The British car market — long considered conservative and loyal to European brands — has delivered a surprise. In March 2026, a Chinese car topped the U.K. sales rankings for the first time. The Jaecoo 7 crossover outperformed major market players such as Ford and Nissan, setting a new record for Chinese brands, according to Carscoops.
How the «Mini Range» beat its competitors
March is traditionally the most important month for car dealers in the U.K. due to the registration plate change, and the Jaecoo 7 achieved its remarkable success during this period, with over 10,000 units registered. It was followed by the Ford Puma (9,000 units) and the Nissan Qashqai (8,700 units).
On social media, users have jokingly nicknamed the Jaecoo 7 the «Temu Range Rover» because its design resembles premium British SUVs but at a much more affordable price.
Focus on hybrids and aggressive pricing
The plug-in hybrid version of the Jaecoo 7, equipped with the SHS-P system, proved to be the most popular, accounting for about 85% of total registrations in March. This is despite the fact that the petrol version starts at £29,100, while the top-spec hybrid costs £35,200.
Beyond its sleek design, Jaecoo is attracting customers with a generous seven-year warranty and a rapidly expanding dealership network.
However, maintaining this momentum may prove challenging.
«The strongest new car market since 2019, with the highest ever volume of EV registrations, is a boost to the industry and the economy. However, the headlines belie the costs incurred and the challenges involved,» said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the U.K. Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.
