Currently reading: Jaecoo 8 SUV due in UK next year as Skoda Kodiaq rival

Flagship SUV goes big on interior tech and kit; likely to undercut European rivals on price

The Jaecoo 8 family SUV will arrive in the UK next year as a rival for the Volkswagen Tayron and Skoda Kodiaq.

A spokesperson confirmed the launch of the new model, which will sit above the existing 5 and 7 SUVs in the Chinese brand’s line-up, after a handful of UK dealers published advertisements for it online.

Specifications for the UK have yet to be confirmed, but in Australia (another right-hand-drive market), the 8 gets a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that puts out 245bhp and 284lb ft of torque.

The 8 is either front-wheel-drive or four-wheel-drive, depending on the trim level. Both variants use an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Range-topping cars also get adaptive suspension.

As with the 5 and 7, the 8 majors on technology. It is fitted with a 12.3in digital instrument display and a matching infotainment touchscreen powered by the same Qualcomm processor that is deployed in several Volvo and Polestar models.

It also gets a head-up display, a massaging driver’s seat and a 14-speaker Sony sound system. Ambient LED lighting also runs around the dashboard and doorcards. 

In various global markets, the 8 is offered with five-, six- and seven-seat interior configurations.

Prices have yet to be announced, but the 8 is likely to be notably more expensive than the 7, which starts from £30,115.

Crucially, it is likely to undercut the likes of the Kodiaq, which is priced from £39,905.

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Charlie Martin

Charlie Martin Autocar
Title: Staff Writer

As part of Autocar’s news desk, Charlie plays a key role in the title’s coverage of new car launches and industry events. He’s also a regular contributor to its social media channels, creating content for Instagram, Tiktok, Facebook and Twitter.

Charlie joined Autocar in July 2022 after a nine-month stint as an apprentice with sister publication What Car?, during which he acquired his gold-standard NCTJ diploma with the Press Association.

He is the proud owner of a Mk4 Mazda MX-5 but still feels pangs of guilt over selling his first car, a Fiat Panda 100HP.

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ianp55 13 October 2025

Seen a few Jaecoo 7's on the roads around West Somerset and it's easy to see why the company has had a flying start here in the UK,they look imposing the interior's look good and at their price point there's nothing to touch them 

Jeremy 13 October 2025

@Bob Cat Brian. Totally agree. Cheap, nasty style-free cars subsidised by a totalitarian state which if we're not careful will destroy the European car industry with all the economic problems that will bring. 

Bob Cat Brian 13 October 2025

Im seeing lots of Jaecoos around and I really dont see the appeal.

To me their a perfect example of why design is so reliant on details, from 100 yards you might mistake it for Evoque, but as soon as you get any closer the illusion rapidly falls apart. somehow it looks incredibly cheap and nasty, narrow track, awkward overhangs, poor detailing everywhere that surely fool no one. 

A car for those that wear fake watches and market bought designer labels. I dont get it,.