The Jaecoo 7 Super Hybrid System Plug-in SUV has completed an authenticated real-world fuel economy test in the UK, driving 828 miles on a single tank of fuel and battery charge without stopping. The distance covered is 11 miles short of driving from Land's End, the southernmost point of England, to John o' Groats at the northern tip of Scotland.
The plug-in hybrid vehicle exceeded its advertised on-paper range of 747 miles by 11.14 per cent. Drivers choosing the Super Hybrid System Plug-in (SHS-P) variant have helped make the model the most popular Chinese car in Britain and the country's third best-selling new car overall.
Known as the "Temu Range Rover" for its visual similarities to the Range Rover Velar at roughly half the cost, the Jaecoo 7 SHS-P sells for £35,170. By comparison, the cheapest Range Rover Velar plug-in hybrid costs £65,450. Chinese vehicle brands arriving in the UK have grown popular among motorists due to affordable pricing, high equipment levels, advanced technology, and long driving ranges.
The Jaecoo 7 SHS-P is powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine combined with an 18.3kWh battery that provides up to 56 miles of electric-only driving. During the endurance run, the car was driven alongside an Omoda 7 equipped with the same SHS-P powertrain. Omoda and Jaecoo are sister brands operating under the banner of the Chinese Chery Group.
Proving ground economy challenge
The Omoda 7 SHS-P has an advertised range of 700 miles and exceeded its claim by 10 per cent during the trial. It covered 770 miles of continuous driving before its fuel tank and battery were empty. The Omoda 7 SHS-P is priced at £32,005.
The economy test was held in late June over two days at UTAC Millbrook on a closed proving ground designed to simulate real-world conditions. Drivers completed the challenge on a two-mile-long, five-lane-wide banked circuit configured to replicate motorway, dual carriageway, and hilly countryside routes.
Professional efficiency drivers Kevin Booker and Sam Clarke piloted the vehicles throughout the two-day challenge. Booker and Clarke used specialized efficiency techniques to maximize distance from a single tank of fuel.
Heatwave conditions and UK sales performance
The test took place during summer weather, with ambient temperatures reaching 41C on the track. Booker, who served as lead economy driver, noted that the high heat presented an extra test for the cars.
"This was all about demonstrating what can be achieved in these cars," Booker said. "What many people won't realise is that we completed this challenge during a heatwave. Although the mileage was covered over two days at Millbrook, the time flew by behind the wheel, even in temperatures as high as 41C. This journey has shown that, with the right mindset and the right car, you really can achieve more while using less."
Sales figures show strong demand for both Chinese brands across the UK market. Jaecoo sold 23,840 units of the 7 SUV in the first half of 2026, after moving more than 30,100 units to private buyers during its first year on sale. The model has featured consistently in the top ten UK best-seller list since September 2025. Combined registrations for Omoda and Jaecoo reached 52,828 vehicles in the first six months of 2026, building on initial sales momentum established in 2025.
