Tag Archives: SUV

Electric/hybrid, Jaecoo, Motoring

SUV a rising star of UK market

Leave a comment

JAECOO 7 Luxury PHEV

By Bill McCarthy

The rapid breakthrough of Chinese brands in the UK is gathering pace, with OMODA and JAECOO emerging as major players. In 2025, the joint brands sold 48,087 new vehicles, capturing a significant 2.38% of the total UK market.

This surge was driven largely by the JAECOO 7, with 26,048 registrations, making it the fourth most popular retail car in the UK. A huge 70% of these registrations were for the plug-in hybrid variant tested here.

It’s easy to see the appeal. The JAECOO 7 has a rugged road presence, with the look of both a Range Rover and the ‘waterfall’ grille reminiscent of a Jeep. It looks like a premium brand but sells for significantly less. Prices start at just over £30,000.

There are two trims – Deluxe and the Luxury version driven here – and two powertrains: a 1.6-litre petrol with four-wheel drive available, or this front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid with a 1.5-litre engine.

Design and Styling
The muscular profile is complemented by more subtle aerodynamic curves, and features split LED headlights with a checkerboard pattern. Standard equipment includes a partially opening panoramic sunroof, integrated roof rails and smart 19-inch alloy wheels. The rear also features a full-width LED light bar and roof spoiler.

Interior and Technology
Like others, the car has no starter button or switch and becomes active via sensors when the driver sits down. I’m not really a fan, because you don’t feel in full control.

However, the cabin is light and airy with plenty of head and legroom for all occupants, while the front two leather seats are both heated and powered, and supportive. Dominant is the 14.8-inch central screen on this model. The screens grow ever more complex and can be distracting. So much so that from this year, safety body Euro NCAP requires new vehicles to have physical buttons for key functions to achieve a maximum five-star safety rating.

That aside, the screen controls major functions like smartphone connectivity, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, infotainment, navigation and safety functions. It is complemented by a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, as well as a head-up display on this model. Other key controls are logically placed (if you don’t mind the gear selector where the wiper stalk would normally be), and robust.

The list of standard kit is comprehensive even on the base model with privacy glass, electrically heated folding mirrors, synthetic leather, dual-zone climate control, and multi-colour ambient lighting. This model adds the head-up display, a premium Sony 8-speaker sound system, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, an air purification system, a refrigerated centre cubby, and tinted rear windows.

Performance
The powertrain is a combined 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor delivering 204bhp and claimed WLTP economy of up to 403mpg. This is only realistic by keeping the battery permanently topped up; a figure of around 50mpg seems nearer the mark, with emissions at 23g/km. Importantly, it offers up to 56 miles of pure electric range for daily commuting, while avoiding many congestion charges.

On the Road
Acceleration is brisk, hitting 60mph in 8.6 seconds, although when the accelerator is floored, there is the occasional wheelspin from the front driven wheels. This became problematic on a loose gravel surface, where I required a little assistance to get free.

Firm suspension delivers a decent enough ride but tends to feel unsettled over rougher surfaces, even on some motorway stretches – where otherwise it’s a comfortable cruiser. However, it still handles well, despite the inevitable SUV lean on some bends. The steering feels well weighted and direct with enough feedback to keep the driver honest.

Practicality
Storage and space are typical for the segment, though this plug-in hybrid model has a 500-litre boot expanding to 1,265 litres with the seats folded and accessed via a powered tailgate.

Safety and Driver Assistance
A comprehensive list includes eight airbags and this model also features autonomous emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, driver monitoring system and rear cross-traffic alert. Ownership peace of mind is boosted by a 7-year/100,000-mile vehicle warranty and an 8-year battery warranty.

Verdict
The JAECOO 7 keeps things simple: one price, no add-ons, and plenty of standard equipment. Its plush interior and generous features make it a strong value-for-money rival to European brands. Established competitors still have the edge of decades of proven reliability, and the newcomer’s long-term durability is unknown – but it’s an impressive start.

Factfile

Model: Jaecoo 7 Luxury PHEV

Price: £35,165

Mechanical:  204 PS,1.5-litre turbo petrol and electric motor, driving the front wheels. via a auto transmission

Max speed: 112 mph

0 to 62mph: 8.5 sec

Combined mpg: 403 (WLTP claimed); 45-50 (estimated)

Insurance group: 32

CO2 emissions: 23 g/km

Warranty: 7yrs/100,000 miles

Electric/hybrid, Motoring, SUV, Volkswagen

Tayron a premium plug-in hybrid bridge to EVs

Leave a comment

Volkswagen Tayron R-Line eHybrid

By Bill McCarthy

Volkswagen’s slick Tayron is the kind of vehicle that serves as a bridge for drivers not yet ready to commit to a full EV. This spacious plug-in hybrid boasts a standout interior. While I use the term sparingly, ‘ergonomic’ is apt here.

The cabin design is genuinely impressive, featuring a curved dashboard and seats engineered for exceptional comfort.
In automotive design, ergonomics is the science of tailoring a vehicle’s interior to the human form, minimising driver strain and fatigue while maximising comfort, safety, and overall efficiency. It works here.

It is already proving popular and by the end of 2025 had sold just short of 4,000 models in the UK in nine months.

Design and styling

Measuring almost 4.8 metres long, the Tayron features up to seven seats, but it is available as a five-seater only in this plug-in version.
The smart looks are further enhanced with this range-topping R-Line finish, which adds sharp, body-coloured bumpers, 20-inch alloy wheels, and signature LED lighting front and rear, including illuminated Volkswagen badges. Also included is a tilting, sliding panoramic roof.

The cabin has a premium feel, and this model does, after all, carry a £57k price tag, above the standard £50,210, with all the optional bells and whistles.
It features specialised R-Line microfibre upholstery with blue piping, which feels high-end and hard-wearing. Head and legroom are excellent, and the whole cabin feels spacious, air and well engineered.
The standard 12.9-inch infotainment display controls major functions like infotainment, phone and app connectivity, and navigation.
It is further enhanced on this test model with the £1,160 Infotainment Package Plus, adding a larger 15-inch screen and a head-up display. 

Interior and technology

The 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro is standard and delivers real time information to the driver.
An extensive list of driver aids and electronic features includes an automatic dimming interior rear-view mirror, electronic air conditioning, and electrically heated, adjustable, and foldable door mirrors with puddle lighting. Additional lighting features include dynamic cornering lights and coming/leaving home functions.

Performance

Power is via a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine combined with an electric motor and a 19.7 kWh battery. The system deliver272 PS and 400 Nm of torque through a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission.
This setup offers practical flexibility. On battery power alone, it can cover a claimed 60-70 miles (70 miles WLTP), sufficient for most daily commutes. When needed, both systems work together for responsive acceleration. However, there was some evidence of wheelspin, even when not flooring the accelerator. 

The official WLTP fuel economy is 165.0 mpg – a nominal figure dependent on regular charging – but it indicates the potential for low running costs if the battery is kept charged

On the road

The Tayron’s advanced suspension setup and chassis dynamics deliver a pleasing driving experience. The petrol/electric combination offers plenty of power with swift acceleration to 60 mph in just 7.3 seconds. While not the quickest, (it’s still quick), its handling more than compensates.
It potters along happily on electric power in the city, but open it up on faster roads and the optional Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC Pro) and Vehicle Dynamics Manager keep the vehicle stable and balanced even on the tightest bends, with minimal body roll for a large SUV.
On the motorway, it’s a relaxed cruiser, with wind, road, and engine noise suppressed – which is the least you would expect from a car with a price tag of just over £57k.

Practicality

As a five-seater in a potentially seven-seat body, storage areas are huge. The boot offers a substantial 525 litres with the seats up. These can be reclined or folded completely flat, opening up to 1,610 litres.
It supports AC charging at up to 11 kW (a full charge in 2h 30m) and DC rapid charging at 40 kW (5-80% in 26 minutes).

Safety and driver assistance

Comprehensive safety features include full airbags, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection, junction braking assist, lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and available 360-degree parking camera.

Verdict

The Tayron R-Line eHybrid combines efficient electric driving for daily use with a petrol engine for longer trips, all within a high-quality, tech-rich package. A decent driving experience, despite the wheelspin, it is practical and economical.

Factfile:

  • Volkswagen Tayron R-Line 1.5 TSI eHybrid 272 PS
  • Price (as tested): £57,025
  • Powertrain: 1.5-litre turbo petrol + electric motor, 272 PS, 400 Nm, 6-spd DSG auto, FWD
  • 0-62 mph: 7.3 seconds
  • Top Speed: 134 mph
  • Electric Range (WLTP): 70 miles
  • el Economy (WLTP): 165.0 mpg
  • CO2 Emissions: 39 g/km
  • BiK Rating: 7%
  • Warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles