The Jaecoo 7 is leading new car interest on Autotrader as buyer research has gathered pace ahead of the March plate-change.
Overall visits to Autotrader’s new car platform rose 6% month on month in January as Q1 demand began to build.
Offered with petrol and hybrid powertrains, the Jaecoo 7’s performance highlights the growing impact of new Chinese entrants in the UK market.
The model attracted more enquiries than established rivals including the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Defender 110.
At brand level, Jaecoo was in sixth place overall in January with a 5.4% share of new car enquiries.
Land Rover remained the most searched-for brand with 13.3%, followed by BMW and Audi, both on 9.3%.
Among new electric vehicles, the Renault 5 E-Tech was the most popular model, generating a 5.5% share of EV enquiries. It was followed by the Tesla Model Y and the Skoda Elroq.
MG retained its position as the most popular electric brand with a 12.1% share of enquiries. BYD moved into second place on 8.5%, ahead of Kia on 6.7%.
Average new car discounts across all fuel types eased from 10.2% in December to 9.6% in January, although they remained higher than the 8.8% recorded in January 2025.
Discounts on electric cars also softened month on month to 11.3%, while remaining flat year on year.
Retailers increased the volume of new cars advertised on Autotrader by 17% compared with the same period last year, aiming to convert rising consumer interest into sales.
Bex Kennett, new car performance director at Autotrader, said: “Although challenging market conditions will persist this year, from what we can see on our platform, 2026 has got off to a promising start for the new car market.
"We’re already seeing a notable uptick in new car interest as buyers start researching ahead of the new 26 registration plate.
"With new entrants continuing to grow market share and demand for new EVs building, it’s crucial that manufacturers and retailers put the right stock in front of buyers to help convert interest into sales."
Automotive Management is now accepting entries for the 2026 AM Awards, the most presigious event in UK motor retail's calendar.
The full list of categories, and the online entry system, is available here.
The entry system closes in January. AM Awards judges will select the finalists and winners ahead of the gala dinner on May 14, 2026, at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge Hotel in London.
Tom Seymour is an experienced freelance journalist specialising in the automotive and business sectors, with more than 20 years’ experience reporting and analysing industry developments.
As a regular contributor to Bauer Media’s B2B titles Fleet News and Automotive Management (AM), he covers topics ranging from fleet operations and electrification to dealership performance, manufacturer strategy and the wider mobility landscape.
In addition to his writing, Tom presents and hosts webinars for AM, leading discussions with senior industry figures on key trends and challenges affecting the UK automotive retail sector.
He also plays a central role in shaping and delivering content for the annual Automotive Management Live show, developing sessions that explore innovation, leadership and operational excellence across the industry.
Since moving into freelance journalism in 2015, Tom has worked with a range of business, technology and transport publications from his “box in the garden” in Norwich.
Away from deadlines he is a former alternative rock drummer and committed movie buff, as well as a perpetually exhausted father of two lively goblins.
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