The Jaecoo 7 was the UK’s most registered new car in October, while electric vehicles accounted for almost one in every three new cars reaching the road.
The Jaecoo 7 topped the October rankings with 3,412 registrations, narrowly ahead of the Ford Puma with 3,369.
This was the second consecutive month in which the Jaecoo 7 topped the UK chart, following its number-one position in September. It also led the monthly rankings in March, giving it three monthly sales crowns during 2026.
Its performance is even more notable when the full year is considered.
Between January and October, 42,885 Jaecoo 7 models were registered. That makes it the UK’s second most registered new car of 2026 so far, behind the Ford Puma on 46,295.
The Jaecoo 7 is competing in a part of the market where British drivers already have plenty of choice. Mid-sized family SUVs such as the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, MG HS and Volkswagen Tiguan are all well-established, making the Jaecoo’s rapid progress particularly interesting.
Its success suggests drivers are becoming increasingly comfortable considering manufacturers that have only recently entered the UK.
Jaecoo is part of Chery International, one of China’s largest vehicle manufacturers. The brand launched in Britain with the Jaecoo 7 and has since expanded its range with additional SUVs and electric models.
The Jaecoo 7’s upright design gives it the substantial appearance many SUV buyers want, while its interior places a strong emphasis on equipment and technology. It is available with petrol, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains, allowing it to appeal to drivers with different journey patterns and charging arrangements.
The SHS-P plug-in hybrid version offers an official electric range of up to 56 miles. That could allow shorter everyday journeys to be completed using electric power, provided the battery is charged regularly.
As with every plug-in hybrid, the real-world electric range will vary according to temperature, traffic, speed, driving style and the use of systems such as heating and air conditioning.
Drivers who cannot charge regularly may find that the petrol or self-charging hybrid versions are better suited to their needs. A plug-in hybrid provides its greatest benefit when its battery is used properly rather than the vehicle being driven mainly on petrol.
Customer interest in the Jaecoo 7 is not limited to official registration figures.
Carwow says it has been the most-enquired-about new car on its platform for six consecutive months. Enquiries are not the same as completed sales or registrations, but they provide an indication of the models customers are actively researching and considering.
The official figures show that this interest is translating into significant numbers of vehicles reaching UK roads.
Jaecoo was not the only newer brand to perform strongly during October. The Jaecoo 5 also entered the UK’s ten most registered models, while several Chinese-owned manufacturers continued to increase their presence.
This does not mean drivers are turning away from established manufacturers. The Ford Puma, Volkswagen Golf, Mini Countryman, Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai all appeared in October’s top ten.
Instead, the figures show that the range of credible choices available to UK drivers is becoming broader. Newer manufacturers are now competing directly with some of the country’s most familiar models rather than occupying a small specialist corner of the market.
October also delivered another important change in the type of cars being registered.
Battery-electric registrations increased by 32.7% compared with October 2025, reaching 48,858. Electric cars accounted for 32% of all new registrations during the month, their highest monthly market share of 2026.
Plug-in hybrid registrations rose by 30.1% to 22,898, giving them a further 15% of the market.
Combined, fully electric and plug-in hybrid cars represented 47% of October’s new registrations. When conventional hybrids are included, electrified vehicles accounted for 59% of the market.
Petrol remained the largest individual power type with a 37.2% share, although registrations fell by 11.6% year on year. Diesel registrations declined by 15.9% and represented just 3.8% of the market.
The monthly electric figure needs some context. Although 32% is close to the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate’s 33% headline car target for 2026, the target relates to the year as a whole and includes several manufacturer compliance flexibilities.
Across the first ten months of 2026, battery-electric cars accounted for 26.6% of new registrations. The SMMT currently expects them to finish the year with a 27.2% share.
October was therefore an exceptionally strong month for electric cars rather than proof that the annual market has already reached the mandate’s headline trajectory.
Together, the figures reveal a new car market undergoing two changes at the same time. Electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles are taking a larger share, while newer manufacturers are establishing themselves alongside familiar brands.
The Jaecoo 7 sits at the centre of both trends. Its range offers petrol and electrified options, while its sales performance shows how quickly a previously unfamiliar name can become a serious competitor.
The real test will be whether it can maintain that momentum over several years as more new models arrive and established manufacturers continue to update their own ranges.
For now, topping the monthly registration chart three times and moving into second place for the year represents an impressive start. It also shows that many drivers are increasingly prepared to consider the complete vehicle rather than make their choice solely on how long the badge has been familiar.
To see which models are currently available, explore the latest Jaecoo lease deals from Leasing Options.
