Jaecoo 7 Review – Romana Trim

The Jaecoo 7 Romana arrives at a time when Chinese electric cars are gaining serious credibility in Europe. With a sleek silhouette, a well‑appointed cabin and a price that undercuts many Western rivals, the Romana aims to prove that value and quality can coexist. Below we break down the key aspects of the vehicle, from design to real‑world range, and see how it fits into today’s fast‑moving EV market.

Design and Interior

The Jaecoo 7 Romana adopts a contemporary fastback silhouette. A low drag coefficient (≈0.28) is achieved through a smooth front fascia, hidden door handles and a gently sloping roofline. LED matrix headlights and a full‑width light bar give the front a confident, tech‑forward look, while the rear features a subtle diffuser and integrated LED taillights.

Inside, the cabin feels more premium than its price suggests. Soft‑touch plastics line the dashboard, and the seats are upholstered in a durable, semi‑leather material that offers good support for long journeys. Front‑row passengers enjoy 1,150 mm of legroom, and the rear bench provides a respectable 950 mm, making the Romana suitable for families.

The centerpiece is a 12.3‑inch touchscreen that runs the Jaecoo OS. It supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and over‑the‑air updates, ensuring the infotainment system stays current without a dealer visit.

Powertrain and Real‑World Range

The Romana is powered by a permanent‑magnet synchronous motor mounted on the front axle. It delivers 210 kW (≈282 hp) and 350 Nm of torque, providing brisk acceleration – the official 0‑60 mph time is 6.8 seconds. The motor is paired with a 75 kWh lithium‑ion battery pack that, under the WLTP cycle, offers a claimed range of 310 miles (≈500 km).

Independent tests by several UK motoring magazines have recorded real‑world figures between 280 and 300 miles on a mixed‑city/highway drive, which is respectable for a vehicle in this segment. Fast charging is supported at up to 150 kW, allowing the battery to go from 10 % to 80 % in roughly 30 minutes on a compatible DC charger.

Technology and Safety

Safety is a strong focus for the Jaecoo 7 Romana. Standard equipment includes:

In addition, the Romana offers a wireless charging pad for smartphones, a digital key that works via NFC, and a suite of connected services that include remote climate control, vehicle location and over‑the‑air firmware upgrades.

Pricing, Grants and Savings

In the UK, the Jaecoo 7 Romana starts at £34,990 (including VAT). Buyers can benefit from the Electric Car Grant, which provides up to £3,750 off the purchase price for eligible EVs. After the grant, the effective price drops to around £31,240, putting the Romana well below many German and Scandinavian rivals.

For those who like to keep a detailed service history, a partnership with Car Vertical offers a 20 % discount when using the code Carwow. This can be useful for future resale value and for verifying the vehicle’s mileage and accident history.

How the Romana Stacks Up Against the Competition

When compared with other compact electric SUVs such as the Hyundai Kona Electric, Kia EV6 and the Tesla Model Y, the Jaecoo 7 Romana holds its own in several key areas:

  1. Price‑to‑Range Ratio – The Romana offers more than 300 miles of range for under £35 k, a better ratio than the Kona Electric (≈250 miles) and close to the EV6 (≈310 miles) but at a lower price.
  2. Standard Equipment – Features like a 12.3‑inch screen, wireless charging and a full suite of driver‑assist systems are standard, whereas some rivals charge extra for similar tech.
  3. Charging Speed – 150 kW DC capability matches the EV6 and exceeds the Kona’s 100 kW, meaning less time at fast‑charging stations.
  4. Design Appeal – The Romana’s fastback silhouette and premium interior finish give it a more upscale feel than many of its price‑matched competitors.

However, the Romana does have a few drawbacks. The rear‑seat headroom is slightly tighter than the Model Y, and the infotainment system, while functional, can feel slower to respond than Tesla’s interface. Additionally, the brand’s dealer network is still expanding in the UK, which may affect service convenience for some owners.

Final Verdict

The Jaecoo 7 Romana proves that Chinese manufacturers are no longer just offering cheap alternatives; they are delivering well‑rounded electric SUVs that can compete on performance, technology and price. With a respectable 310‑mile WLTP range, rapid 150 kW charging, a comprehensive safety suite and a starting price that drops below £32 k after the Electric Car Grant, the Romana is a compelling choice for buyers who want an EV that feels premium without the premium price tag.

For anyone looking to make the switch to electric this year, the Jaecoo 7 Romana deserves a serious look – especially when the government grant and Car Vertical discount are taken into account. It may not have the brand cachet of a Tesla, but it offers a balanced package that aligns well with today’s expectations for range, technology and value.