing of its parent company, Chery International, a renowned Chinese carmaker, adds credibility to Jaecoo's aim of undercutting competitors while maintaining comparable quality and affordability in the European market.
