PHEV – Pulpaddict

Jaecoo 7 SHS review

We drive the eye-catching Jaecoo 7 SUV – the promising first model from a Chinese company new to the UK

For a brand that only launched here at the beginning of the year, Jaecoo’s success has been stellar.

According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Jaecoo 7 SHS was the UK’s best-selling plug-in hybrid in August. Of course, time will tell whether it can maintain that kind of sales momentum, but that achievement alone is nothing short of remarkable.

Sister company to Omoda, which debuted in 2024, and ultimately owned by Chinese giant Chery, Jaecoo focuses on SUVs, so it has its work cut out in this fiercely competitive segment.

Aggressive pricing and a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty helps, but joint Jaecoo-Omoda dealerships are also spreading fast, helping to create an awareness and peace of mind which must make them the envy of some other new Chinese brands.

A mid-sized SUV/crossover, the Jaecoo 7 has its sights on everything from the Kia Sportage and MG HS, to the Range Rover Evoque and Audi Q3.

It’s not without kerb appeal either. If you look beyond the huge front grille with chrome-trimmed vertical slats, it bears more than a passing resemblance to the Range Rover Evoque and Velar, while the interior is surprisingly plush at first sight.

Two Jaecoo 7 models are available. A straight petrol with two or four-wheel drive, starting at just £30,115, or a petrol plug-in hybrid (badged SHS, or “Super Hybrid System”), priced from £35,165 (FWD only).

And it was the latter that provided my introduction to the brand.

Pairing a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol turbo engine with two electric motors and 18.3kWh battery, it delivers a total of 201bhp to the front wheels.

This results in a 0-62mph dash in 8.5 seconds, and with a full charge, it can achieve an electric-only range of up to 56 miles, according to official WLTP figures.

In theory, the combination of petrol and electric power gives the Jaecoo 7 SHS a long total range of up to 745 miles, while fuel economy of up to 403mpg is possible.

Inside, the cabin is spacious and light, and the driving position is on the high side for my liking. My only other slight gripe is the steering column which could do with a greater telescopic reach adjustment.

Rear seat passengers (up to five) have plenty of space, though the 412-litre boot capacity (expanding to 1,335 litres with the rear seats flipped down) is average for a car of this size.

It’s fairly minimalist up front with a huge reliance on the big 14.8 infotainment touchscreen. Even the climate system is controlled via the touchscreen, rather than physical dial. A cardinal sin in my book.

Prodding and swiping a screen isn’t ideal on the move, and sure enough, the distraction warning is triggered as soon as you take your eyes off the road.

Add that to the other alerts for speed and lane departure, and it makes for a frustrating driving experience. That said, it’s not unusual with new cars these days, and if you look hard enough, it is possible to switch some of them off.

On the plus side, the Jaecoo 7’s tech helped it score a maximum five stars in Euro NACP safety tests.

Other goodies in this high-spec Jaecoo 7 SHS include a head-up display, heated rear seats, tinted windows, and an eight-speaker Sony sound system.

Build quality is good, though on closer inspection, some of the materials used aren’t quite as classy and there are some hard, scratchy plastics down below.

On the road, the big takeaway is that the SHS hybrid system is clever and very slick, delivering an EV driving feel, with ample torque and straight-line speed.

Unlike most other plug-in hybrids, the Jaecoo 7 never lets the battery fall to 0%, so even once you’ve used most of the electric-only range on offer, the engine acts more like a generator.

It’s only at higher speeds or during particularly aggressive acceleration that the engine kicks in to drive the wheels. It’s a tad harsh when it does, but then it’s such a contrast to the otherwise serene cabin.

For most buyers, the general driving experience will be fine, but for those who enjoy more dynamism sophistication, it will disappoint.

From the ultra-light steering to the firm ride and tendency to wallow, it won’t put a smile on your face.

However, it’s a lovely cruiser, and driven sensibly, most buyers will be happy with their purchase.

It’s just a shame this plug-in hybrid doesn’t give you the confidence that all-wheel drive offers, especially in slippery conditions. That said, it still has a ground clearance of 200mm and a wading depth of 600mm, which could come in useful on extreme weather days.

Unusually for an PHEV, the battery can recharge at up to 40kW, and it can be boosted from 30-80% capacity in just 20 minutes at a fast charger. Of course, you can still plug it in at home for a more leisurely 6.5 hours.

So, if you’re not a high miler, keep your battery charged up, and run around in EV mode, your visits to the service station for petrol could become rare events. Even if you use the Jaecoo 7 on longer journeys, 50-55mpg is achievable.

Ultimately, the Jaecoo 7 is a mixed bag and would benefit from a more engaging driving experience, but as a first effort, it’s impressive and deserves its success.

Verdict: If you’re looking for an efficient, generously-equipped family SUV that stands out from the crowd and offers serious value for money, then the Jaecoo 7 SHS should be near the top of your shortlist. Now add the seven-year/100,000-mile warranty, top safety rating and fast-growing dealership network, and it’s definitely worth a test drive.

Jaecoo UK

Milestone for BYD as 100th UK dealership opens

Gareth Herincx

49 mins ago
Auto News

BYD showroom

Fast-growing Chinese brand BYD has opened its 100th UK franchised car sales site – just two-and-a-half years after its first dealership was launched.

As a result of its latest openings in key towns and cities such as Canterbury, Chichester, Croydon, Ipswich and St Albans, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles (fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars) claims it now has an average drive time of just 27 minutes across virtually all of the UK, ensuring that both new and potential customers can conveniently browse and test drive the latest models.

“I’m hugely proud to see us reach this remarkable milestone for BYD in the UK in such a short space of time, as we open more stores to offer even more support to both our current and new customers,” said BYD UK’s Sales & Network Director, Steve Beattie.

“It’s also proof of the strength of the relationships with our retailer partners and their hard work and dedication in driving the brand forwards, ensuring that our BYD cars are seen up and down the country in ever increasing numbers.”

Read a few of our BYD reviews – BYD Atto 2, BYD Dolphin Surf and BYD Sealion 7.

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Omoda 9 review

We get behind the wheel of a bold SUV that sets a new benchmark for plug-in hybrids…

Before we begin, a bit of background about Omoda, which is one half of a “dual brand” created by Chery International – China’s largest vehicle exporter for more than 20 years.

Launched only last year in the UK, there are already some 70 Omoda/Jaecoo retail sites dotted around the country. Chery says the Omoda line-up focuses on “futuristic compact SUVs”, while Jaecoo offers “premium off-roaders”.

The first Omoda model was the Omoda 5 mid-sized family SUV, available with either a 1.6-litre petrol engine or as a 100% electric vehicle (badged Omoda E5).

My focus here is on the next car – the bigger Omoda 9 SHS, which will compete with similarly-sized plug-in hybrid SUVs including the Skoda Kodiaq, Volkswagen Tayron, BYD Seal U DM-I and Renault Rafale, plus the more upmarket Lexus RX, Volvo XC60, Mercedes GLC, Audi Q5 and BMW X3.

The Omoda 9 doesn’t just stand out from the crowd because of its distinctive styling – it boasts the longest electric-only range of an PHEV currently on the market.

Thanks to its relatively large 34.46kWh battery, it can travel up to a claimed 93 miles of pure electric driving. Just to put that into perspective, the battery in the cheapest fully electric vehicle currently available (the Dacia Spring city car) is just 26.8kWh.

The Omoda 9 also comes with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine mated to dual electric motors. The result is 443bhp, 516lb ft of torque, a 0-62mph time of just 4.9 seconds, low emissions of 38 g/km, and an impressive total combined driving range of more than 700 miles.

Drive is via all four wheels and a three-speed DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission), which offers alternative gear ratios to maximise efficiency or performance.

And just in case you’re wondering, SHS stands for Super Hybrid System – Omoda-speak for its plug-in hybrid solution.

Priced from £44,990, the Omoda 9 is a class act and delivers a lot of car for the money. The kit list includes the kind of goodies you’d expect in a much more expensive vehicle, including a 540-degree panoramic view camera with transparent view, vegan leather seats, an air purification system, rear reclining seats that are also heated and ventilated, plus a Sony sound system with speakers in the headrests.

It’s well put together with a quality finish, and where there is plastic on show (the upper dashboard and doors), at least it’s soft to the touch. I guess it’s knocking on the door of a premium car, but things like the “aluminium-finished” controls for window and seat adjustments are the giveaway.

Up front in the cabin there’s a good balance of hi-tech minimalism and physical dials for essentials such as climate control and drive modes.

The two-in-one 24.6in infotainment and driver display screen is clear and responsive, though I’d need a week or so to give a proper verdict on its usability.

Inside, it oozes space and if you open up the blind, the 1.3-metre long sunroof is capable of bathing the cabin in sunlight.

Rear passengers have limo-like comfort with loads of head and legroom, while the boot has a useful luggage capacity of 660 litres (expanding to 1,783 litres if you flip the 60/40 rear seats).

However, it’s worth noting that unlike some rivals, the Omoda 9 is not a seven-seater.

There’s a commanding view of the road thanks to the high driving position and visibility is generally good.

That said, I’d prefer to be given the option of sitting a little lower and feeling more involved with the car, while the steering wheel adjustment is limited and I found I had to lower mine in order to see essential information on the driver’s display.

The seats are on the firm side, but the overall refinement in the cabin is very good, partly down to the acoustic glass and Michelin Silent Tyres.

The SHS hybrid system is clever and very slick. It starts on EV power, so pulling away is silent, and when the engine does fire up, it’s pretty quiet. It’s only under heavy acceleration that the petrol engine makes itself heard.

Unlike conventional PHEVs, the Omoda 9’s battery pack never fully discharges, so even once you’ve used most of the electric-only range on offer, the engine acts more like a generator, but the car will still drive like a full hybrid, giving you the best of both worlds.

The transition between EV and HEV, and vice versa, is super smooth, and you can choose whether you want it to run electric-only, hybrid or charging on-the-go (if you’re approaching a city and want to go full EV, for instance), while the gear changes are imperceptible.

On the road it delivers an EV driving feel, with plenty of torque and straight-line speed, and it’s only when it’s pushed in faster, more challenging corners that it starts to feel unsettled.

Ultimately, it’s a relatively heavy, substantial car, so it’s at its best cruising along, soaking up the worst of our roads’ lumps and bumps via its adaptive suspension (the three settings are Normal, Mid and Sport).

The brakes are powerful and effective, and there’s plenty of grip, but would be an exaggeration to call the Omoda 9 it agile.

The choice of six driving modes – Normal, ECO, Sport, Snow, Mud, and Off-road – should give peace of mind, whatever the weather. As ever, Normal delivers the best balance of performance and efficiency.

So, while driving the Omoda 9 won’t necessarily put a smile on your face, it’s a serene cruiser and boasts serious kerb appeal.

If you have a charger at home, then plugging in overnight will replenish the battery. If you stop off on a journey, a rapid connection will recharge the pack from 30-80% in as little as 25 minutes.

Vehicle-to-load (V2L) is also possible, so it is possible to power lights etc for camping or outdoor gatherings, for instance, via a three-pin plug.

Naturally, the Omoda 9 is packed with the latest safety and driver assistance systems, and it’s likely to achieve a maximum five stars in Euro NCAP crashing tests.

Omoda claims the 9 is capable of as much as 201.8mpg, but of course, that makes various assumptions, such as starting every journey with a full battery. The official hybrid mode figure is 43.6mpg, but the reality is that your economy will be somewhere in-between, depending on the length of your journey, driving style and topography. Either way, the Omoda is very economical.

This, and the low emissions, will also appeal to company car drivers, because it sits in the low 6% benefit-in-kind (BiK) tax bracket.

All buyers will appreciate the seven-year/100,000-mile warranty (whichever comes first), with no mileage limit for the first three years, alongside an eight-year battery cover.

I also like the fact that Omoda has kept things simple, unlike so many rivals. There is just one trim level with everything as standard. And unless you choose a colour other than white, £44,990 is what you’ll pay.

Ultimately, the Omoda 9 isn’t perfect, but there’s a lot to like about it, and that price makes it a serious contender, which means it could take sales away from the likes of BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Lexus, as well as more obvious competitors, such as the Skoda Kodiaq.

Verdict: The bold new Omoda 9 SHS is a welcome addition to the plug-in hybrid SUV scene. Competitively priced, spacious, safe, refined, well-built and packed with tech, its clever hybrid system delivers a class-leading electric range.

Omoda UK

Toyota Prius review

I recently spent a week road testing the revelation that is the fifth-generation Toyota Prius…

When it was launched in 1997, the pioneering Prius may not have been the most attractive of cars, but it was the first mass-produced petrol-electric hybrid, and several million have been produced.

Now in its fifth iteration, it’s better than ever – and it has finally emerged as a swan.

Available only as a plug-in hybrid, the new Prius turns heads, for all the right reasons.

Once a favourite of Uber drivers, the latest version – with its futuristic, aerodynamic styling, low roofline, cool C-shaped headlights and stretched wheelbase – has a much broader appeal.

Athletic and desirable, it’s up against a variety of family hatchback PHEVs, including the Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, Peugeot 308, Skoda Octavia and Vauxhall Astra.

Priced from £37,895, the Prius pairs a 150bhp 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and 13.6kWh lithium-ion battery, giving a healthy total output of 220bhp and a claimed EV range of up to 53 miles.

All that power translates into a 0-62mph time of just 6.8 seconds and a top speed of 110mph, while CO2 emissions are as low as 12g/km.

On paper, it’s capable of as much as 564.9mpg if your journeys are modest and you keep your battery charged up. However, as with all PHEVs, on longer trips it’s simply running as a regular hybrid.

The difference with the Prius is that rather than fuel economy dropping down to the late 30s/early 40s mpg (like some rivals), this car is super-efficient.

Without much effort, I achieved 60mpg on a long run and 50mpg in everyday driving.

If I’m honest, part of the reason for that is down to the CVT auto gearbox, which revs uncomfortably high if you accelerate hard, then settles down again. In other words, a sensible, smoother driving style is the only way to avoid the engine din.

That said, the CVT is much improved, but it does dent the driving fun, which is a shame because the chassis is more than up to the job.

If you do press on, the car is agile, stays flat in more challenging corners and delivers a decent turn of speed. And because the driving position is low, you feel more involved with the car.

Grip levels are good for a front-wheel drive car, while the steering is light and, overall, the Prius feels planted.

You can choose between HEV (default) and EV modes, plus Normal, Eco and Sport drive modes too. There’s also a ‘B’ on the gear shifter, which increases the intensity of the regenerative braking, slowing the car down more effectively and charging the battery on downhill stretches of road.

Inside, there’s plenty of space up front, but taller passengers won’t be so happy in the back, where the low roofline means that headroom is compromised and getting in and out can be a struggle.

It’s not perfect up front though for taller drivers either, because in order to see the driver’s display, the steering wheel has to be lowered so it’s nearly on our lap. Peugeot drivers may be fine with that, but it’s not ideal.

Visibility is another casualty of that rakish design. It can be challenging to see round those sharply-angled A pillars. Oh, and there’s no rear wiper on that slim, tailgate window.

The infotainment system is OK and does the job, but it is pretty basic. On the plus side, it’s nice to have physical buttons for climate control, and the heated/cooling seats.

Uber drivers won’t be happy with the luggage space on offer. A shallow 284-litre boot is modest for a family hatchback-sized car.

Overall, the build quality is good, but there’s a bit too much hard, black plastic inside the cabin.

The seats are comfy though and the ride is good, ironing out all but the worst imperfections our roads have to offer.

Finally, the Prius offers peace of mind. Toyota has long been associated with reliability. Now the brand offers a market-leading warranty to back that up.

If you service your car at a Toyota dealer every year, the warranty (initially three years) continues for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles.

Verdict: If you’re looking for a super-economical family hatchback with serious kerb appeal and relaxed long-distance cruising, then the latest Toyota Prius should top your shortlist. Just remember to try before you buy because it is not without a few compromises.

Toyota UK

Record number of vehicles on UK roads

The number of vehicles on our roads reached a record 41.4 million in 2023, according to the latest SMMT figures.

The new Motorparc data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders revealed that car ownership was up 1.6% to 35,694,845.

There were also record numbers of commercial vehicles, with 625,873 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and 5,012,632 vans in operation, up by 1.7% and 2.6% respectively.

Despite the rise, average car CO2 dropped 2.1%. In fact, one in 40 of all vehicles on UK roads is now zero emission, including 960,896 cars, 61,161 vans, 2,383 HGVs and 1,922 buses.

Almost half a million new battery electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles were registered during 2023.

BEV van volumes rose by 43.5% on 2022 to 61,161, meaning 1.2% of vans on UK roads is now zero emission, while electric HGVs rose 146.4% in 2023.

Elsewhere in the SMMT data, the five most popular cars on UK roads in 2023 were the Ford Fiesta (1,487,925), Vauxhall Corsa (1,050,579), Ford Focus (1,049,818), Volkswagen Golf (1,004,152) and Vauxhall Astra (715,647 ).

Continuing their domination, superminis remain the most popular car type on roads, with one in three drivers choosing these more compact vehicles to get around.

And despite the fact that the UK is the fifth rainiest country in Europe, convertibles account for almost one in 35 cars on the road, with 1,022,849 in use.