JaecooJaecoo 5

The Jaecoo 5 is the smallest and cheapest model in Jaecoo’s UK line-up, a compact SUV with a chunky, upright look borrowed from its bigger 7 sibling. This petrol version starts at £24,555 in Pure trim, with the better-equipped Luxury at £28,050, and it sits alongside the electric E5 that shares the same body.

## Engine and economy

Power comes from a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 140 PS and 275 Nm, driving the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Parkers lists official economy of about 40 mpg, and the fuel tank holds 51 litres. There is no hybrid assistance, so it will use more fuel in town than hybrid rivals.

## Performance and driving

The 0–62 mph sprint takes 10.2 seconds and top speed is 113 mph. Reviewers find the gearbox the weak link: it can hesitate when pulling away and then kick down abruptly. The ride can feel bouncy on poor surfaces and the steering is light in every mode, so it is better suited to relaxed driving than to back roads.

## Interior and space

The 4,380 mm-long body offers a 480-litre boot that grows to 1,180 litres with the 60/40 rear seats folded – big numbers for a car this size. Jaecoo counts 35 storage spaces around the cabin. Pure has cloth seats with manual adjustment; Luxury brings synthetic leather, six-way electric front seats with heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and a large glass roof with a powered sunshade.

## Technology and safety

A 13.2-inch central touchscreen sits next to an 8.8-inch digital instrument display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Every version gets adaptive cruise control with lane centring, autonomous emergency braking, lane-keeping and blind-spot monitoring, and a 540-degree camera. Luxury adds LED headlights and an eight-speaker Sony audio system. Most functions are buried in the touchscreen, which can be distracting on the move.

## Who is it for?

Buyers who want a lot of space and kit for the money and do mostly gentle, mixed driving. Rivals include the MG ZS, Dacia Duster and Omoda 5; if fuel bills matter most, a hybrid such as the ZS Hybrid+ or the electric Jaecoo E5 is worth a look.