Jeremy Clarkson Praises Chery's Lukano L7 Value in UK Market

Clarkson crowns Lukano L7 as a smart buy — despite its limits

Jeremy Clarkson has put Chery's Lukano L7 (sold in the UK as the Jaecoo 7) through its paces and come away impressed — not because it thrills behind the wheel, but because it delivers real value for British buyers. In a recent piece for The Times, the veteran presenter highlighted how the mid-size crossover balances price, equipment and economy to become one of Chery's better-selling arrivals in the UK.

Value and equipment lead the charge

Priced from around £29,000 to £34,000 depending on trim, the Lukano L7 undercuts many rivals while offering generous standard specification. Clarkson noted that buyers get a long list of features on base models without needing expensive options, which greatly enhances the car's appeal in a cost-sensitive market.

Key standard equipment includes:

• 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment
• 360-degree camera
• Power-adjustable and heated seats
• Panoramic sunroof
• Advanced driver-assistance systems

These niceties, combined with a 7-year/100,000-mile warranty, make the Jaecoo 7 an attractive proposition for families and value-focused buyers.

Performance, engines and economy

Under the skin, the UK line-up is split across three main variants: a front-wheel-drive petrol (Deluxe), an all-wheel-drive petrol (Luxury), and a new hybrid (SHS-H). Petrol models use a 1.6-litre turbo producing roughly 147 bhp, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The hybrid swaps to a 1.5-litre turbo plus electric assistance for a combined output of about 224 bhp and a reported 0-62 mph time of 8.3 seconds.

Fuel economy is a selling point, especially for the hybrid where combined figures approach the mid-50 mpg range in official tests, a strong result for a mid-size SUV.

Comfort and cabin quality

Clarkson was candid about the Lukano's shortcomings: the driving experience doesn't spark excitement, and some cabin materials fall short of luxury benchmarks. Still, he argued that most buyers prioritise safety, running costs and equipment over premium finishes — and on those counts the Lukano scores highly.

"Not a sports car, but a sensible family companion" could be Clarkson's short verdict: practical, well-equipped and competitively priced.

What this means for Chinese cars in Europe

One of the broader takeaways from Clarkson's review is how China's auto industry is evolving. He compared the current trajectory to Japan's rise in the 1960s and 1970s, suggesting that continued improvements in quality and technology will lift Chinese brands further up the market ladder.

Whether you're shopping for an affordable SUV, a practical hybrid, or a well-warrantied family car, the Lukano L7 (Jaecoo 7) is worth a test drive — especially if value and equipment matter more than badge prestige.

Quote highlight:

• 'It won't set your pulse racing, but it's hard to argue with the price and package on offer.'