Exploring the Jaecoo 7 SUV along South Africa's renowned Garden Route
The Chinese car brand Jaecoo, part of the Chery International Group along with Omoda, is making a significant impact on the global automotive scene. Since its launch just over two years ago, Jaecoo has delivered more than 570,000 vehicles across 44 markets and recently surpassed 600,000 total sales worldwide.
In the UK, Jaecoo has been making strides through the Omoda-Jaecoo dealership network. In July 2025, the combined brands achieved a 2.71% market share, with nearly 1,915 Jaecoo vehicles registered that month alone. This rapid growth is supported by strong demand for Jaecoo’s tech-focused SUVs and electric models such as the Jaecoo 7, which has surpassed 10,000 UK orders since its launch in January 2025. New models expected later in 2025, including the Jaecco 5 (available in internal combustion engine and EV variants) and other flagship SUVs, are anticipated to continue boosting sales.
The Jaecoo 7, recently launched in the UK, is a mid-size SUV that offers fantastic fuel economy. The combined power of its 1.5-litre petrol engine and hybrid system is 201 bhp, with 310 Nm of torque. The hybrid model of the Jaecoo 7 is only available as a front-wheel-drive, and the transition between electric and petrol power is seamless. The electric-only range from the Jaecoo 7’s 18.3 kW battery pack is 56 miles.
Jaecoo's commitment to electrification is evident, with NEV sales rising sharply—up 460% year-on-year in Q1 2025—and NEVs representing 40% of Jaecoo's total exports in the first half of 2025. However, most of Jaecoo’s European sales still come from ICE vehicles and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) rather than pure EVs, with 63% ICE and only 29% PHEV in Europe. Despite this, the Jaecoo 7 ranked as Europe’s 9th best-selling PHEV in June 2025, signaling a notable presence in the electrified vehicle segment.
In the European market more broadly, Chinese brands including Jaecoo have gained substantial market share, reaching 5.1% in the first half of 2025, nearly matching the market share of Mercedes and overtaking Ford. Jaecoo, alongside Omoda, is recognized as one of the leading Chinese brands driving this growth in Europe.
Africa is another area where China is making remarkable inroads, being its largest trading partner since 2009. China sells 60% of the world’s EVs and 80% of the batteries that power them. China has invested in infrastructure projects, healthcare, and made multi-billion-dollar loans to African governments.
The Jaecoo 7's thermal efficiency and carbon emissions (23 g/km) are class-leading. Charging the Jaecoo 7’s batteries using a 40kW charger takes 40 minutes to 80 per cent full, or approximately six and a half hours using a home charger. The ride is direct and smooth, with the option to firm up the steering through the screen menu.
The Jaecoo 7 is available from £29,435 for the front-wheel-drive model and £32k for the all-wheel-drive model. With its exceptional value, impressive performance, and commitment to electrification, Jaecoo is a serious contender particularly in the UK and European new energy vehicle markets.
References: [1] Jaecoo Global Sales [2] Jaecoo UK Market Share [3] Upcoming Jaecoo Models [4] Jaecoo in the European Market [5] Jaecoo in the Global NEV Market
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