Heading
Close X
Menu
Chinese cars have had quite the glow-up recently. Not long ago, mentioning a Chinese-made vehicle at a British dealership would have drawn sceptical looks. Fast forward to 2026, and Chinese automotive brands are not only legitimate contenders in the UK market, but they're also in fact winning over drivers who never expected to be fans.
If you've been wondering whether buying a Chinese car is worth your money, you're not alone. To help you in making a decision about your next new car purchase, we’ve put together this honest guide asking the question: Are Chinese Cars Any Good? Read on to find out more…
The Chinese automotive industry has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade. Brands that were once dismissed as cheap imitations are now producing vehicles that genuinely compete (and in some cases outperform) established European and Japanese car rivals on technology, value, and specification.
In the UK, Chinese manufacturers have arrived with a clear mission to customers: they offer drivers more car for their money. And increasingly, they're delivering on that promise.
Back in the day, early Chinese car exports had genuine problems. Crash test performance was poor, build quality was inconsistent, and interiors lagged behind what European buyers expected. At the time, those criticisms were absolutely fair.
But the Chinese automotive industry invested heavily in getting things right, so today’s leading Chinese car brands are very different from those in 2026. Here’s how:
The Chinese vehicles we have here in the UK in 2026 are not the cars of ten years ago. By comparison, they're modern, well-engineered, and designed specifically to meet European tastes and regulations.
This is where Chinese cars make their most compelling case. Compared with equivalent European or Korean models, Chinese vehicles typically offer a noticeably higher specification at the same (or lower) price point.
Car buyers frequently find that mid-range Chinese models come equipped with features that rival brands reserve for their premium trims: large touchscreen infotainment systems, panoramic sunroofs, heated and ventilated seats, driver assistance technology, and sophisticated suspension tuning.
For UK buyers who want a well-equipped family car, SUV, or electric vehicle without paying prestige-brand prices, the value proposition is genuinely one to consider.
Safety is understandably a top concern for any new brand entering the market. The good news is that leading Chinese manufacturers have taken Euro NCAP testing seriously and invested accordingly.
Several models from prominent Chinese brands have achieved five-star Euro NCAP ratings. To put it into perspective, that’s the same benchmark used to evaluate vehicles from Volkswagen, Ford, and Toyota. Modern Chinese cars now come fitted with safety features such as:
As with any car purchase, it's worth checking the specific Euro NCAP rating for the model you're considering, but safety concerns are no longer a reason to dismiss Chinese cars against the current market leaders.
Reliability data on Chinese brands is still accumulating in the UK, given that many have only recently entered the market. However, the signs are really encouraging. Chinese manufacturers are offering competitive warranty packages (typically five years or more) as a statement of confidence in their products.
Aftersales support matters just as much as the car itself, which is why buying through an established, franchised UK dealer is so important. At Wilsons Motor Group in Epsom, our Chery franchise means you have access to factory-trained technicians, genuine parts, and the full backing of the manufacturer's warranty - giving you complete peace of mind when buying a car.
Chery is one of the most significant Chinese automotive brands to arrive in the UK, and yet most British drivers haven't heard of them - yet.
Chery is one of the largest car manufacturers in China by volume and has been exporting vehicles globally for over two decades. It is the parent company of car brands Jaecoo and Omoda, which are also currently making a big impact on British drivers. The brand has a strong presence across Europe, the Middle East, South America, and Asia, and has now made a serious commitment to the UK market.
Chery's UK range centres on well-specified SUVs and crossovers. As we know, these are the types of vehicles that dominate British car sales, and the brand brings with it genuine engineering depth, modern technology, and a focus on delivering real value.
What makes Chery stand out as a Chinese car brand:
For drivers who want a fresh alternative to the usual suspects on the forecourt, Chery is well worth a closer look. Visit our Wilsons Motor Group in Epsom, Surrey, to find out more.
Chinese brands entering the UK have had to meet all the same regulations as any other manufacturer has had to. This includes right-hand drive configuration, ULEZ compliance, and relevant safety standards. There's no compromise involved in buying a Chinese car for use on Britain’s roads.
Practically speaking, modern Chinese SUVs and crossovers are well-suited to UK driving conditions. Comfortable suspension tuning, strong technology packages, and spacious interiors make them a practical choice for families, commuters, and motorway drivers alike.
The best way to answer the question "Are Chinese cars any good?" is to sit in one and drive it for yourself!
Here at Wilsons Motor Group in Epsom, we are proud to be a franchised Chery dealer, offering the full range of Chery models for test drive at our Surrey-based showroom. Our team can walk you through the Tiggo range, explain the technology, and help you find the right Chinese car for your needs.
Visit us in store, browse our Chery stock online, or give us a call to arrange a test drive. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised!
Reliability data for Chinese brands in the UK is still building, given that many have only recently launched here. However, the fundamentals are encouraging. Leading brands like Chery invest heavily in quality control, and the five-year warranties they offer are a genuine statement of confidence in their products. Early owner feedback in the UK has been broadly positive, so watch this space!
Yes. Modern Chinese cars sold in the UK must pass the same Euro NCAP crash testing as any European, Japanese or Korean vehicle. Several models from major Chinese brands have achieved five-star ratings. Current Chery models come with a full suite of driver assistance technology, including autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, and blind spot monitoring as standard.
Absolutely. When bought through a franchised dealer like us here at Wilsons Epsom, your Chery is serviced by factory-trained technicians using genuine parts. It’s exactly the same experience as any other franchised brand. You're not relying on independent garages or sourcing obscure parts.
Resale values for newer Chinese brands are still establishing themselves in the UK. The best way to protect the value of your vehicle is to buy a popular, well-specified model through a franchised dealer, keeping a full service history with the manufacturer network. As awareness of brands like Chery grows, values are expected to stabilise in line with Korean equivalents.
Very favourably. For example, Chinese-built Chery models typically offer comparable or greater standard specifications than equivalent Korean-built Hyundai, Kia, or MG products at similar price points. In many cases, features that require a higher trim on a Korean model (such as panoramic sunroofs, heated seats, or 360° cameras) come as standard on mid-range Chinese alternatives.
Yes. All Chinese cars sold in the UK are right-hand drive, fully approved for British roads, and must comply with the same emissions, safety, and consumer protection standards as any other manufacturer. ULEZ compliance, MOT testing, and standard UK servicing intervals all apply in the same way.
Chery is one of the largest car manufacturers in China by volume and has been exporting vehicles to international markets for over two decades. The brand has a strong global presence across Europe, the Middle East, and South America. While it's relatively new to British showrooms, it's far from a startup. Chery is a mature, established manufacturer with genuine engineering depth.
Yes. As a franchised Chery dealer, Wilsons Motor Group in Epsom offers a range of finance options, including Personal Contract Purchase (PCP), Hire Purchase (HP), and other solutions. Our team can walk you through what's available based on your budget and driving needs.