The Omoda 5 is the UK’s first car from China’s vehicle manufacturing group Chery, and a combination of keen pricing and compelling product features are giving Omoda dealers faith that it will be a sales success.
Omoda has bold sales ambitions for the UK new car market and although it’s a brand that’s an unknown for most UK motorists its rapid programme of dealership openings – often beside or replacing an existing mainstream franchise – is set to tackle that.
Partnering well established dealer groups, plus providing a seven year warranty on its cars, are solid steps to build confidence in prospective buyers, but Omoda’s cars must deliver too, of course.
And the Omoda 5 SUV does deliver – to an extent. It is well built, well equipped and felt comfortably composed and at home on the A-roads and B-roads of Cambridgeshire when Automotive Management took it out for a road test.
But on the road fuel efficiency might be a sticking point for some potential buyers unless they’re low mileage motorists.
One of the Omoda 5’s strongest selling points is its pricing. Starting at under £27,000, it undercuts many rivals while offering a generous equipment list as standard. And currently buyers can put down a £4,550 deposit to sign up for a £299 per month PCP on 5.9% APR, which puts it very competitively up against rivals such as the Kia Sportage and Nissan Qashqai.
Higher trims add premium features like a panoramic sunroof and powered tailgate yet remain competitively priced – a fully loaded Omoda won’t break the £30k ceiling.
With a solid 7-year/100,000-mile warranty included, the Omoda 5 provides peace of mind, enhancing its appeal for budget-conscious buyers.
The Omoda 5 is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, delivering 186PS. It’s paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, providing smooth and responsive shifts.
The SUV accelerates fairly briskly, with a 0-62 mph time of around 8 seconds which puts it on par with more expensive competitors.
The poor fuel economy might put some buyers off this car. A WLTP average of 31mpg looks inadequate by today’s standards, albeit one shouldn’t forget this is a petrol, automatic family car. Still, for these customers there is the choice of a frugal pure electric alternative, the Omoda E5, for about a £4k premium.
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Having achieved a five star Euro NCAP safety rating, the £26,995 Omoda 5 Comfort comes with a suite of ADAS technology, a duplex screen for infotainment and driving information, front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera
For a £1,800 premium the higher spec Omoda 5 Noble adds heating for the front seats and steering wheel, a 360-degree camera and dual zone climate control, plus a sunroof, powered tailgate, 19in alloys and an optional two-tone roof.
The tech-filled cabin has plenty of thoughful touches, including a ventilated rapid wireless smartphone charger, and customisable ambient lighting that can be made to pulse in time with the stereo.
Soft-touch plastics and leather accents elevate the ambience further. A useful voice control system, activated by saying “hello Omoda”, allows the driver to access the technology easily and even lower the windows without taking a hand off the steering wheel.
Inside the cabin, there is ample room for four adults, five at a bit of a squeeze.
Boot space is adequate, offering 378 litres, expandable to 1,075 litres with the rear seats folded. While it’s not class-leading, it’s practical enough for everyday family needs.
Outside, the Omoda 5 has a sleek silhouette is sleek, with sharp creases and a coupe-like roofline that enhances its sporty appeal.
It is the pricing that will ensure this car doesn’t become another ‘me too’ SUV in a crowded market, and while it has its weaknesses this car is certainly a promising start for Omoda in the UK.