SMMT Drive Live 2026: Cars We Tested

One of the UK’s best-selling cars, the Jaecoo 7 has been in the spotlight for a while. It’s far from perfect, but it offers a level of value that’s hard to match. It’s easy to drive, has a decent amount of space and comes with plenty of equipment, all for the price of a hatchback.

We feel Nissan’s take on the Renault 5 doesn’t get as much attention as it deserves. The Micra is every bit as interesting and capable as the Renault, with styling that harks back to older Micra models. It’s also good to drive and offers plenty for anyone looking to make the switch to their first electric car.

The Peugeot 408 is an unconventional car, combining fastback styling with a high-quality cabin and a large boot. It handles poor roads well, is reasonably engaging to drive and offers enough performance to stand out from more conventional rivals. It’s certainly worth considering if you want something different and can live with its quirks.

The Kia PV5 took us by surprise. It looks distinctive and is competitively priced, but it also drives better than we expected, with huge amounts of interior space and all of this packed into an endearing character. It’s one of the most practical and easy-going electric vans we’ve driven.

The Chery Tiggo 8 is one of the cheapest SUVs you can buy today. Good equipment levels and a smart cabin add to its appeal. However, the driving experience falls a bit short. It feels vague from behind the wheel, with steering that’s excessively light.

The Genesis GV70 is the SUV for you if you’re after the most luxurious cabin and a relaxed driving experience. Although a strong left-field option, the GV70 feels posher than some of its rivals and offers something unique that’s worth a good look.

The Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a performance SUV powered by a 500hp, Ferrari-derived 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine. It’s genuinely rapid, with strong straight-line performance and handling that make it feel far more agile than you expect a large SUV to be. However, we found the ride firm, especially in the more dynamic drive modes.

Targeting the Tesla Model 3, the BYD Seal combines a compliant ride with tidy handling and good overall comfort, making it well suited to family use. Its electric range is also impressive, although not class leading. The cabin interface lets it down slightly, particularly the touchscreen.

The Ioniq 6N is, without doubt, one of the most entertaining and driver-focused EVs you can buy today. It’s outrageously fast, while the simulated gears add an extra level of driver interaction. The Ioniq 6N also has an impressive duality. Dial back the countless drive modes/settings, and the 6N becomes an easy-going and comfortable daily car.