Chinese car brands have landed with a bang in the UK.
The country's massive car industry means huge economies of scale, which means ultra-competitive pricing and more choice for car buyers.
Here are 10 great Chinese cars to buy instead of popular mainstream models. Before you know it, most of these choices will be available as great-value nearly new and used cars from Motorpoint.
MG ZS instead of a Ford Puma
The Ford Puma was the best-selling car in the UK for 2024 – easy to understand considering its respectable pricing, solid driving experience and big boot. It's not perfect, however, with cramped rear seats and a fairly dull interior design. Why not try out the MG ZS instead? For starters, it's thousands of pounds cheaper than the Ford, so you can get a higher-spec model or upgrade to the ZS's Hybrid+ engine, which outpaces the Ford for both power and efficiency, while also coming standard with an automatic gearbox. Like all cars in the lineup, the ZS is protected by MG's seven-year factory warranty.
MG HS instead of Kia Sportage
If you need a larger family car, the Kia Sportage is an obvious choice thanks to its flexible range of engines, long warranty and robust build quality. Before you commit to the Korean car, however, consider the MG HS. The HS is the big sibling to the ZS above, with a larger body and far more interior space. In fact, it has one of the largest cabins in this class with limo-like levels of rear-seat space, making it easy to wrestle kids into their car seats. Like other MGs, the HS's pricing is extremely competitive and undercuts all its key rivals, with no real penalty in material quality or standard equipment.
See used MG HS cars or read our MG HS review
Omoda 5 instead of Nissan Qashqai
For many, the Nissan Qashqai is the default family SUV thanks to its calm driving experience and spacious, neatly trimmed cabin. It's far from the only well-dressed family car, however, so why not take a look at the Omoda 5. This brand might feel cutting edge in the UK, but it hails from Chinese parent company, Chery – one of the world's largest automakers. The cabin is smartly designed, packed with standard equipment and trimmed in impressively high-quality materials, with similar amounts of space to the Qashqai. You have the option of this petrol powered 5 model, or the battery-powered E5.
BYD Atto 2 instead of Nissan Juke
The Nissan Juke effectively founded the compact SUV segment, with dozens of rivals springing up since its launch. While the Juke remains deservedly popular, there are plenty of tempting alternatives now, including this – the BYD Atto 2. The BYD is just a few millimetres larger than the Nissan, but has a much more spacious cabin thanks to its squarer body design, making it an easier sell as a compact family car. It also benefits from BYD's expertise in building electric cars, with a range of around 200 miles and zippy performance from its 174hp electric motor. There's even an optional karaoke machine built into the infotainment system.
Xpeng G6 instead of Tesla Model Y
The Tesla Model Y was the best-selling electric car in 2024 but it no longer has the battery-powered SUV market to itself. Lots of rivals have swooped in with similarly impressive alternatives to steal Tesla buyers, and it helps that their CEOs have courted less controversy. So, instead of the Model Y, why not check out the Xpeng G6. The Chinese car has clearly taken some inspiration from the American model, with a massive tablet-style touchscreen in the centre, and its choice of efficient rear-wheel-drive models or rapid all-wheel-drive versions. Crucially, the G6 is more affordable than the Model Y, so you can get a higher-spec model for your budget.
MG4 instead of Volkswagen Golf
For years, if you needed a family hatchback, you'd need a good reason not to choose the Volkswagen Golf. It was the gold standard for ease of use and build quality. However, recent Golfs haven't quite been so convincing as they fell for the big-screen trend that's afflicted so many cars. So, instead of the Golf, try out the MG4. This is one of our favourite electric hatchbacks, with loads of cabin space and a long standard equipment list. On the road, you'll appreciate the MG4's impressive handling and punchy electric acceleration, plus prices that dramatically undercut its German rival.
Browse used MG4 cars or read our MG4 review
BYD Seal U instead of Hyundai Tucson
The Hyundai Tucson is nearly as popular in the UK as the mechanically related Kia Sportage above. It has an even more outlandish design but most of the same qualities – reassuring reliability, a wide engine choice and decent practicality. Lining up to steal the Tucson's crown, however, is the BYD Seal U. This is a spacious family SUV that's a little larger than the Korean car and comes exclusively powered by plug-in hybrid engines. The longest-range model can travel an impressive 77 miles before needing to start the on-board petrol engine, and its massive cabin means your passengers will have little to complain about along the way.
Omoda 9 instead of MG HS
As we discovered above, the MG HS is already a Chinese-made car that's earned a spot on the UK's best-sellers list. In that case, why not upgrade to something from the class above? That's where the Omoda 9 comes in. This is a big plug-in-hybrid SUV with its sights firmly set on the pricey German premium cars that have the upper portion of this segment sewn up. Under the bonnet is the entertainingly named Super Hybrid System, which offers up to 93 miles of electric running or a total of 443hp with both electrons and petrol firing at full pelt. As you'd expect based on the competition, the 9 has a beautifully trimmed cabin stuffed with the latest tech.
Jaecoo 7 instead of Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is a small premium SUV battling in a crowded class that includes cars like the BMW X1 and Audi Q3. Compared to those German rivals, the Volvo is decidedly more square-jawed, with blockier styling and a more upright cabin. So, if you're looking for a great-value Chinese alternative with those qualities, check out the Jaecoo 7. This model hails from the same parent company as the Omoda cars above and uses similar hardware, but outfits itself with a more brutalist look featuring plenty of sharp edges and right angles. Plug-in-hybrid models are competitively priced and can cover 57 miles to a charge – noticeably more than a PHEV XC40.
GWM Ora 03 instead of Volkswagen Polo
The Volkswagen Polo knows how to appeal to your head. It's sensible, easy to use and fuss-free to own, with more practicality than most small hatches in this class. It's not very… funky, however. If you're looking for something a little jazzier, check out the GWM Ora 03, which was previously sold as the Ora 'Funky Cat'. You'll spot charming retro cues in its styling, borrowed from cars like the Porsche 911 and Volkswagen Beetle. You may also be impressed with the quality of the interior, which has plenty of soft-touch materials and faux-leather details to lift it above rivals.
Get a great-value nearly new car
Shop a massive selection of nearly new and used cars for sale at Motorpoint. For more tempting options, see our picks for the best used family cars on sale.
