Car Road Trip Challenge - NO refuelling

[@grahambeale51]

Like others, I watched Jay's video and was then surprised to see Jonny post soon thereafter. I regularly watch both creators and respect them both. I like that Jonny champions the 'unloved' cars, including EVs, and is not seduced by the latest, flashiest supercar. Likewise, Jay 'speaks his mind' and enjoys being controversial. It would be good to hear a comment from Jonny about his motivation to feature the Jaecoo event and the level of editorial control he had. It's too simple to say he was swayed for £5000. I also would point out to Jay that he has accepted many manufacturers' invitations to expenses paid trips to review cars - flying to Sicily as a guest of Ferrari, for example, to review the launch of the Roma. The cost of that little excursion would more than match the Jaecoo event. The critical point is that neither individual should compromise their views or objective assessment of the vehicles they are reviewing. I do not doubt Jonny on this point.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thank you for taking time to make this detailed comment. This video was filmed as a marketing collaboration with Jaecoo. It’s not a “paid review” and my opinion cannot be bought. I was not scripted and the edit was our own. The video focused on the mile challenge and any thoughts shared on the car are my own. Any factual information quoted on the car is from sales material or briefs provided, as with any video I make with any brand. As an automotive creator, I rarely turn down the chance to drive any new car and I’m open and unbiased until I’ve been behind the wheel, where I form my own opinion. There is a large difference between a 'paid partnership' and 'advert'. The latter will ensure the paying brand has full editorial control. In this instance I agreed to be part of an economy road trip that Jaecoo has organised, but on the proviso I could deliver it in my own style. At no point would I sing praises if I did not believe there to be any to be sung. As content makers we have all been part of corporate work, and in this instance the paid aspect was labelled on all social media in accordance with the law.

[@itsbilln2178]

@@TheLateBrakeShowPlease can you let us know if there were any flaws or drawbacks with this car?

[@mycosys]

Its truly wild that 'content creators get compensation' is news to people. And that they think 5k is enough to sell out for.

[@barneyrubble9309]

Paid for trips have long been a staple of the automotive press..it was/is a way to "buy" a good review cos the car journos didnt want to get excluded from future freebee trips so rarely said anything negative..its why they hated Clarkson cos he got so big they simply couldnt ingore him regardless of what he said about their products. This looks a bit different as it looks like the car company are effectively asking the influencers to produce a load of adverts on their behalf that they can then edit and put out on social media. They've also demanded they turn up at the ofiicial launch. If Johnny says something negative in this vid im guessing it wont show up on any other media they use as they will just edit it out and Johnny has signed his rights away to control his content. also, where in the vid does he say its a marketing video???

[@scenebydrone8668]

I want to know where all you cancel culture people come from, out of the woodwork to seemingly 'destroy' your favourite KZbinr you've been watching for years. How about a bit of understanding of what you're watching? If it was a review video, and titled as such then yes one would expect a review of the car, good and bad. If its a paid promotion road trip or something else, something every KZbinr has been doing for years and none of you knew or cared, then you should be intelligent enough to figure that out. Mostly this just stinks of 'I don't like EVs and the content Johnny posts about them, finally I've got something I can latch on to and hope that he will now only review petrol powered MGs from the 1960s

[@itsbilln2178]

Can we all agree that “Includes paid promotion” doesn’t really cut it when the whole video is a paid promotion.

[@gt_kenny]

Agree. I love Jonny to bits and I think he is overall my favourite car person in the world, but a bit more transparency about this trip and a bit more criticism of the car (surely it has to have flaws) would have been nice.

[@davidjackson6386]

Sorry, money talks.

[@virtualal]

Chinese stooges

[@deadkemper]

Yeah it's not clear , I know he mentioned it on the podcast but he should have made more of an effort, not good.

[@GeoffBuysCars]

As someone who knows how this stuff works, the worst moment would undoubtedly have been after you watched Jay Emm’s video and knew yours was yet to publish, and contractually, your only choice was… A. Don’t publish. Delete the video. Write it off. Maintain credibility. Don’t get paid… or B. Publish and risk the backlash and take the money.

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Feel free to email us Geoff and we will explain if the pinned comment response doesn't make sense.

[@GeoffBuysCars]

@@TheLateBrakeShowoh it makes sense. I’d love to know the actual pay rate tho. You’ve got off lightly with people thinking it was only £5k.

[@hogwild5844]

@@GeoffBuysCars 🤣🤣 This response is TOTALLY under appreciated. At the end of the day Jonny SOL etc got it wrong with this one. They didnt read the room and instead of digging a hole they should simply have left the content up, put a pinned comment apologising and offering to review and improve how they approach content like this in future. Trying to explain his position only made it worse. "I apologise for how this was handled. I am reviewing how I handle content or opportunities like this in future so that you my viewers don't feel misled or let down". That would have been the right response or something similar.

[@squidgy1973]

​@@TheLateBrakeShowYou fucked up with this one, don't make it worse with shitty, aggressive comments.

[@mr2chrisd]

@@GeoffBuysCars a fellow car lover slagging off a great content producer over a paid promotion video. I’m sticking up for Jonny. Car cyber bullies, what the f has this world come to?

[@youtubeaddict1234]

I watched all 32mins, funny how Jonny couldn’t name a single thing he doesn’t like about this car 🤔🤑

[@Cloxxki]

He doesn't pretend it's a review.

[@Panzerbeast]

The dashboard like all EVs... shit!

[@neil1997]

It's almost as if he's getting a financial incentive....

[@drunkenhobo8020]

@@Panzerbeast But it's not an EV?

[@richardhargrave6082]

Just what we need Another Chinese Government subsidised car company

[@Reddsoldier]

Selling yet another car that looks like a Hyundai got hit with a heat gun and like ALL of this brethren will be flashy and cheap, but will cost you more in the long run because its quality and fit and finish will be dodgy at best.

[@richardhargrave6082]

@@Reddsoldier Yep

[@Beauloqs]

Subsidized......they OWN the company

[@richardhargrave6082]

@@Beauloqs Even worse!

[@zelcpavle5494]

Who is here after JayEmcars video?!?! 😂😂

[@Jdmess9]

Wouldn't stopp that low...

[@RichardHarrold1991]

@@Jdmess9 JayEmm is the best automotive journalist in the UK...

[@stevecotterill7981]

Me... Jay tells it like it is.

[@Ropey91]

@RichardHarrold1991 and a genuinely nice bloke too.

[@DoItYourselfDaveOJ]

Literally watching jayems video now and will watch this next - will be interesting to see how even handed this review is

[@cms1138]

Sad day for this channel.

[@mariemoo9979]

As a very loyal viewer of your channel Johnny for many years now, I love the barn find and all the retro and classic car content, I tune in to see actual REAL cars, not Chinese kitchen appliances with less than zero appeal, character, history or demand, I didn't watch the video, just here to leave my opinion as a true petrol head, You stuffed it with this one Johnny.

[@danny7690]

Maybe just maybe he doesn't make videos purely just for you

[@SaK-w4c]

Doesnt like SUVs until he gets paid to like them

[@nwarby]

apart from constantly singing the praises of Ionic 5 and Ionic 6 on the podcast...

[@quiquepepe]

I´ll bet you´re fun at parties.

[@markbennett2170]

My respect for Jonny Smith and his channel has just been flushed down the toilet. Respect to JayEmm's video!! I know who I will be watching in future.

[@2ndjim]

It's not a review it's an advertisment

[@anyau]

Strange way to throw away your career

[@danny7690]

Bit of an overreaction

[@thomasjohns13]

Anyone else here after watching Jayemms video about them paying for reviews? 👀😆

[@tompackage]

Yup! 😬

[@spent808]

🤣

[@davepoul8483]

looking at the comments I think we all did..... I know he has to make money to live but... if you do it once they come back for more....

[@esoxclub]

@@julianevans9548 All chinese bussines are controled by chinese state FACT

[@no1DdC]

@@julianevans9548 That's people who are running concentration camps, including forced labor for the production of export goods like cars. Just to make it clear what these cars represent.

[@itsbilln2178]

Jonny Smith, 2024: “The SUV genre has, I believe, almost singlehandedly reversed the progress of the automobile... and at a time when lightness /efficiency and maximising internal space is key.” Jonny Smith, 2023: “I think it's important to really prompt people into thinking hard about what cars they buy, and what cars suit them. I want to help reduce SUV consumption, largely because they do so few things well, and have basically reversed automotive evolution.” Jonny Smith, 2025: £5k you say? Integrity? Authenticity? Credibility? Consistency? Trustworthiness? Nah, I’ll take the cash thanks.

[@Bobsmith-x8e]

For those saying, 'everyone needs to earn a living' or similar, how many cars does Jonny own? 700k subscribers is a lot. Is he really that short of cash? Or is it greed, and a lack of ethics?

[@itsbilln2178]

@@Bobsmith-x8eMaybe his views on SUVs have genuinely softened - but to just come out and do a paid promo for one and not address his previous comments reeks of hypocrisy to me. Maybe they’ll be a follow up video once he’s bagged the cash for this vid where he actually tells us what he thinks. That’s probably the only way I can see this situation being redeemed.

[@URBONED]

Take a chill pill. Jonny gets to drive and show off a new car. I wouldn’t exactly call this a glowing review. He mostly lists the specs and mentions a few small features he enjoys. We all know he doesn’t prefer SUV’s to other cars - that doesn’t mean he can’t drive one. Like you wouldn’t say yes to getting to go on a paid road trip in a new car

[@itsbilln2178]

@@URBONEDgets paid to show off a new car - aka advertise.

[@URBONED]

@ yes? Have you been on the internet in the last 10 years? Advertising is everywhere, it’s one of the only ways people make money online. Use your big adult brain (if you have one) to come to decisions about what you watch. Do you need to buy one of these cars because someone made a video advertising one? No. So what’s the problem?

[@EVRealFacts]

"The Paid Brake Show"

[@virtualal]

Or “The Paid, Fake Show”

[@binits777]

No thanks to this advert Johnny. More than disappointed you’ve sold your integrity to the Chinese government owned company for the sake of £5k.

[@typetwo]

For those coming down on Musk/ Tesla recently, we should remember what the Chinese Govt. has actually been doing (versus accused of). Because without state approval, no Chinese cars are produced.

[@ochayethegnu2915]

@@typetwoNothing excuses Musk’s neo-nazi behaviour.

[@typetwo]

​@ Unlike you I have actually met real neo - Nzis. That's how I know you are talking absolute nonsense about Musk. However, you are missing my point. All Chinese vehicles (as with all their products) are made in tacit acceptance of re-education camps. Understand? In the 80s we boycotted goods produced under apartheid.

[@petermann5731]

It was also very boring - it was so tedious, I fast-forwarded through most of it.

[@Cloxxki]

What wrong with that government as an owner? UK govt knew there were no weapons of mass destruction, but carried out mass destruction and supported other govt's ambitions therein anyway.

[@itsbilln2178]

For someone who has been so vocal about their dislike of SUVs to do a video like this leaves a bad taste. “I want to help reduce SUV consumption, largely because they do so few things well, and have basically reversed automotive evolution.” Jonny Smith, 2023.

[@tombrehony6277]

Creepy video

[@psycho045]

💰🤑💰🤑💰

[@kevins718]

So he cannot feature an SUV on his own channel?

[@samwhite8093]

Kerching!

[@stevenjervis1184]

Well seen he took Jacoo money from the Chinese government

[@-DC-]

Man that is on record numerous times deriding SUV's and why anyone would want to use or own one suddenly comes up with 5000 reasons to Purchase this Particular One lol , We have a word for that in English, SUSPICIOUS.

[@itsbilln2178]

Hypocritical too

[@getawayhs2856]

"When JAECOO challenged Jonny" = "When JAECOO offered Jonny five large"

[@MetrosCarBlog]

Prefer the ones where you are allowed to tell us the bad things about the cars too.

[@TheSaabClinicUK]

FYI I contacted my mate at the TRL In Bracknell and he did a lookup for me. These have never been tested anywhere in Europe, let alone EuroNCAP compliance. So yeh, China 5 star safety.

[@MrAjjm65]

Not on Euro NCap website, just checked. I sniff doggy doo doo…

[@dungbetel]

I believe their equivalent is the CNCAP. Nothing to do with EuroNCAp and much less strict

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

Eagle hammerhead iThrust levels of testing

[@cptnkrenon]

Maybe they tested it under the original Chinese model name? Look up the Hongqi "Majestic Thunder Stallion 3000iRTGSFJH".

[@ethyhayes]

​@@cptnkrenonAppreciate that was a joke but the J7 is actually just a re-badged Chery Tansuo 06. Which has also never been tested by EuroNCAP 🤷

[@gaelicstorm7]

Lost all credibility with this one pal....BIG DISAPPOINTMENT !

[@markbennett2170]

!00% I will not be watching any more of his videos. It's a real shame.

[@Jasonrm92]

@@markbennett2170 You know, you can disagree with his choice to do this and not watch the video whilst continuing to watch his other content in future. People are genuinely so pathetic nowadays.

[@markbennett2170]

@@Jasonrm92 Yep, You do have a point. Do you think Jaecoo's product is up there with the best that's on offer from the top Euro and US brands?? Good luck to Jaecoo who are a techically advanced and forward thinking Chiness Auto Company and good luck to Johnny too, A top bloke that's given 100% premium motoring based content and has kept me entertainment for a long long time. I met James (JayEmm) recently and can report that he is a top fella too.

[@grayfool]

Sorry Jonny , but I have to agree with all those others commenting about the lack of info about this being a paid promotion. I love your work and it's interesting to see any new car but we need to know the terms please.

[@pauljakeman]

Watch the Jayemm on cars video uploaded yesterday. He goes through the email that Johnny would have got on there.

[@carsnanidiot]

cope harder, turd!

[@grayfool]

@pauljakeman I have. I think Jonny should have told us it was a paid production himself.

[@chillout1109]

Just enjoy the video. It will make your life much easier and happier.

[@ochayethegnu2915]

@@chillout1109Nope,nobody with any integrity can do that.

[@eddiestevenson-kaatsch6306]

Hope you spend your £5000 bung wisely Jonny. Seriously unimpressed with you.

[@knockschool]

Perhaps he jetted off to the sun. ?

[@chrismartin5870]

Got paid a lot more than £5k.

[@A.J.Lawson]

5k lol think more than 3 times that with his stats and you’re getting near! Jonny is one big shill. 😂

[@Beauloqs]

​@@A.J.Lawsonthe only suprise is people are surprised.

[@joesouthgate]

Imagine being so stupid that you don't know how much these sort of productions cost to make. Paying videographers, editors and other staff yet you think that it's £5k in his pocket 😅

[@SteveIgnat]

If you've ever worked with Chinese industry, you know EXACTLY how they got their technology

[@SteveIgnat]

Gross. I can't even finish watching this. Love you bye

[@Cloxxki]

Makes you wonder why they now do a lot of things better. Has someone been slacking?

[@androidcaller7902]

It's an Oriental thing. Japs did it after the war 😉

[@Chris-mh3vf]

How to destroy your credibility in one easy lesson

[@5skov]

more headstone than anything

[@scenebydrone8668]

Nah, you'll all forget about this soon. Latest 'lets destroy our favourite KZbinr' bandwagon/fad. Perhaps TLBS can learn from it, but credibility destroyed? No.

[@UKMike2009]

"Doing a Ratner" as it's known in the UK

[@Curiousdriving]

@@scenebydrone8668 Agree, this is quite a good channel, just a blip.

[@LRSTGS]

​@@scenebydrone8668 Telling people a car has a five star euro Ncap rating, when it has never even been tested by Ncap, ABSOLUTELY destroys any journalistic integrity. No research, no critical thinking, no creativity, just regurgitating words for money.

[@andysimkin5200]

If everyone who watched the vid chipped in 10p we could of paid Jonny the £5k NOT to do this shitty advert...

[@purangesmith9053]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@redmile999]

@@andysimkin5200 I doubt many watched it all the way through. I managed just over a minute to realise what he had done

[@andysimkin5200]

@redmile999 True.. I made it to the first "challenge" (10 mins in) and was fast asleep.. 😁

[@robertjones5848]

Bet he got paid more than £5k

[@danny7690]

the irony is everyone watching and commenting is contributing to the view revenue haha

[@kevsuths]

I’m only here for the comments 😂😂

[@tichwykes]

Same here I won't be watching the video though

[@besenzon1]

@@kevsuths popcorn ?

[@richardcobern6287]

Just watching the end for him to say Hope this gets passed the Jaecoo edit. Sadly I’ve decided to unsubscribe

[@the_ambient_light]

@@richardcobern6287All the cry babies on here, because they don’t agree with one video out of hundreds on this channel.

[@peterpodgorski]

@@the_ambient_light more like because this is the one instance of being unfair that we know of and people are wondering how many others there may have been...

[@peterpan6821]

"Class leading" made me think of Alan Partridge doing his sponsorship of his Rover.

[@stuartslyper1479]

Now I’m wondering how many other Late Brake Show reviews are actually paid for advertorials. For example, the recent Renault 5 video with Greg James has similarities that arouse suspicions

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Any paid promotions are always labelled on screen at the start and hashtagged in the descriptions. The Greg James R5 was NOT a paid video.

[@itsbilln2178]

@@TheLateBrakeShowBut surely you see the problem with relying on the that is that almost every video has the “Includes Paid Promotion”banner because almost every video contains (fairly enough) a very short sponsored message about tyres or oil or Carly or whatever else. And the hashtag ad in the description is not upfront and centre, a lot or viewers would need to open the description and then scroll down to even see hashtag ad. Why not just be more upfront and transparent?? It’s the lack of transparency that has done the damage here. When a video is sponsored by Carly or whatever it’s very obvious and clear, it’s stated in the video itself and clearly stated in the description. Again, the lack of transparency with this video is the main issue. Why not just upfront put in the title that it’s a paid promo? ASA state that viewers should be made aware before they click on a video - so relying on the banner and a hashtag at the bottom of the description is shaky ground. Why not open the video and actually say why and how it came about?

[@itsbilln2178]

This is exactly the issue which I would hope Jonny and LTBS crew are starting to understand now. The R5 video also has the “Includes Paid Promotion” banner at the start. How does the viewer actually KNOW that the presence of that banner doesn’t also mean there was some payment from Renault to speak very favourably about the car, or at the very least just to even feature it at all? By doing this J7 video and presenting it in this way, with the absolute minimal of declarations, and no transparency about the arrangement behind it, you’ve completely muddied the waters for any future videos that include the banner due to a short sponsor mention, and also any past ones too.

[@AdamBrowne-eg1eb]

@@itsbilln2178👌🏼

[@tw2210]

​@@itsbilln2178 Well put

[@itsbilln2178]

Oh Jonny. I don’t think I heard a single negative thing about the car… 🤔 Do I take from that it’s a perfect car? Or is there some other reason you didn’t mention any negatives?

[@no1DdC]

A perfect car from Chery is about as likely as democratic elections in Beijing.

[@pauljakeman]

Like being paid?

[@johnshore3095]

6:45 Does not sound like the heater is very good..

[@tomodonnell5718]

Knew hed sold out after the Ora Cat review where he wildly praised a clearly shite car. Then later he was slagging it on Smith and Sniff - i wonder if the cheque was late from china for that "review"? 😂

[@ANDREWSTEVENS-w2z]

I hope the loss of your credibility was worth the money you received? Bye bye Jonny.

[@moonshine3333]

The worlds longest car advert.

[@robertimrie3710]

What's the bet Jayemm does a follow up and tells you lot to pull ya heads in. It was made clear that this was a challenge set by the auto maker and I thought the long roadtrip economy run was a good way to promote the cars point of difference. Everything else was Jonny's own style, right down to the sweeping piss vista. Every car launch ever is to some degree a junket even if it's just cucumber sandwiches nicked from the servery and eaten in the car or a pub lunch and a free bum bag. I found this useful content on the vehicles real world efficiency and I enjoyed the road trip aspect. I think some folks just like to whinge, particularly petrolhead purists.

[@Bobsmith-x8e]

Paid for by the Chinese regime.

[@itsbilln2178]

@@robertimrie3710Not a single negative mentioned! Not even just the bare fact it’s an SUV, and this from the man who has been a very vocal critic of SUVs. Complete sell out.

[@Bobsmith-x8e]

@@robertimrie3710 As JayEmm said, this is an advert.

[@kumbackquatsta]

still better than jaguar's

[@georgimihalkov4781]

I wouldn't mind seeing an actual, honest review of this car and I would've thought that Jonny was the person to deliver on that...but instead we're getting pointless challenges with random influencers and something that feels like a paid ad.

[@jr-hr2mw]

because it IS a paid ad!

[@laloajuria4678]

fun fact it was!

[@androo4519]

Try the Marek Drives review. He thought it was poor for cruising refinement and not great for handling, with an iffy infotainment system. But not that bad otherwise. Jaecoo was too pessimistic. The thing is cheap enough so people will not be expecting too much.

[@HollandN54]

Fake content, what is this Jonny? Don’t let the Chinese win

[@MarJay1980]

I'm not usually one of 'those' people, but I've resolved this year to live my life in a more ethical way where possible. I don't think I can watch this video, sadly. A Chinese government backed paid promotion without full transparency? How about no.

[@jr-hr2mw]

This exactly. If it were BMW I'd have a bad taste in my mouth. But a company wholly owned by a regime as horrific as the CCP? Shame on Jonny for even entertaining the idea, let alone actually going through with it

[@dwoolwichpoly9086]

Something about throwing stones when you live in a glass house comes to mind Who is and has been funding a genocide and ethnic cleansing? Which major brands still support Israel? It is the Western ones. Don’t go around talking about morals when your country is the least moral one out of them all

[@kumbackquatsta]

colonizers can't be ethical

[@johnnunn8688]

Johnny just lost a subscriber and I don’t think I’ll be the only one.

[@itsbilln2178]

Jonny - If a KZbin creator only relies on the “Includes Paid Promotion” banner and doesn’t explicitly disclose being paid within the video itself, they may still be in violation of UK advertising regulations. Here’s why: 1. Advertising Standards Authority (ASA): • The ASA requires paid partnerships to be obviously identifiable as ads. • Relying solely on the KZbin banner may not be sufficient, as it could be overlooked by viewers. The ASA recommends explicitly stating within the content (e.g., “This video is sponsored by [Brand]”) to make it unmistakably clear. 2. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA): • The CMA also emphasizes transparency, requiring that consumers know when they’re being advertised to. • Failing to disclose verbally within the video could be seen as misleading under consumer protection laws. 3. Enforcement: • If found non-compliant, the creator could face penalties, such as the video being taken down or reputational damage. Explicit, verbal disclosure within the content (in addition to the banner) is the safest way to ensure compliance and maintain trust with viewers.

[@andrewthornegeo]

As soon as we buy a Chinese car the rest of the car industry will die. I just bought a new Fiat. It may not be the best car... in the world, but it's not killing the European car industry and it's good enough.

[@jr-hr2mw]

Can I ask why this isn't marked as a paid promotion when the manufacturer has literally paid you to produce this?

[@hikeandcampwildadventures]

It was!

[@jr-hr2mw]

@@hikeandcampwildadventures Bored of explaining this now. Can you not gauge from the number of comments to this effect that at one stage it wasn't there, and it now is? Time is linear. My comment was posted before yours

[@hughphillips1427]

@@jr-hr2mwDeep breath!

[@jr-hr2mw]

@ Very good

[@dez7250]

God no, Gimmicky crap😢

[@LennartMakinen]

I think the world has enough of SUVs already.

[@CptSpears007]

Not me, I love them.

[@davidbusch8912]

I agree, but people keep buying them.

[@xx-----------xx873]

they're great, they're more practical than a hatchback with more space inside, with a similar wheelbase and more suspension and a better driving position. Maybe in 10 years you'll see it too. There's a reason your wife probably wants one.

[@LennartMakinen]

@xx-----------xx873 a proper estate has more room for goods and less drag.

[@hamstirrer6882]

I hate them, unless it's a proper off roader with low range and locking diffs, they do nothing that an estate car can't do, and take up much more space while looking worse, but that's just my opinion, and like someone else said people keep buying them, so they'll keep making em

[@twitchynik]

I can't believe I'm seeing Johnny in the same video as Paul Wallace 😥 One is a long time, experienced and respected automotive journalist. The other is a long time and experienced paid for advertising mercenary who specialises in these kind of "reviews". Get one of these on your own and I'll pay more attention. Sorry Johnny, you can do much, MUCH better than this.

[@frankhall401]

Touch your phone while driving and that's three points. Make a car that's impossible to operate without touching a big mobile phone screwed to the dashboard and that's just fine.

[@ajpdaniels]

6 points not 3. And it's 0 if it's in a holder. But I agree about touchscreens being a pain other than for the most minor "setup" type things that you don't use whilst driving. Coming to an NCAP rating near you soon thankfully

[@tango5994]

I find it amazing how UK law prevents use of mobile phones at the wheel but it's fine for drivers to play with tables whilst driving 🤷

[@ArronMurray]

Never ever sell out your base! Bloody hell mate trust is earnt. And you wonder why the EU car market is about to collapse.

[@danny7690]

maybe Europe should start making better cars then?

[@EthanTurner61]

Oh god no, I literally just watched JayEmms video on this whole debacle a few hours ago, then this suddenly appears on the same day. You're one of my favourite KZbinrs Jonny, why did you do this 😭

[@flyjayUK]

It's fine to do it, but the lack of "sponsored video" is deceiving and also illegal under UK law.

[@EthanTurner61]

@@flyjayUK that's a really huge point actually, but regardless I'm still disappointed, I thought Jonny was one of the trustworthy ones, I really valued his opinion

[@richardjones38]

Came here to say the same - I literally watched JayEmm's video right before this. 1/4 of the way through, and so far this has been a tricky watch. I so hoped non of my favouite car youtubers had taken the bait after JayEmm's revelation, only for this to be recommended as the very next video. Edit, got to the end, having not watched evry second, and was debating watching again, hoping I'd see it declared as a paid ad, but from the other comments, it sounds like it doesn't. Damn.

[@Patriiiiick]

@@flyjayUK I don't know what platform you're watching the video on but there is a bright green 'Sponsored' button right next to the title if you're watching via web browser.

[@richardgledhill]

@@flyjayUK Actually, it's clearly marked by KZbin as "Contains paid-for content" or some such wording at the start of the video, so it is legal. But I do also think a little "Full disclosure - Jaecoo have paid us to do this, but I hope to do an independent review at some point when I can get the car for a few days". That would have sufficed, I think.

[@volvogt21]

With nearly 700k subscribers surely you didn't need to sink this low. It's not a chinese issue here. More a case of disappointment.

[@davemarr1]

This is not a genuine and impartial review but an advertisement dressed up to looked like one. All paid for by the manufacturer who's parent company is wholly owned by the Chinese government.

[@robertimrie3710]

Ah, yes, the Chinese government. What do you drive? Maybe an American car with their government facilitating genocide in the middle east, threatening their "friends" with invasion and the rest of us with environmental destruction. They all lined up with their millions to pay homage to the felon and compulsive liar in chief. So basically good luck buying any car with a clear conscience. Maybe stick with shanks's pony.

[@prolotomasi1150]

Oh dear, did you not see JM's video before?

[@TimLemonn]

It’s fine to do it, it’s a paid advert not a review - but that should be made much more clear

[@gafrers]

@@TimLemonn but doesn't work. full disclaimer "i was paid to do this"

[@downwarddonk]

@@julianevans9548 Who cares that much, honestly? People are being a tad dramatic about this.

[@RobertNewland-i3r]

The Chinese are gonna steal your lunch and make you watch them eat it while you cry.

[@oliverstemp9132]

@@TimLemonnright at the beginning of the video it should have been.

[@laurenhuyton6917]

Journalistic standards are dead. You should be deeply ashamed of yourself Jonny. Sell out.

[@joesouthgate]

Haha, love how many people are so stupid they think that paid partnerships/promotions are a new thing. It's existed forever, all the old car mags with "journalistic integrity" engaged in the same.

[@danny7690]

why so deep? can't you just watch one video like this and think "well that one was a bit shit" and move on with your life? im sure he'll be making good content again moving forward

[@NH00531]

Creating content funded by a Chinese government owned car manufacturer? It’s a NO from me.

[@craigm3907]

I thought Harry selling out to Jaguar was bad… now this… my subscription list is getting smaller everytime someone does these adverts.

[@MerkJacobus]

Spare a thought for Jonny Smith, he's used to TV money so he's not prepared to live on HubNut income. Reminds me of how he and Richard Porter are always saying they'd like to do a roadtrip video but it would cost too much despite countless UouTubers do road trips on their own and edit their own videos.

[@neilsessions9744]

Managed 2 minutes ,i will stick to barnfinds in the future

[@bytchslappa]

I'd delete this and move on.... its not good content anyways.. lite on details, lite on comparisons of other PHEV's...

[@ochayethegnu2915]

Jaecoo would probably sue him for that.

[@mishalchotai4721]

We are all here after Jayemms video 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@daddymulk]

And Geoff Buys Cars 👍😂

[@Eric_Hunt194]

I'm here after Geoff Buys Cars's video.

[@deadkemper]

Not me

[@JeTTRod]

Im so absolutely disappointed in this channel... I've lost any and all trust i had in this channel being honest in their car reviews now that I know they can be so easily bought and paid for by the CCP manufacturer of this vehicle for a such a measly few thousand $/£/€... Not telling viewers you were paid to give a positive review has made me unsubscribe from this channel...

[@paulmitchell2801]

Oh dear, disappointing. Stop selling your soul and stick to the content we all love you for. Doing things like this will lose you a lot of respect especially when you are doing it organisations such as this. Big mistake.

[@EVRealFacts]

The money always corrupts in the end. Trust now gone.

[@ratraceescaper]

Just unsubscribed from the channel. You tubers make their fortunes from us all. I have subscribed from other channels,who have abused the loyalty of their subscribers. Once you've built up over 500k subscribers you make a very good living from your content. I agree with Jay. There is no need to sell your soul because of GREED. Johnny needs to know that his unbalanced review has uncovered his real agenda. Bye bye

[@seayavietnam]

I really don't understand the point of this one. Nobody drives like that. You all turned off the heating, froze inside the cars. Drove at under the speed limit to limp to a ridiculous destination. The point being??

[@BAC_Mono]

Jonny, I like your stuff generally, but you have really let yourself down here. You should apologise at not having labelled the video as a paid promotion initially (this tag was added after Jayemm posted about it IIRC) and be clearer in future. It would be good form to say exactly how much you were paid for all the aspects of this film as well as there is some discussion about figures on social media an only you can really clear it up. We all have to make a living, no one minds about that, it's the lack of transparency that is objectionable.

[@Beauloqs]

He's way waaaay to arrogant to do that.

[@deadkemper]

He doesn't need to tell you how much,that's none of our business. But I think that full transparency is needed on paid promotion, a tag is no good , loads of content makers have that for various promotions so that doesn't wash with me.

[@normalone5194]

Did someone pay Jonny to make this video so extremely dull and boring ?

[@jameswilloughby5240]

I’m sorry but you have lost credibility with this video sadly. ££££££££

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

How? …. Heck, take their money, JS

[@stephenparish6108]

Oh dear me... looks like the school fees needed paying. A shame that someone who has produced such good content has descended to this. Hope it doesn't besmirch any associated channels

[@illbeback2YT]

This video was a bad idea...

[@illbeback2YT]

But I am looking forward to the next video.

[@normalone5194]

The ‘late’ brake show just died after this

[@Beauloqs]

....and the 'Paid brake show' is born.

[@simonward1598]

Very sad to see you wasted your talent doing this Johnny, you're worth more than £5k. Stick with what we love you for, none of us are going to hold this against you (well I'm certainly not).

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

£5k? Everyone has to make a living

[@Jdmess9]

Do you not get paid for a living ?

[@jr-hr2mw]

@ not by the CCP no

[@Reddsoldier]

@@Jdmess9 Not by a brand trying to buy credibility by paying me I don't.

[@Jdmess9]

@@Reddsoldier didn't see credibility, just saw a review

[@itsbilln2178]

Fair play to Richard Porter for not shying away from the problems with the way this video was presented when this was discussed in the S&S podcast. Hopefully the end result is that any future videos like this won't be presented in the same manner.

[@deadkemper]

Yeah it was like " son I'm not angry....just disappointed"

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Oh no Johnny, you took the bait!

[@azzyzaidi4393]

Thank you Jonnie for the impartial review of the Jaecoo. Can always rely on you to offer your own personal and impartial review of a new car your reviewing……. Oh wait!

[@redmile999]

@@azzyzaidi4393 😅👏

[@danielcooper6423]

'Geoff Buys Cars' brought me here, I'm going to watch this video just for the s**ts and giggles. Ive seen a few of your videos before but this one should be good, you cant beat a well constructed, positive only, chinese paid advert 😂 (as promised) A new zealand based outlet rated this car 7/10, so you'd think the car nust have some negatives which I'm guessing will be highlighted in this video.

[@nickskinner1482]

I wondered who would be the first to sell out, as per Jayemms' Video. It's very sad it was you. I thought you had more integrity than that.

[@TimLemonn]

There’s nothing in Jayemm’s video that’s bad, the email never says “you MUST say only nice things” - but it should be made more clear that’s it’s a paid promotional all run by Jaecoo

[@davemarr1]

@@TimLemonn but didn't the email say that some level of editorial control must be given to the manufacturer / PR firm?

[@TimLemonn]

@ all it said was that they want to see the video before it’s posted, which is pretty reasonable if you’re being paid - it didn’t say they get to edit or control the content

[@uderzo1984]

@@TimLemonn If they want to see the video beforehand it means they want some control. Jonny is a professional, so it could only mean they want to hear what he says about the car, not being worried about production quality or that he's clowning around or something. Ergo, if hes being very negative, I highly doubt the CCP backed chinese company would allow it to be posted.

[@downwarddonk]

@@uderzo1984it’s really cringey watching people like you trying to blow this up into some dramatic situation.

[@dragosi8980]

Soo...it's a paid review basically. Really disappointed in you. Unsubscribed

[@richardcobern6287]

Me 2

[@DroneShots_UK]

I'm a bit torn by this, is it a paid advert? Of course it is. Does Jonny have to put food on the table and put a roof over his head? Of course he does.

[@pauljakeman]

So he should have marked it or mentioned that it was a paid for by the manufacturer advert.

[@barneyrubble9309]

i agree but then be transparent about it.

[@DroneShots_UK]

@pauljakeman I just assume that any test drive with a brand new vehicle is a paid advert now. Same with any product review, unless the reviewer says "this is not paid for by the manufacturer" then assume otherwise. Take Loopop for example, he clearly states from the start that his product reviews are either paid for or not. I do wonder if we can't think for ourselves any longer and we need to be told if it's paid or not. Have we really lost critical thinking?

[@pauljakeman]

@ I do go into them thinking that in the whole, but with guys like Jonny who had built his reputation for years on here and on tv, it’s a big disappointment that he’s done this and not been up front about it. It does make you wonder about previous reviews he’s done and been involved with. He isn’t just some influencer.

[@edward1591]

We come to Jonny's channel because we want independent reviews, not ads. Not happy about this.

[@schwarzpm]

Can't believe this is literally the next video in my list after the Jayemm video. Oh dear!

[@sherpafan033]

I'm a long time watcher and regular Smith and Sniff listener and I am a bit disappointed to be honest. Its clear that the video presents itself as a review and impressions video when in reality it is a 32 minute long paid promotion. I get that you have been paid for other videos before, but the fact that you didn't seem to have even a single negative thing to say about the car in a half and hour long video is a trifle suspicious. Maybe the car is absolutely perfect then? I'm a big fan of the channel and really love your enthusiasm when it comes to older cars. I'm not going to stop watching or unsubscribe, and I think the backlash is a bit extreme, but there are valid underlying points here.

[@St.AustellBlue]

SOLD OUT JONNY? how does being paid to promote an EV from a Chinese pollution company sit with the total decimation of the Ice vehicle (includes classics) you're supposed to love? You never once had a bad thing to say about this car which is why it isn't a review. It's product promotion! It wasn't a road trip, you were told what to do. It wasn't a challenge, it was driving 650miles in 2 days with 3 enforced stops. Please don't take us for mugs. Say it straight. You were paid extremely well because of your 650k subscribers and took the money through greed. You've been caught my old pal. You probably couldn't give a **** what people think however you have sold out to the governmental pressure group forcing the UK public to buy these terrible vehicles not for clean air, not to save the planet, not for any other reason than control Ev-angelists welcome your new propaganda spokesperson.

[@brianmansfield666]

He left X. So he’s obviously part of the big club…Probably a Groucho card holder….Sad isn’t it….he seemed like a good bloke…

[@bllxy8226]

Stop deleting comments!

[@nirrec]

Why didn't you start the video by telling everyone you've been paid by the car company to produce a biased advertisement for them?

[@brianmansfield666]

Exactly. He’s acting like pre election Labour….😮

[@TheVinnie369]

Johnny, you don't need to sell out, disappointed

[@stav2002]

How do you know what he needs? Hes going through a divorce and has several car projects to complete.

[@getawayhs2856]

@@stav2002 - he's been failing for years, probably why his missus left him.

[@jeremymead8546]

The guy says its a Road Trip Challenge set by the manufacturer, it starts at a dealership, there is a bunch of them all driving the same car. I am at a loss why anybody would think this was a formal review of this vehicle

[@0tispunkm3y3r]

People are hard of thinking these days.

[@itsbilln2178]

Because he mentions almost of all of the things that would be mentioned in a normal review. Aside from the main premise of the video and the random challenges / cameos by a few other creators it’s basically the same as other review videos, except for the fact that almost zero flaws were discussed. Maybe there aren’t any flaws, but we don’t really know if they weren’t discussed because they don’t exist or for some other reason. Positives mentioned: Heated steering wheel Cameras Off road credentials Proportions Big screen Android Auto A high end product Safety rating HUD Pano roof Styling Low price Rear wiper CCS Chilled console Sound system Regen Boot lights Tyre profile Ground clearance Ride Seats Comfort Range Warranty Negatives mentioned Driver attention alert

[@jamesbrundret1726]

Good point, well made

[@grahamconnolly3241]

SOLD YOUR SOUL FOR A SHILLING👹👹👹👹

[@Beauloqs]

.....100000 shillings to be precise 😂

[@pangit9999]

Oh Jonny, you sellout!

[@davidrandall9877]

This is a paid for biased review by Jonny who has sold his soul to the devil. I credited him with more integrity. Enjoy the £5k. I won't be going near this car.

[@getawayhs2856]

Him and Porter aren't nice people #BeKind

[@PaulDerekJohnson]

Oh dear. Paid for by the PRC. After watching and enjoying a lot of Johnny's videos,it's time to unsubscribe sadly.

[@hamstirrer6882]

Honest question, what is it that makes you so mad about it? I'm just curious as I personally don't see the issue but see that a lot of people are annoyed about this?

[@PaulDerekJohnson]

@@hamstirrer6882 Fair point. I'm not actually mad about it at all. As I mentioned,Johnny has always been entertaining and informative to watch,without over blowing anything (as many youtube "celebrities" seem to do. Yet at the same time,Johnny has also come across for years as having an independent opinion,which is to be admired of course,but this Jaecoo nonsense screams "We pay you we own you". Bearing in mind,when this video was first aired,there was no mention of paid promotion. If Jaecoo need to build a reputation,then earn it,but £5000 isn't much for integrity in the long run. Hence the Warren Buffet quote "It takes takes 20 years to build a reputation and 5 minutes to ruin it". As for Johnny,I mean him no harm and wish him well,I'd just prefer he hadn't taken the bait.

[@allanfoster6965]

Oh dear Johnny. 5000 pieces of silver hey?.

[@user-qq2mo1ek2r]

Goood lord, what a joke. So there is nothing to dislike about this car. Jonny, the most experienced of these 4 that typically isnt a fan of this type of car, cannot find a negative comment about a brand thats a few years old and wholly owned by the Chinese government, about a car that hasnt been NCAP rated and aside from good range is as bland as most other SUV's. And how many menus did it take to turn on the heated steering wheel?

[@jamesbrundret1726]

I, like many on here, am a LBS fan and definitely 100 % supporter of Johnny's work, I still am for the record. I too though, have had an initial, immediate negative reaction to this content having watched JeyEmms video on this topic earlier. Johnny should be given some latitude here but I do believe wholeheartedly that he does need to read through the comments, take some time to process the reactions to this video and then, in his own time, produce a video to address his followers/supporters concerns.

[@psycho045]

Really sad to see this on your channel. Sold out…

[@ColinCarFan]

Lots of comments on what JayEmm said. The bit that concerned me was Jay said the video had to be approved by Jaecoo, however, to be fair Jonny makes it clear that this was a challenge set by Jaecoo so it's very obvious it is effectively an advert. Not convinced it's 5 star Euro NCAP either - their website says 5 Star safety rating without saying which organisation tested it (not on NCAP site either)

[@TheLateBrakeShow]

Thanks for the comment. To clarify, this video was filmed as a marketing collaboration with Jaecoo. It’s not a “paid review” because it was never supposed to be a review (it's a road trip challenge) and my opinion cannot be bought. The video is focused on the mile challenge and any thoughts shared on the car are my own. Any factual information quoted on the car is from sales material or briefs provided, as with any video I make with any brand. As an automotive creator, I rarely turn down the chance to drive any new car and I’m open and unbiased until I’ve been behind the wheel, where I form my own opinion. Jaecoo wanted must involvement in this promotional long range drive, but it was in no way scripted or manipulated. I decided to take part on the basis that it was filmed and edited in a manner whereby I could add extra facts/info about the car and provide a deeper insight. The video has been labelled as paid promotion as per the rules of YT and social media. I hope viewers can differentiate between a full advert and videos of this nature.

[@TheSaabClinicUK]

It has not been tested by EuroNCAP, ive had it confirmed.

[@evilution_ltd]

I don't know if it was a KZbin error or an administrative error but I reloaded the video a bunch of times in the 1st 10 minutes of release and the "paid promotion" tag never popped up, however, it does now. I would put money on it being KZbin's system screwing up.

[@robgaskell2391]

4:54 come on, sorry Jonny. That's stinks of fully paid up content. I'm honestly disappointed thought you were better than this

[@TheBondyboy]

The video is labeled as "includes paid promotion" not "entire video is paid promotion". While you say all opinions are your own who is to say you haven't subconsciously self censored here. Why no piss vista? I'm sure you can understand how this may cause many of us to question your journalistic integrity side of things

[@jamesgriffiths8274]

It’s a shame I wasn’t subscribed so I could unsubscribe.

[@ThePorkypete51]

I went to unsub, but realised I wasn't subscribed lol!

[@pkking815]

if you buy* or promote Chinese products you're part off the problem and not the solution. *yes I know it pretty impossible not to buy something made / components made in China, but my comment stands.

[@organford]

Just unsubscribed from this advert channel. Not interested in Chinese imports.

[@mishumihai223]

I am sure TLBS and the chinese car industry will suffer tremendously as a consequence of your powerful gesture. Thank you for your service of protecting automotive journalism and the EU automotive industry against lack of integrity and chinese domination. #cancelculture

[@rayturner8237]

Unsubscribing as a result of this boring greedy money grab.....see ya

[@ct9208]

Like a lot of people i was disappointed to see your video pop up after watching the JayEmm video earlier. Im sure its fairly standard for this sort of brand sponsored content to exist but having given you the benefit of the doubt and watched the video i was disappointed to see that not one single flaw in the vehicle was mentioned. Are we to take from this that it is a perfect car? You said in a comment that the edit was yours to control which is fine, but if youre paid by a company and have to tick various boxes that must influence what you think you should or shouldnt say. I dont recall your other car reviews being so lacking in criticism. Aside from that this video was unimaginative and dull, probably because it wasnt your idea or plan you were following. A shame to see it happen but we all have bills to pay i guess.

[@itsbilln2178]

Positives mentioned: Heated steering wheel Cameras Off road credentials Proportions Big screen Android Auto A high end product Safety rating HUD Pano roof Styling Low price Rear wiper CCS Chilled console Sound system Regen Boot lights Tyre profile Ground clearance Ride Seats Comfort Range Warranty Negatives mentioned (in passing) Driver attention alert It was basically the brochure in video form.

[@cannavar99]

Why dod you pop back over to Jays video and click on his sponsored links while you simp over him. Carvertical bought him ans he never says a bad word about them.... imagine that.

[@itsbilln2178]

@@cannavar99Don’t even subscribe to him. Kinda find his style a bit tedious.

[@briangreen6602]

Sorry , Johnny, love your other stuff, but unless you address the JayEmm video on this car and their promotion of it, it's going to look a bit suspect.

[@benpenagonzales6014]

Finally, someone asking for clarification and transparency before jumping to a conclusion. We don’t know what LBS agreed to and why.

[@jgh548]

Oh dear. Integrity - hard to win, easy to lose.

[@njc021073]

A huge Smith and Sniff fan now deeply disappointed. Everything about these monstrous environment killing EVs is wrong. My 40 year old Golf is a truly environment saving car. Cars built today using huge resources on pointless things (why is a bit of reflective glass for rear view vision no longer good enough, now replaced by cameras, monitors, chips to run it, all of which fail after a few years). You know your own conscience, but the Johnny I thought I understood is gone

[@iandavis8725]

Rear view in modern cars is very limiting, with rear headrests, thick rear pillars and sloping rooflines you end up with a tiny letter box to see out of. Camera at least provides an unrestricted view of outside.

[@njc021073]

@@iandavis8725 How's about designing cars without these problems (and avoiding designs like the polestar that replaces the rear window with a TV screen). This is such a funny argument you make. There is no need to have such restricted views in the first place. And it is not just restricted to windows. Why have computers controlling everything? Relays used to work for most of it. We are living in a world now where we are running out of resources. Save them for things like mobile phones for people living in remote areas or people who need them for important work (medical staff). Using chips for absolutely everything is just waste. Yes, emissions are tighter. But if you worked out the real world cost of replacing these very efficient cars every 3-5 years when their running gear stops working with a slightly less efficient car which lasts for 30+ years you would be amazed. Compare the longevity of a Mercedes W123 to a new Merc. It is shocking. But the world is all about consumer goods now TO MAKE MONEY. Phones which are completely serviceable, but get made obsolete by the inability to replace a simple battery, or even worse, by consecutive software updates to operating systems which turn old devices into bricks for no reason other than to sell you a new (expensive) device. Cars are engineered to fail just outside warranty and then be scrapped. How can this be good for the environment??????

[@iandavis8725]

@ right to repair has made it easier to service mobile phones. Apple now even sells you the parts to do it yourself and guides too.