12:58 pm, July 14, 2026
Dealers have named the new Nissan Micra, Jaecoo 7 and Chery Tiggo 9 as the best new cars of the year at the Car Dealer Power Awards 2026.
The Car of the Year gongs in Car Dealer Power are unique in the industry as they are voted for by car dealers regardless of which brands they represent.
This year retailers voted overwhelmingly for three separate cars. So for the first time in Car Dealer Power history, we haven’t named just one overall winner and two highly commended winners, but three separate categories winners.
The results highlight the growing influence of Chinese carmakers in the UK market, with Jaecoo and Chery claiming two of the three class wins.
Both brands have rapidly expanded their dealer networks over the past year and have enjoyed strong sales growth, with the Jaecoo 7 becoming one of Britain’s standout success stories in 2026.
Nissan Micra – Small Car of the Year
The reborn Nissan Micra impressed dealers enough to take the Small Car of the Year crown before the model has even reached many showroom floors.
The all-electric supermini marks the return of one of the UK’s best-known model names, combining distinctive styling with EV technology developed as part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.
Dealers praised the Micra for giving Nissan a fresh contender in one of the most competitive sectors of the market, with a handful saying the newcomer is ‘attracting new customers’ to their showrooms. ‘The Micra is allowing us to connect with a type of customer who previously would have gone to a rival brand for their small electric hatchback,’ one dealer told us.
Jaecoo 7 – Mid-sized Car of the Year
The Jaecoo 7 continues its remarkable rise after being voted Mid-sized Car of the Year by dealers.
The SUV has quickly established itself as one of the UK’s biggest automotive success stories, helping propel the new Chinese brand into the mainstream thanks to its strong specification, competitive pricing and choice of petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. It even became the best-selling new car in March, according to industry figures.
Its popularity with dealers reflects the momentum Jaecoo has built since arriving in the UK, with retailers recognising both the vehicle’s showroom appeal and its ability to attract new customers.
Chery Tiggo 9 – Large Car of the Year
Large Car of the Year goes to the Chery Tiggo 9, giving the fast-growing Chinese manufacturer another major success at this year’s awards.
The seven-seat SUV impressed dealers with its generous equipment levels, spacious interior and value-for-money proposition, helping it stand out in a competitive family SUV market. It’s one of the most affordable cars of its type, and is helping make the brand be ‘even more appealing’ to a greater audience, one dealer told us.
Its victory underlines the increasing confidence dealers have in newer Chinese entrants, with Chery continuing to expand its UK presence through a growing franchise network.
