3 Minutes
Jaecoo 8 confirmed for the UK — a new Kodiaq rival
The Jaecoo 8 family SUV is set to reach UK showrooms next year, pitched as a competitor to established midsize SUVs such as the Skoda Kodiaq and Volkswagen Tayron. The model will take the flagship spot above Jaecoo's 5 and 7 SUVs and aims to tempt buyers with a technology-led cabin and aggressive pricing.
Powertrain and performance
While UK specifications are still being finalised, Jaecoo's 8 is offered in other right-hand-drive markets with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing around 245bhp and 284lb ft of torque. Buyers can expect both front-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive layouts depending on trim, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Top-spec variants also add adaptive suspension for improved ride comfort and composure.
Interior tech and equipment
Jaecoo positions the 8 as a tech-rich family SUV. Highlights include a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster matched to a same-sized infotainment touchscreen driven by a Qualcomm processor—the same chip family used in several Volvo and Polestar models. Additional kit listed on overseas versions includes:
- Head-up display
- Massaging driver seat
- 14-speaker Sony audio system
- Ambient LED lighting that wraps the dash and door cards
The 8 is flexible inside, offered in five-, six- and seven-seat layouts across different markets, making it suitable for family buyers and fleet operators alike.
Pricing and market positioning
Exact UK pricing is yet to be revealed, but the Jaecoo 8 will likely sit above the smaller 7 (which starts from around £30,115). Industry watchers expect the 8 to undercut European rivals on price, targeting models like the Skoda Kodiaq that start nearer £39,905.
"A tech-packed, well-priced family SUV could shake up the midsize market," one dealer claim suggested when initial UK adverts appeared.
What this means for buyers
For buyers hunting a spacious, tech-forward family SUV with competitive pricing and strong equipment levels, the Jaecoo 8 looks worth a test drive. Final UK specs and fuel economy figures will be key, but early signs point to a strong value proposition against established European competitors.
Source: autocar.co
Leave a Comment