The Jaecoo 7, a Chinese-made SUV priced around £30,000, is being put through a rigorous family life test. The initial assessment comes from a recent trip to Somerset, where the vehicle was loaded with passengers, luggage, and a pet dog to evaluate its practicality.
Passenger Comfort and Space
Teenage passengers (ages 16 and 19) found the rear seats surprisingly comfortable, with ample legroom, elbow space, and even heated seats with USB charging ports. The novelty of passenger-side seat controls, common in chauffeur-driven cars in China, provided amusement at the expense of a dozing parent.
However, the rear seats are set low, and the overall passenger experience is still evolving. The vehicle’s design caters to comfort, but it is not yet fully refined.
Cargo Capacity and Design Flaws
The 412-liter trunk space quickly fills with luggage, leaving limited room for a pet carrier. The high load lip makes it difficult for the dog to enter, and the poorly designed load-bay cover fails to conceal contents effectively.
This design flaw highlights a common issue in early-stage SUV models: prioritizing aesthetics over practical usability. It’s a reminder that cargo space often falls short of real-world needs.
Interior Features and Driving Experience
The Jaecoo 7 excels in luxury features, including heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and a panoramic glass roof. However, the climate control is slow to respond, and the front seats lack proper lumbar support, causing discomfort on long drives.
The suspension is soft, causing noticeable body roll when fully loaded, especially in corners. The 1.6-liter turbocharged engine struggles to maintain highway speeds (70 mph) in Eco mode, requiring more aggressive driving.
Overall Assessment
The Jaecoo 7 shows promise as a family vehicle, with comfortable passenger space and luxury features. However, it falls short in cargo practicality and driving dynamics when fully loaded.
The vehicle’s design flaws and performance issues suggest that while it aims for high standards, it still has improvements to make before it can truly compete in the crowded SUV market.
