At Paisley Autocare, we're always excited to test new vehicles, especially when they promise a blend of style, practicality, and affordability. Recently, we got our hands on the all-new Jaecoo 7, an SUV that's fresh off the boat, and one of the first models to land in the UK. Naturally, we couldn't resist putting it through its paces to see if it lives up to the buzz.
First Glance: Looks Familiar?
From the moment we laid eyes on the Jaecoo 7, we couldn't shake the feeling we'd seen this vehicle somewhere before. Its sharp lines, squared-off body, and strikingly modern LED headlights evoke strong comparisons to the legendary Range Rover. Yes, it's a bold move designing your vehicle to look like an automotive icon. But does it pull it off?
On the surface, absolutely. The Jaecoo 7 is undeniably stylish. With its imposing grille, sleek LED lighting setup, and robust silhouette, it stands out in traffic and turns heads. But, as always, looks can only carry you so far.
Interior: A Mixed Bag
Stepping inside the Jaecoo 7, you're greeted by an interior that immediately impresses, but also raises a few eyebrows. At first glance, the cabin is inviting and feels reasonably premium nice materials, comfortable seats, and a clear attempt at modern luxury. The huge tablet dominating the centre console screams high-tech appeal, at least initially.
Unfortunately, this tablet, which handles most infotainment and vehicle settings, disappointingly lags. Despite its generous size and appealing appearance, it feels sluggish and frustratingly slow to respond. In an age where tech-savvy drivers expect seamless and quick interactions, the Jaecoo 7 falls short here.
Another noticeable issue is the cabin’s overall design aesthetic. Despite the quality of the materials, the interior feels somewhat boxy, lacking the thoughtful ergonomics we’ve seen in competing SUVs. The air vents particularly catch attention if you're familiar with Jeep vehicles, you'll instantly spot the resemblance. It’s almost uncanny, suggesting the designers took inspiration (or perhaps more than inspiration) from other manufacturers.
Performance: Needs More Power
Our test model was the petrol-powered, front-wheel-drive variant of the Jaecoo 7. SUVs of this size and stature typically come with a bit of punch under the bonnet, but sadly, we found the performance lacking. Simply put, there wasn't enough "oomph." With its substantial size and weight, the Jaecoo 7 struggled to impress on the open road, particularly on inclines or when needing a quick burst of acceleration.
To compound the disappointment, the engine noise is noticeably intrusive, especially when pushing it hard. For drivers expecting a refined experience from their SUV, the noise level from under the bonnet could be an immediate turn-off. Refinement is a key expectation at this vehicle size and class, and unfortunately, the Jaecoo 7 doesn’t quite deliver.
Driving Experience: Could Do Better
On the road, the Jaecoo 7 offers a relatively comfortable ride, absorbing most bumps and potholes without too much fuss. The steering is decent, providing reasonable feedback and control. However, its handling certainly won't excite enthusiasts. There's noticeable body roll in corners, reminding you clearly of the SUV's considerable weight and size.
City driving is acceptable, but manoeuvring tight spaces and navigating narrow streets might be challenging for some due to the SUV's hefty dimensions. Despite modern driver aids and parking sensors, the sluggish tablet response can frustrate efforts to quickly access vital functions.
Safety and Technology: A Promising Start
Despite some drawbacks, it’s not all gloomy news for the Jaecoo 7. Safety features are commendable, offering modern driver-assist systems that include lane departure warnings, automatic braking, and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. These features do their job well enough, making the Jaecoo 7 suitable for families prioritising safety above outright performance.
Tech-wise, beyond the sluggish main console tablet, the SUV boasts a respectable audio system, wireless charging pad, and ample USB ports for passenger convenience. Rear passengers, particularly children and teens, will appreciate the connectivity and space available.
Aftersales and Reliability: An Open Question
With any new entrant into the UK market, the biggest unanswered question revolves around reliability and aftersales support. Jaecoo, being fresh to these shores, currently has an unproven track record. It’s hard to gauge how these vehicles will perform long-term or how quickly any issues will be addressed. Given this uncertainty, potential buyers might want to adopt a "wait and see" approach before diving in.
The Verdict: To Buy or Not to Buy?
At Paisley Autocare, our first encounter with the Jaecoo 7 SUV left us with mixed feelings. Visually appealing, generously equipped, and safety-conscious, the vehicle definitely ticks several boxes. However, critical drawbacks sluggish infotainment, underwhelming engine performance, and questionable long-term reliability mean we'd advise caution.
If you're drawn in by the Jaecoo 7’s aesthetics and pricing, we'd recommend holding off for a few months. Keep an eye on consumer feedback and long-term reliability reviews before making a commitment.
Final Thoughts
The Jaecoo 7 undoubtedly has potential. If Jaecoo can iron out the niggles, particularly regarding tech performance and engine refinement, it might yet become a viable alternative in the competitive SUV market. Until then, approach with healthy caution.
Interested in learning more or booking a test drive yourself? Contact Paisley Autocare today we're always here to guide you through your car-buying journey!
