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The Jaecoo 7 was the best-selling car in the UK in March 2026, outperforming established models such as the Ford Puma and Nissan Qashqai. It marks an important moment for a brand that only recently entered the UK market.
So, how did this SUV reach the top of the charts, and what does it mean for buyers?
A strong month for the Jaecoo 7
March is typically one of the busiest months for car sales in the UK due to the introduction of the new ‘26 registration plate.
According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), more than 10,000 Jaecoo 7 models were registered during the month. This placed it ahead of key rivals.
For comparison, the Ford Puma – usually among the UK’s best-sellers – recorded just over 9,000 registrations in the same period, followed by the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.
The March performance also places the Jaecoo 7 second overall for UK registrations in 2026 so far, behind the Ford Puma.
A rapid rise for a new brand
Jaecoo only began selling cars in the UK in 2025, making its position at the top of the sales charts notable.
The brand is part of the Chery Group, one of the largest automotive manufacturers in China, with significant experience in global exports. This has helped it establish a presence in the UK relatively quickly.
Year-to-date figures show that Jaecoo has already outperformed several established brands, including Mazda, Citroën and MINI.
Jaecoo UK CEO Gary Lan described the result as a “landmark moment” for the brand, highlighting the role of its growing retail network and increasing customer confidence.
Why the Jaecoo 7 is performing well
The Jaecoo 7 enters one of the most competitive segments in the UK market – the family SUV.
Models in this category continue to see strong demand, with buyers prioritising practicality, interior space and a higher driving position. The Jaecoo 7 aligns closely with these expectations.
It also arrives at a time when buyers are more open to newer brands, particularly those offering strong value and a high level of standard equipment.
As a result, it provides an alternative to more established models such as the Qashqai and Sportage.
A strong month for the wider market
The Jaecoo 7’s performance came during a strong period for the UK car market overall.
More than 380,000 new cars were registered in March 2026 – the highest March total since 2019. As expected, the new registration plate played a key role in driving demand.
Electric vehicle registrations also reached a new high, with over 86,000 EVs registered during the month. However, this equates to around 22% market share, which remains below the UK Government’s 33% target under the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
Plug-in hybrids saw significant growth, with registrations rising by 46.9% year-on-year, indicating continued demand for alternative powertrains.
Challenges for the months ahead
Despite strong figures in March, there are ongoing challenges for the automotive sector.
Industry leaders have highlighted the potential impact of global events on consumer confidence and the cost of living. These factors could influence demand in the coming months.
In addition, manufacturers continue to work towards meeting electrification targets, with EV adoption still below mandated levels.
What this means for UK car buyers
The Jaecoo 7 finishing as the UK’s best-selling car in March 2026 reflects a broader shift in the market.
New brands are gaining traction, giving buyers a wider range of options beyond traditional best-sellers. Increased competition is also likely to drive improvements in value, specification and overall choice across the family SUV segment.
While it remains to be seen whether the Jaecoo 7 can maintain this position, its early success highlights how quickly new entrants can establish themselves and how buyer preferences in the UK continue to evolve.
Looking for a new car?
At Jurni Leasing, we offer a wide range of cars and vans to suit different needs and budgets – whether you’re looking for a practical family SUV, a plug-in hybrid or a fully electric model.
Get in touch with our team or explore our latest deals to find a vehicle that works for you.
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