Jaecoo 7 vs BYD Seal U: How do they compare?
Chinese cars are flooding the UK car market with their technology, impressive electrified powertrains and value for money.
In the last two years, we’ve seen several models enter the market, and last month, two Chinese SUVs secured places in Britain’s top 10 best-sellers list.
The cars in question are the new Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, which are both competitively priced, practical and well-equipped SUVs that both come with the choice of plug-in hybrid power. The good news is that you’ll find both of them available here at UK Carline, too.
So, if you’re thinking about buying one of these tempting Chinese propositions, how do they compare?
Powertrains
Jaecoo 7
Under the bonnet, the 7 is available with petrol or plug-in hybrid powertrains.
The standard car comes equipped with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 145bhp and 275Nm of torque, while 0-60mph takes 10.1 seconds and the top speed is 112mph. Jaecoo claims the car can do 35mpg on the combined cycle and that the emissions are 169g/km of CO2.
There is also the option of a plug-in hybrid model called the ‘SHS’, which stands for ‘Super Hybrid System’. It combines a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 18.7kWh battery, which produces 201bhp. Jaecoo claims the car can run up to 56 miles on electric power, while emitting just 23g/km of CO2.
BYD Seal U
The Seal U is only available with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, but there is a choice of two battery packs on offer.
The entry-level car comes equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor and 18.3kWh battery pack, which produces a total of 215bhp. BYD claims this model can travel up to 43 miles on electric power and emissions are only 15g/km of CO2.
Higher-specced cars come with the same 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol unit, but boast a larger 26.6kWh battery with an electric motor. This setup develops the same 215bhp, but can travel a claimed 78 miles on electric power, while emissions jump to only 23g/km of CO2.
Standard equipment
Jaecoo 7
If you want a Jaecoo 7, there are two trims to choose from, with the entry-level Deluxe coming with lots of equipment such as a 13.2-inch portrait central display, a six-speaker audio system and heated front seats.
If you go for the flagship Luxury model, it boasts extra toys such as a head-up display, a larger 14.8-inch portrait infotainment screen, an eight-speaker Sony premium audio system, a heated steering wheel and heated rear outer seats.
BYD Seal U
The Seal U is available in three different flavours, with the standard Boost model coming with a 15.6-inch rotatable touchscreen, a panoramic sunroof, a 10-speaker Infinity premium audio system, vegan leather upholstery and 19-inch alloy wheels.
The mid-level Comfort adds the larger 26.6kWh battery pack, while the flagship Design model includes all-wheel drive, additional driving modes such as ‘Sand’ and ‘Mud’, as well as a vehicle-to-load (V2L) function, which allows electrical appliances such as a coffee machine or hair dryer to be plugged in, using the car’s battery.
Practicality
Jaecoo 7
The Jaecoo 7 comes packed with lots of interior space for a family, which is thanks to the car’s boxy shape, allowing for excellent levels of head and legroom for rear-seat occupants.
Up in the front, there are two wireless smartphone chargers, a large central cubby hole, while the centre console hides a large secret compartment underneath, too.
Open the boot, and the 7 provides a total of 412 litres of space, which is the same for both petrol and plug-in hybrid models, while if you fold the rear seats down, that space extends to a total of 1,335 litres for the PHEV variant and 1,423 litres in the petrol models.
BYD Seal U
The Seal U is also a very practical car. The first thing you’ll notice is the gigantic centre console cut-out under the centre armrest, which features two wireless smartphone chargers in it, plus the door bins are of a generous size, too.
In the back, there is plenty of legroom for occupants, while there is lots of shoulder room, which makes it easier for three adults to sit abreast. Meanwhile, the rear seats can also recline to make those longer journeys a little bit more comfortable.
Boot space stands at 425 litres, while the rear seats fold down to create a total load capacity of 1,440 litres.
Like the sound of either of these brand new cars? We’ve got them available here at UK Carline, so check them out today to find out how you can get behind the wheel of either the Jaecoo 7 or BYD Seal U today.
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