In the competitive world of SUVs, the Jaecoo 7 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) stands out as an attractive option. At first glance, its design hints at Range Rover sophistication, which could spark intrigue among rival businesses – after all, who doesn’t enjoy a good conversation starter about automotive luxury?

To give it its full name, the front wheel drive Jaecoo 7 SHS (Super Hybrid System) reveals itself as a serious private hire car. It blends luxury and performance with generous space for five people and their luggage, making it ideal for airports runs, business trips or everyday commutes.

Available exclusively in Luxury trim, the cabin exudes comfort and style, featuring a panoramic sunroof that fills the interior with light, paired with plush leatherette seats. The added heat and ventilation in the front chairs allow for an enjoyable driving experience, a welcome feature in places with changeable weather like Cape Town. Hang on –where? Well, we were lucky enough to experience this SUV at an international media drive in South Africa.

The Jaecoo’s technology is also notable. The head-up display maintains vital information at eye level, while electrically adjustable seats and lumbar support provide comfort on long trips. Music lovers will be impressed with the eight-speaker Sony audio system, which delivers rich sound to complement multi-colour ambient lighting.

Regarding convenience and safety, the Jaecoo 7 doesn’t hold back. Tech, such as adaptive cruise control and keyless entry, is designed with usability in mind, and the panoramic camera sorts out any parking stress. The SUV also comes equipped with multiple airbags, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, a driver monitoring system, lane departure warning, and road sign recognition.

Jaecoo 7’s touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto. However, some of the operations on the touchscreen, such as temperature settings and wing mirror adjustments, would benefit from using physical buttons, as it can be tricky accessing these on the move.

The front-wheel drive Jaecoo 7 SHS’s 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol unit, paired with an electric motor, delivers a largely commendable driving experience. However, the lack of a four-wheel drive option was particularly felt during our jaunt on a couple of unpaved South African roads. If you want 4WD, you’ll have to stick with the Luxury version of the petrol-only Jaecoo 7.

Also, while the steering offers two modes – light Normal and heavy Sport – there’s room for improvement in terms of feedback during enthusiastic cornering.

Performance-wise, the Jaecoo 7 gets to 62 mph in 8.5 seconds, with the CVT transmission providing smooth motoring up to a maximum speed of 112mph. The vehicle’s EV mode, easily accessible via a console switch, offers silent electric propulsion with zero emissions, while the hybrid mode smartly transitions between petrol and electric power.

On our travels along South Africa’s picturesque Garden Route, the front seats provided heaps of room, allowing us to get comfortable in the front without elbows bumping. The rear seats, which feature Isofix points for child seats, easily took three adults.

When it comes to cargo, the 7 impresses with a boot capacity of 412 litres. As an example, that means it’ll fit two suitcases and a carry on bag, or a golf set alongside a couple of briefcases. For larger loads, the back seats fold down in a 60/40 split, providing enough space for items such as display and presentation equipment.

Powered by an 18.3 kWh battery, the Jaecoo 7 offers an all-electric driving range of 56 miles. The combined output is 204PS and 310Nm of torque, paired with a 60-litre fuel tank that grants an impressive total range of 745 miles.

You can confidently embark on significant road trips, as we found while on a safari drive from Cape Town to Addo Elephant National Park – a mere fraction of this SUV’s capabilities.

The Jaecoo 7 SHS is available now, competitively priced at £35,065. It’s comfortable, stylish and functional. The brand will have to fight it out with established rivals such as Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai, and VW Tiguan. It must also contend with Chinese EV newcomers such as Skywell BE11 and XPeng G6.