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%.
Most in demand new car models on Autotrader in January 2026 ranked by enquiries/leads – all fuel types
| Rank | Make | Model | Share of enquiries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jaceoo | Jaecoo 7 | 3.80% |
| 2 | Land Rover | Range Rover | 3.70% |
| 3 | Land Rover | Range Rover Sport | 3.40% |
| 4 | Land Rover | Defender 110 | 3.00% |
| 5 | Volkswagen | Golf | 2.80% |
| 6 | Volkswagen | Tiguan | 1.90% |
| 7 | BYD | Seal U | 1.80% |
| 8 | Jaecoo | Jaecoo 5 | 1.80% |
| 9 | MG | MG HS | 1.60% |
| 10 | Porsche | 911 | 1.40% |
Electric models and brands gain ground
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%.
Discounts soften as stock volumes rise
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.”
Most in demand new car electric models on Autotrader in January 2026 ranked by enquiries/leads
| Rank | Make | Model | Share of enquiries |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Renault | 5 E-Tech Electric | 5.50% |
| 2 | Tesla | Model Y | 4.00% |
| 3 | Skoda | Elroq | 3.90% |
| 4 | MG | MGS5 | 3.40% |
| 5 | Cupra | Tavascan | 3.20% |
| 6 | Audi | Q6 e-tron | 3.00% |
| 7 | MG | MGS6 | 2.80% |
| 8 | BYD | Seal | 2.60% |
| 9 | Vauxhall | Mokka Electric | 2.60% |
| 10 | Alpine | A290 | 2.40% |