Should you buy one?

That’s an interesting one. First impressions are positive, and it’s more convincing than the Omoda 5, which hails from the same group, and is only a little cheaper. In PHEV form, it’s quiet, refined, and smooth to drive. Inside, it’s functional, welcoming, and the infotainment works really well.

There are one or two niggles, most notably the driving controls and assistance systems, but it’s much better than BYD when that brand first arrived on these shores. So, it’s a polished product that’s worthy of recommendation?

Not quite, but almost. You’re best off ignoring the petrol version, as it’s more expensive than many established rivals monthly finance, and no great shakes to drive despite its upscale looks. The SHS, on the other hand, is great value for a full-blooded PHEV, and one of the cheapest of its type on the market.

But on monthly finance it’ll be up against the Skoda Kodiaq, and Citroen C5 Aircross plug-ins, both which come from established European manufacturers. The MG HS is similarly priced in cash terms – and feels less of a leap into the unknown. But Jaecoo’s parent company Chery, certainly looks to be making a commitment to the brand in the UK.

And that’s the heart of the matter – the Jaecoo 7 is a moderately appealing thing, and does stand out in a crowd, but it’s a difficult sell for us without the safety net of an established brand behind it – we’ll keep a watching brief.

What we like

The design and styling do stand out in a crowd, it’s also well equipped for the money, and as a plug-in hybrid, tremendous value for money.

What we don’t like

The weedy performance of the petrol version is a disapointment, and although the plug-in hybrid is good value, there are better options for your monthly hard earned.